Looking to stay inspired, connected, and informed? This guide rounds up the best psychotherapy conferences around the world, covering a wide range of approaches including couples and family therapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy, ecotherapy, Gestalt, psychosynthesis, compassion-focused therapy, and more. Whether you’re deepening your practice, expanding your skills, or seeking community with like-minded professionals, these events offer unparalleled opportunities for learning, growth, and connection.
AAP Psychosynthesis Summit and Festival
New York, USA. In-Person. This event in 2025, marks the first gathering of the Association for the Advancement of Psychosynthesis in ten years. Attendees will explore key themes such as healing, consciousness, eco-psychosynthesis, and peace, through workshops, panels, and experiential activities. Bringing together leading psychosynthesis practitioners and experts from across the world, this summit promises to deepen participants’ understanding of psychosynthesis and its role in addressing the challenges of our changing world.
AEDP™ Conference
New York, USA. In-Person and Online. The AEDP™ Conference gathers Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy therapists for a transformative event in New York City, offering a blend of clinical videos, live demonstrations, research talks, and inspiring short presentations. The conference provides a space for professionals to deepen their practice, explore new research, and connect with the global AEDP community. It’s an opportunity to learn, grow, and engage in meaningful conversations about the future of AEDP.
ACAP Annual Conference
Australia. In-person and Online. The ACAP Annual Conference is dedicated to advancing scholarship through student-centred practices, exploring how knowledge can be integrated into academic inquiry across disciplines. The conference emphasises the importance of sharing insights and fostering student perspectives, offering a platform for academic leaders, educators, and emerging practitioners to discuss innovative approaches in human sciences. This event provides a unique opportunity for collaboration and the exchange of ideas on sustaining scholarship in educational communities.
ADPCA: The Association for the Development of the Person-Centered Approach Annual Conference
Chicago, IL, USA. In-Person and Online. The ADPCA Annual Conference is a unique opportunity for personal and professional growth through the Person-Centered Approach (PCA) and Client-Centered Therapy (CCT). Attendees can engage in large community meetings, small group sessions, and workshops led by practitioners, trainers, and students from diverse backgrounds. The event emphasises experiential learning and democratic participation, offering a space for all attendees to contribute to the association’s business meetings.
ANZAED Conference: People at the Heart of Care
Australia. In-Person. The Annual ANZAED Conference focuses on person-centred care, bringing together professionals in the eating disorder field to share the latest insights on prevention, treatment, and research. With pre-and post-conference workshops, this event provides an opportunity for engagement on innovations in eating disorder care.
ATTACh Childhood Trauma and Attachment Conference – Healing Connections: Fostering Collaboration, Fueling Change
Nashville, Tennessee, USA. The Annual ATTACh Childhood Trauma and Attachment Conference brings together parents, caregivers, professionals and advocates working with children impacted by trauma and attachment challenges. This event covers a wide range of topics through keynote presentations, interactive workshops and panel discussions – all centred around the theme of fostering collaboration and fueling change. Participants gain access to the latest research, best practices and opportunities to network with leading experts and peers dedicated to developmental trauma and attachment work.
Better Together®- Shared Heart, Different Minds
Adelaide Convention Centre, Kaurna Country, Australia. In-Person. Better Together® is Australia’s National Rainbow Community Conference, bringing together delegates from across the country’s diverse LGBTIQA+ communities and organisations. The conference explores current issues facing the rainbow movement in Australia – fostering collaboration, sharing experiences and building connections. It provides a platform for learning, networking and working collectively towards a better future for all communities and beyond.
Compassion Focused Therapy Conference
UK. In-Person and Online. The Compassion Focused Therapy Conference focuses on “Transforming Minds Through Compassion.” Over several days, the conference explores how compassion impacts our bodies, minds, and social relationships, blending research, clinical application, and experiential practice. Highlights include workshops, keynotes, symposia, and networking opportunities. There are lunchtime taster workshops, alongside social events like the conference dinner and open mic night. This event promises to be both educational and community-building for those interested in compassionate mind training.
Couples Therapy Conference
Hosted by Alexandra Solomon, PhD & Katherine Woodward Thomas, author of NYT Best-seller “Conscious UnCoupling”, this conference is the most widely anticipated gathering of the world’s most renowned relationship experts – exclusively for advanced practicing clinicians! The Couples Therapy Conference focuses on modern relationships & the promise of psychotherapy.
