Are you thinking about becoming a psychotherapist? Then The Best Psychotherapy Training Courses in Australia is the blog for you!

My colleague Karen Bieman, in search of psychotherapy training for herself, has rounded up the best psychotherapy training courses in Australia that she could find.  

If you are studying a classic, modality specific psychotherapy training somewhere great and we’ve missed it, do feel free to tell us all about it and add the link in the comments below. 

What is Psychotherapy?

What comes to mind when you hear the term “psychotherapy”? Perhaps you see an image of a person reclining on the psychotherapist’s lounge, waiting to be ‘analysed’ by an expert. Or maybe you visualise a movie scene with a psychotherapist (probably bespectacled and definitely male) sitting in a dark room with a notebook and pen, hand on chin, scrutinising the patient. What is psychotherapy? Is it the same as social work, psychology, or counselling? Can any counsellor or therapist call themselves a psychotherapist?

Whatever your assumptions are about psychotherapy, they are likely to be different from other readers, because up until recently, in Australia, there has been no clear definition of what psychotherapy actually means. Fortunately, the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) has come to the rescue, recently updating their Definition of Psychotherapy,

Psychotherapy focuses on the whole person, encompassing somatic, emotional, mental, cultural, relational, and spiritual aspects of health and well-being. It is a holistic and relational psychotherapeutic approach that addresses everyday concerns, mental health problems, and severe mental illness. In psychotherapy, mental illness and psychopathology are understood as disruptions to the developing self which have been caused by repetitive trauma of an interpersonal nature.

While healing and symptom reduction often start from the first session, the primary goal of psychotherapy is to address the underlying causes of distress to facilitate lifelong change. Registered Clinical Psychotherapists provide a hopeful context, rooted in post-traumatic growth, assisting individuals in finding value, meaning, and purpose out of their suffering.

More than just symptom reduction, psychotherapists seek to understand the causes of longstanding patterns and how past experiences impact the client’s present life, helping clients gain new insights and make conscious choices that lead to a different experience of themselves and the world.

Psychotherapy training, much like the psychotherapy process itself, is deep journey of the soul. Training is lengthy and requires extensive personal psychotherapy, as the psychotherapist’s own self is an important component of this work. A psychotherapist needs a deep understanding of the self and their own attachment and developmental injuries and unconscious patterns. For an in depth discussion around why the therapist’s own therapy is the foundation to becoming a psychotherapist, you can read more at Why Your Therapist Should Be in Therapy. 

How to Become a Psychotherapist?

Until recently, there has been much confusion in Australia about what differentiates psychotherapy from other disciplines, and who can call themselves a psychotherapist? Although it is still an unprotected title, PACFA’s 2020 release of their Psychotherapy Training Standards, will help clarify the distinct profession of psychotherapy and how to become a Registered Clinical Psychotherapist®️ in Australia. This is good news for those called to train to become a psychotherapist and even better news for the general public wishing to embark on a personal psychotherapy journey – it means they will receive psychotherapy by practitioners actually trained in psychotherapy and to the highest standard.

The “formation of the psychotherapist” is an integral part of the training and involves:

• Integration of training, supervised practice, and personal psychotherapeutic work
• Relational depth within the training, personal work, client work and supervision
• The ability to critically reflect on and articulate practice

How to Become a Registered Clinical Psychotherapist

To become a Registered Clinical Psychotherapist, you need to join PACFA’s College of Psychotherapy. There is a prerequisite of a Bachelor in Counselling or AQF7+ to gain entry into PACFA, and then advanced specialist training in psychotherapy. The course must meet the following requirements:

• 450 hours of direct training (face to face or online synchronous learning)
• 200 psychotherapy client contact hours, supervised within the training course 
• 50 supervision hours
• 150 hours of personal therapeutic work with a qualified psychotherapist in the same theoretical orientation of the training
• A case study of 1500 words

The College of Psychotherapy have recently updated their documents, they will tell you everything you need to know to become a Registered Clinical Psychotherapist:

About the College of Psychotherapy

About Psychotherapy

FAQs

Application Journey

Recognized Modalities

Eligibility Criteria

The Best Psychotherapy Training Courses in Australia

Some of these courses are accredited with PACFA, however, things do change so be sure to check the PACFA website and the below psychotherapy training websites for up-to-date information. If you wish to become a PACFA Registered Clinical Psychotherapist, please check the course hours and requirements against the PACFA College of Psychotherapy entry requirements above. Whilst not all of these courses are accredited, they may still meet the requirements and if they don’t, be sure to participate in the correct amount of practice, supervision and personal psychotherapy hours.

AEDP™️ Institute- Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy Certification

AEDP™️ psychotherapy is an experiential modality that seeks to alleviate patients’ psychological suffering by helping them process the overwhelming emotions associated with trauma in a way that facilitates corrective emotional and relational experiences that mobilize positive changes in our neuroplastic brains.

