As a long-term Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) member (after transferring from CAPA NSW) and more recently a volunteer for the College of Psychotherapy, I’m always surprised when I hear therapists discouraging membership, especially with comments like, “they do nothing for me.” Associations help us to keep clients safe and from harm. While cost is often one main concern for not joining or renewing with an association, when we break it down, PACFA’s registration fee is roughly the equivalent of three client sessions per year (or even less). The value PACFA members receive in return is significant, and here’s why:
1. Professional Recognition and Credibility
- PACFA membership gives us professional credibility, signaling that we meet the highest standards in counselling or psychotherapy in Australia. This recognition strengthens our reputation with clients and employers alike.
- Being on the register as a PACFA member ensures we are easily found by clients seeking qualified, trustworthy practitioners.
- PACFA membership is highly sought after by employers and health-care funds.
2. Direct Support for Members
- Last financial year alone, PACFA handled 30,000+ inquiries, demonstrating their big scale level of support and assistance available to members.
- PACFA’s CEO actively engages with therapists, offering direct support and addressing any concerns we may have. Reach out to the current CEO, Johanna de Wever, to schedule a meeting—and she’ll find a time to listen and provide guidance.
3. Advocacy and Representation
- The CEO regularly meets with many organisations to advocate for our profession. It’s thanks to PACFA’s strategic work over the last 4 years that the industry has moved towards National Standards, which will enhance the standing of psychotherapy and counselling across Australia.
- PACFA’s staff and board have been meeting with government representatives regarding the National Standards project, ensuring our profession is recognised and deemed credible. One of the goals of this project is to get more psychotherapists and counsellors into government supported roles such as working in education and health.
4. Professional Development and Resources
- PACFA provides extremely low-cost professional development for members—often only $25-$35 for two-hour workshops—and these sessions are of high quality, offering valuable skills and insights to improve our practice.
- PACFA publishes a monthly eNews, keeping us informed about the latest developments, free CPD opportunities, endorsed CPD, and a space for advertisements from training centres. This newsletter takes a great deal of effort from the admin staff to compile each month.
- PACFA also publishes the Psychotherapy and Counselling Journal of Australia (PACJA), a peer-reviewed journal that delivers research, theory, and practice insights from both Australian and international contributors. As members, we have access to this high-quality publication, which helps us stay informed of the latest contributions in the counselling and psychotherapy fields.
- PACFA offers Credly badges to recognise and showcase our qualifications and professional achievements. These digital badges allow us to display our skills and competencies across social media and professional platforms, enhancing our professional profile.
5. Ethical and Legal Support
- PACFA’s Ethics Committee help guide us through any ethical concerns or issues that arise in our practice, ensuring we are supported when navigating complex situations.
- Being part of a regulatory body like PACFA provides a level of accountability and protection, which is invaluable when running our own practice.
6. Excellent Governance and Transparency
- Unlike other associations, PACFA is not affiliated with training centres or CPD providers, meaning there is no “herding” of members from one organisation to another. PACFA remains completely independent and dedicated solely to its members. As a result, PACFA’s registration numbers are grown organically, reflecting genuine engagement from professionals who recognise the value of membership.
- PACFA’s independence and not-for-profit status ensures that its decisions and actions are always made in the best interest of the profession and its members, rather than being influenced by external organisations.
- PACFA operates with excellent governance and transparency, ensuring that all its processes—from financial management to decision-making—are clear, accountable, and prioritise the needs of members. This level of transparency builds trust and confidence among members, ensuring we feel supported and valued.
7. Operational Excellence
- PACFA’s work is supported by over 10 dedicated staff members who help with everything from advocacy to administration, ensuring that the organisation runs smoothly and continues to support members.
- PACFA’s staff have been meeting with training organisations to discuss reaccreditation and ensure high standards in educational programs. They have also been actively working on a new competencies project and accreditation requirements, all aimed at enhancing the quality and consistency of the training of psychotherapists and counsellors across Australia.
- PACFA also contracts employees to update the website and database, ensuring all systems run smoothly and information is current. They also keep the social media pages and Facebook group up to date, providing visibility and outreach to both the profession and the public.
8. Support from Volunteers
- PACFA is a not-for-profit organisation with many volunteers working tirelessly at no cost to support members. This helps keep the running costs as low as possible while ensuring that members get the best possible support and service.
- PACFA also offers free membership to student members, supporting those just entering the profession, helping them begin their careers with a solid foundation.
While the cost of PACFA membership may seem like a significant investment, the reality is that we are getting an incredible amount of support, advocacy, and professional support in return. Whether it’s the strategic advocacy for national standards, the direct support from PACFA staff, or the affordable professional development opportunities, membership is not only an investment in our personal professional growth and success but that of the wider field.
PACFA Membership Benefits