Evolution of Psychotherapy
Anaheim, USA. In-Person and Online. Open to licensed professionals with a master’s degree or higher in health or mental health fields – including marriage and family therapists, psychologists, social workers, psychotherapists, psychiatrists, physicians, nurses, and counsellors – this is one event you won’t want to miss. Often called the most anticipated and beloved gathering for psychotherapy education, it brings together the greatest minds in the field, alongside breakout thinkers and real-world practitioners who will challenge and inspire you. Whether you’re a seasoned expert or just finding your footing, this unforgettable forum will sharpen your skills, spark new ideas, and reignite your passion for the work.
Faculty of Psychotherapy Conference
Sydney, Australia. In-Person. The Faculty of Psychotherapy Conference explores the theme of integrating psychodynamic psychotherapy with contemporary therapeutic approaches for treating trauma. The event focuses on the role of trauma in psychiatric distress and the importance of trust and safety in therapeutic relationships. Attendees will learn how to weave different therapeutic modalities into an effective treatment approach, enhancing the healing process for individuals facing trauma.
The Freud Conference: Human Goodness
Melbourne, Australia. In-Person. This conference delves into the concept of human goodness within psychoanalysis, exploring its multifaceted impact on both theory and practice. Presenters, including Dr. Salman Akhtar and Dr. Rob Gordon, offer insights into the technical applications of goodness in therapeutic settings, such as how therapists provide goodness to patients and interpret their defenses. The event also explores the psychoanalytic relationship, focusing on transference and non-transference dynamics. With a blend of clinical examples and theoretical discussions, the conference encourages reflection on the nature of therapeutic relationships and human goodness.
GANZ Community Gathering: Catalysts for Transformation
Manly, Australia. In-Person. The GANZ Community Gathering focuses on transformation through dialogue, diversity, and action. This unique event combines self-organised discovery groups with a participatory design, allowing attendees to explore and act on themes of personal, professional, and community transformation. Drawing from the radical political roots of Gestalt therapy, the gathering offers an experimental, engaging experience that invites every participant to contribute to the future of Gestalt-informed practice and living.
Happiness & Its Causes
Sydney, Australia. In-Person. Happiness & Its Causes is the world’s leading conference on happiness and well-being, offering a forum to explore the many causes of a fulfilling life. It brings together leading experts from psychology, science, education, business, and the arts to foster dialogue and offer practical tools for living a happier life. This event provides an opportunity for learning, connection, and personal growth.
Healing & Reconnecting Family Therapy Annual Conference
Melbourne, Australia. The Australian Association of Family Therapy Conference highlights the importance of reconnection – as individuals, as a community, and as a profession – while honouring resilience and growth. Featuring keynote speakers, practical workshops, and panel discussions, the conference explores trauma-informed approaches that foster healing within families and communities. Practitioners across complementary fields are invited to engage in professional development, networking, and the sharing of knowledge.
IFS Institute Annual Conference
Online. Richard Schwartz, Author of No Bad Parts and the IFS Annual Conference brings together professionals in the field of Internal Family Systems (IFS) for a dynamic learning experience. Participants engage with the latest advancements in IFS therapy, attend transformative workshops, and hear from leading IFS experts. This conference is a valuable opportunity to expand knowledge and practice.
International Association for Analytical Psychology (IAAP) Conferences
Various international locations (e.g., Zurich, Vilnius, Central Europe), In-Person. The IAAP hosts global conferences on Jungian and analytic psychology, including the Jungian Odyssey and the International Congress of Analytical Psychology. Events often feature leading Jungian analysts such as Murray Stein, Jean Kirsch, and Andrew Samuels. Founded to continue C.G. Jung’s legacy, IAAP conferences offer rich exploration into depth psychology, ethics, and interdisciplinary studies.
International Childhood Trauma Conference
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, Australia. In-Person. The International Childhood Trauma Conference offers an extensive exploration of trauma treatment. Attendees engage with international leaders in trauma treatment, participating in masterclasses, workshops, and symposium discussions. The conference provides an opportunity for sharing best practices and emerging ideas, creating a unique space for practitioners and researchers to exchange insights on childhood trauma.