Crisis and suffering provide opportunities to awaken extraordinary capacities that otherwise might lie dormant, unknown and untapped. The AEDP™️ model is about experientially making the most of these opportunities for both trauma processing and healing transformation. Key to the therapeutic action of AEDP is the undoing of aloneness and thus, the co-creation of a therapeutic relationship experienced as both safe haven and secure base where transformational healing can occur. Through the undoing of aloneness, and the in-depth processing of difficult emotional and relational experiences, the AEDP clinician fosters the emergence of new and healing experiences for the patient, and with them resources, resilience and a renewed zest for life.

Whilst this course is not based in Australia, it is all live online and available to Australian clinicians. AEDP™️ provides 3 levels to becoming a Certified AEDP™️ Psychotherapist and would fall under a PACFA College of Psychotherapy Category B modality.

Australian Association of Buddhist Counsellors and Psychotherapists (AABCAP) – Buddhist Psychotherapy

AABCAP seeks to integrate Western Psychology and Eastern Buddhism, bringing together therapists who wish to practice Buddhist-influenced counselling and psychotherapy. The two-year PACFA Advanced Specialist Training, postgraduate Professional Training Course in Buddhism and Psychotherapy involves 10 face-to-face weekend training modules and 3 residential retreats, providing a balance of theoretical and experiential learning with the opportunity to experience Buddhist teachings and practices. 

Entry requirements include 200 hours of basic psychotherapy/counselling training, 3 years relevant post-qualifying clinical experience, at least 10 hours of clinical supervision during training and a minimum of 30 hours of supervised clinical practice. At the time of writing this blog, the training contains 288 hours of live teaching. Other relevant qualifications and clinical experiences are considered and Monastic applications are encouraged.

Association of Transpersonal and Experiential Psychotherapists (ATEP) – Transpersonal & Experiential Training

The Association of Transpersonal and Experiential Psychotherapists offer Transpersonal and Experiential Psychotherapy (TEP) training that falls under the approved training options for membership of the PACFA College of Psychotherapists.

TEP emphasises self-awareness, creativity and the unfolding of the authentic self. It is a holistic psychotherapy approach, incorporating body-mind, soul-spirit and feelings-emotions. Some of the modalities included are:

• Sandplay
• Symbol Work
• Transpersonal Breathwork
• Dreamwork
• Voice Dialogue
• Emotional-processing work
• Body-focused work
• Journaling
• Meditation
• Mindfulness
• Group sharing
• Art
• Movement

This is a highly experiential training course, inviting students to the experience of inner knowing, sensitivity and skills, to foster personal and spiritual development of the students. Graduates will have learned to trust their intuitive, sensate, feeling and thinking functions; they will be self-aware, authentic, with an awareness of the use of transference and countertransference. 

A unique feature of this course is that all subjects are integrated into the entirety of the training, rather than being taught in distinct modules. Overall, Transpersonal and Experiential Psychotherapy involves the restructuring of the personality and the self and use psycho-spiritual approaches to help clients manage their emotional and spiritual health.

The course is conducted over a minimum 3-year period, is 450 training hours and includes field experiences throughout the training. Please note the course directors are currently in discussion about how to proceed for future courses. You can join their Wait List to be notified.

Australia New Zealand Process Oriented Psychology (ANZPOP) – Process Work Master Level Training

Process Work, also known as Process Oriented Psychology is an integrative approach, working with the mind, body, spirit and social context. It is transpersonal, somatic and psychodynamic, working with both known and unknown parts of identity and experience, leading to greater self-awareness and integration of inner and outer diversity. It is an evolving approach, based on psycho-social-political and bringing together Taoist philosophy, Jungian psychology, communications and systems theory, indigenous healing traditions, and quantum physics.

Mastery Level Training (AQF 9) by ANZPOP is a rigorous program of study for people who: 

• Are already familiar with process oriented psychology through formal or informal study in Process Work
• Wish to deepen their experience and develop a level of mastery in the approach
• Have engaged in personal therapy with a Process Work Diplomate 
• Have strong dreaming signals including night-time dreams, life events or synchronicities supporting the desire to undertake this training

The training course is rigorous, demanding, and deeply rewarding, going far beyond learning the theory and intervention tools. It is a transformative experience requiring significant personal development and self-awareness. 

The training takes 4-9 years of equivalent full-time study in a blended format, with in-person workshops for each subject. Fee information is available at the website and does not include the cost of personal therapy or supervision. 

Last update, this course had 520 hours of training, 200 client hours and 130 hours of personal therapy.

Australian Psychoanalytic Society – Psychoanalyst Training

The Australian Psychoanalytic Society offers a Comprehensive Training Program over a minimum of 5 years. Unlike many training programs, there’s no fixed timeframe to becoming a psychoanalyst. There are 3 main parts to the APAS training: 

• Personal analysis – This gives candidates a deep understanding of their own unconscious mental life, helping them work through any potential problems or difficulties that may interfere with their ability to work effectively as a psychoanalyst. Analysis takes place in 4 or 5 x 50-minute sessions per week.
• Seminar program – Students participate in a year-long infant observation and weekly clinical and theoretical seminars.
• Supervised psychoanalysis – Beginning with one patient, the student meets them for one-on-one sessions, four or five times a week, followed up by weekly supervision.