International Gestalt Research Conference
Birmingham, UK. In-Person. The International Gestalt Research Conference brings together researchers and practitioners to advance Gestalt Therapy as an evidence-based practice. It’s a dynamic platform for sharing insights, discussing new research, and connecting theory with real-world applications. This conference is essential for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of Gestalt Therapy and contribute to the ongoing development of the field.
International Energy Psychology Conference
Join over 400 professionals at this mind-body conference, designed to nourish, educate, and empower you. With world-class faculty and a vibrant community of like-minded colleagues, you’ll gain tools to become a more effective change agent for your clients, your community, and beyond. This energy psychology conference is a one-of-a-kind gathering that embraces a powerful diversity of disciplines – including energy psychology, EFT: Emotional Freedom Technique/ Tapping, Qigong, neuroscience, and trauma work – offering a full immersion into the language of subtle energy.
International Mental Health Conference – From Local Communities to Global Perspectives
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. The International Mental Health Conference gathers professionals, advocates and researchers to explore global trends, expertise and lived experiences in mental health. Over two days, attendees engage with more than 60 presentations designed to inspire innovation and practical application. Far from a typical academic event – this conference focuses on action, collaboration and connection, offering space to learn, share and recharge in a vibrant beachside setting.
International Society Conference of Interpersonal Psychotherapy (ISIPT)
Pennsylvania, USA. In-Person. The International Society of Interpersonal Psychotherapy (ISIPT) Conference brings together global leaders to explore how IPT is practiced, treated, and lived in a changing world. With keynote speakers, workshops, symposia, and poster sessions, the event is open to all interested in psychotherapy, training, and mental health innovation.
International Symposium of Existential Therapy and the European Conference for Existential Therapy in Rome
Rome, Italy. This conference offers a unique opportunity for existential therapists to reflect on the evolution of their practice, focusing on the challenges and unmet needs within the field today. Key discussions include refining therapeutic methodologies, improving student training, and better collaboration with psychiatry. With a blend of round tables, poster sessions, and discussions, the event encourages the sharing of diverse insights from existential therapists around the globe, contributing to the ongoing development of existential therapy.
Jungian Odyssey: “Dark I am, yet lovely” – Embracing the Exiled Feminine
Emmetten, Switzerland, In-Person. Join the Jungian Odyssey for a transformative 7-day program at the Seeblick Höhenhotel above Lake Lucerne. This event explores the exiled feminine archetype, inviting participants to embrace the wild, sometimes desolate, yet powerful forces of the dark feminine. With guest speakers from around the world, including Christena Cleveland, Jörg Rasche, and Daniela Sieff, you will journey through deep psychological and cultural exploration to integrate this powerful archetype for a healthier inner and outer ecology.
Masters Events – Healing Our Relational World
UK. In-Person and Online. Masters Events hosts Europe’s largest trauma, mental health, and wellbeing conferences, featuring international experts like Dr. Gabor Maté, Janina Fisher, and Bessel van der Kolk. Themes include relational neuroscience, trauma healing, and integrative psychotherapy. Events offer keynote lectures, experiential workshops, and cutting-edge training for clinicians and practitioners.
Nature Therapy Conference – A Weekend of Being, Doing and Thinking
Gladstone Scout Camp, Hawarden near Chester, UK. In-Person. Hosted by the International Ecopsychology Society, the Nature Therapy Conference offers a weekend of connection, healing, and learning outdoors. Designed for therapists and practitioners who work in natural settings, this gathering emphasises community-building, skill-sharing, and deep engagement with nature. It’s a welcoming space for both seasoned wilderness therapists and newcomers.
Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia Conference
Australia and Online. PACFA is the leading Australian association for Tertiary Qualified Counsellors, Psychotherapists and Indigenous Healing Practitioners. They host a biennial conference on a variety of topics such as Indigenous Healing Practices, Diversity in Gender, Body, Kinship & Sexuality, the Politics of Mental Health, and the future of the profession through research. The conference brings together experts and thought leaders, culminating in discussions that aim to shape the future of the field. Keep an eye on the PACFA event list for updates on upcoming conferences.
Psychotherapy Conferences in UK (Conference Index)
Various locations across the UK, In-person, some hybrid options. Conference Index lists a range of psychotherapy-related events across the UK, covering mental health, suicidology, behavioural science, addiction, counselling, and mindfulness. These conferences gather researchers, clinicians, and practitioners to share the latest in therapy innovations and wellbeing strategies. Ideal for ongoing professional development.
Psychotherapy Networker Symposium
Washington D.C., US, In-Person and Online. The Psychotherapy Networker Symposium is a celebrated gathering for therapists, fostering connection, creativity, and rejuvenation. It brings together thousands of professionals and features presentations from leading experts like Nadine Burke Harris and others. This symposium is dedicated to advancing psychotherapy, offering inspiration, knowledge-sharing, and practical insights for professionals in the field.
Psychedelic Assisted Therapy Global Summit
Online. This online summit gathers over 45 world-class experts to explore the latest research, best practices, and transformative clinical training in psychedelic-assisted therapy. Topics include sacred reciprocity, clinical applications, and guidance on integrating psychedelics into therapeutic practices. The summit provides a platform for learning from influential voices in the field, offering free resources such as powerful video interviews and transformative eBooks to deepen understanding.
Psychedelic Science Conference
Denver, Colorado, USA. In-Person. The Psychedelic Science Conference brings together the international psychedelic community to explore the latest advancements in psychedelics across science, medicine, policy, spirituality, and culture. With hundreds of sessions and workshops, the event fosters a dynamic space for networking, education, and collaboration. This conference serves as a pivotal moment in the psychedelic movement, propelling forward research and treatment for mental health and trauma.
Transactional Analysis Conference, Karangarua – Unity Through Diversity in Relationship Conference
New Zealand. In-Person. This conference focuses on fostering healthy relationships through transactional analysis, inviting a deeper understanding of whanaungatanga (connections) and the importance of acknowledging diversity. The event offers an inclusive space to explore how transactional analysis can facilitate communication and healing, both individually and within communities. Presenters share insights into resolving conflict, promoting unity, and engaging with relationships in a respectful, dynamic way.
UKCP Annual Research Conference – Connecting with Self, Others and the Environment
United Kingdom. In-Person and Online. UKCP’s Annual Research Conference explores the theme of connection in a complex world, showcasing emerging research at the intersection of psychotherapy, community and environmental awareness. This event covers how psychotherapists can deepen their connection to themselves, others and the wider world – especially during challenging times. Participants engage with talks by research experts, hear from UKCP members sharing their studies and connect with fellow practitioners committed to building resilience and strengthening community through therapeutic work.
Wisdom in Practice: From Existential Training to Therapeutic Encounter
Rome, Italy. In-Person. The “Wisdom in Practice” world conference gathers professionals engaged with existential and psychological distress, whether related to mental health, social challenges, or psychiatric issues. Featuring leading phenomenological-existential experts, including psychotherapists, philosophers, and psychiatrists, the event focuses on therapeutic integration and well-being. The International Symposium of Existential Therapy also explores the SHAPE framework (social sciences, humanities, and arts for the person and economics) and includes contributions from therapists working in complex contexts, such as war or social upheaval.
World Congress for Psychotherapy (WCP): Polarities of Life
Vienna, Austria. In-Person and Online. The World Congress for Psychotherapy explores the theme Polarities of Life, examining the opposing forces that shape human experience and influence mental health. This event offers a platform for rich discussions on the latest advancements in psychotherapy, providing opportunities for networking and collaboration. Participants can join in person at the Sigmund Freud Private University or virtually, engaging with colleagues from around the globe.
Going to the World Congress for Psychotherapy? Check out my How to Plan Your Next Psychotherapy Conference Using ChatGPT – it is built around Freud’s Vienna!
World Transactional Analysis Conference
Le Corum, Montpellier, France. This conference delves into the intersection of legacy, legitimacy, and identity in transactional analysis. With over 80 workshops and keynote addresses, the event provides a global platform for professionals to explore how transactional analysis continues to evolve in response to societal changes. Topics range from the theory’s historical roots to its modern applications, with networking opportunities to foster collaboration and growth within the field.
Contributors
Thank you to the following counsellors and psychotherapists who contributed to this round up of the best psychotherapy conferences in the world.
Andrea Szász | Claire Raworth | Claudia Da Silva | Jodie Gale | Jerry Souter | Karen Bieman | Nicky Angelone | Rachel Agnew | Sam Sellers | Lindy Spanger