Entry requirements: 

• An undergraduate degree
• Previous psychoanalysis or psychoanalytic psychotherapy 
• Curiosity about the unconscious mind and the internal world of self and others
• Willingness to work in a clinical setting, within a therapeutic framework that develops at a deep level, over a long period of time.

Location: Branches are located in Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide

The Australian and New Zealand Society of Jungian Analysts – Jungian Psychoanalytic Training

The 5-year Jungian Psychoanalytic Training process is deeply personal. Theoretical and clinical seminars are enhanced by the Trainees’ personal analysis, supervision, clinical practice, infant observation visits and related seminars. The ANZSJA Analytic Training is challenging and for many, it is one of the most profound intellectual, psychological and emotional experiences of their lives.

The 5-year training process includes residential and non-residential intensives, small group seminars, online units, and twice-weekly personal analysis with an ANZSJA Analyst throughout the training

The first stage of training (trainee) lasts from 1-3 years and includes an analytically-oriented infant observation of at least 1 year, along with supervised practise to support the student’s learning and develop analytic skills.

The second stage of training (Candidate) includes weekly supervision with two ANZSJA Training Analysts, a psychiatric observation placement, and clinical experience/supervised practice. Some patients/clients will be seen multiple times a week for two or more years. Each Candidate conducts analyses with at least two adult training cases, which must both be seen at least twice per week for at least two years. A Thesis or Project Progression task of approximately 15,000 words on an aspect of Analytical Psychology or related clinical work is also required. 

Australia & New Zealand Association of Psychotherapy (ANZAP) – Conversational Model

ANZAP offers a one-year Training in the Conversational Model for short to medium term psychotherapy. On completion of this training, there is an option for a further two years to develop the clinical skills and personal awareness to deliver long-term psychotherapy. The training focuses on working with people who have experienced trauma, complex trauma and personality disorders, as well as other treatment-resistant conditions.

The Conversational Model is a psychodynamic psychotherapy, incorporating developmental psychology, cognitive theory and attachment theory. It is a relational model, emphasising how early developmental relational trauma shapes many severe adult psychiatric problems and how to deal with this in short, medium and long-term therapy. There are 3 phases of psychotherapy in the Conversational Model:

1. The establishment of safety and stability in the therapeutic relationship, and attention to language and the development of self, along with the recognition of transference and countertransference.
2. Linking in the transference relationship. Exploring affect states and coping strategies, and identifying and processing intrusive traumatic memories.
3. Integrating dissociated affects into ordinary consciousness, transforming maladaptive coping strategies, and working with any attachment disruptions in the therapeutic relationship.

The ANZAP training is clinically and academically orientated, yet the learning, understanding and application of the model are experiential and require stringent self-analysis. The intent is to “demonstrate a deep synthesis of the theoretical framework, practical application and awareness of the complex intersubjective realities of psychotherapy.” The course is suitable for social workers, psychiatrists, general practitioners, psychotherapists, psychologists, counsellors, mental health nurses and allied health professionals. It is delivered part-time and online, with seminars delivered synchronously.

Cairnmillar Institute – Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy

The Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy provides high-level training in the skills required to work effectively with a wide variety of clients. The program provides a deep immersion into the theory and practice of an integrative, humanistic, process-oriented, relational psychotherapy that incorporates contributions from the psychodynamic, cognitive and existential approaches.

Students in the program are provided with a philosophically aligned and cohesive program which supports their ability to relate to themselves, their clients and their work with genuine caring presence and respectful engagement.

There is a strong experiential focus to provide a hands-on, practice-oriented training and learning experience. The course adheres to solid evidence-informed principles of the common factors that characterise effective counselling and psychotherapeutic work, also providing a firm grounding in the professional, ethical, and legal issues associated with practice. Students in the program are trained in research methods and participate in a process-oriented research case study, to give them a unique opportunity to contribute to learning in the field.

It is the only course of its kind to provide students with a fully supported placement experience, including sourcing placement opportunities through established industry partnerships and providing intensive in-house individual and group supervision, to fully prepare students for the workplace. Cairnmillar’s Counselling and Psychotherapy programs are taught exclusively by respected therapist-academics practicing in the field, who work as a team to support each student’s learning.

Edith Cowan University – Master of (Psychodynamic) Counselling and Psychotherapy

The Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy at Edith Cowan includes theoretical study, experiential-based skill development and self-reflective clinical practice in the fields of counselling and psychotherapy.

The overall theoretical orientation of this coursework Masters is psychodynamic and to a lesser extent systemic.

To be accepted into this course, you’ll need a three-year degree from a recognised university, in an area such as counselling, social work, psychology, medicine, occupational therapy, nursing, theology or human services. Preference will be given to applicants with at least two years full-time (or equivalent) experience in a formal counselling role.

In the final year of your study, you can hone your clinical skills in a year-long fieldwork placement. Alternatively, if you have relevant previous experience, you can apply to complete a research project.

Equine Psychotherapy Institute – Online Equine Assisted Training – EAP & EAL Foundation Training

Horses and therapy combine in the Equine Psychotherapy Institute’s Postgraduate Equivalent Training in Equine Assisted Psychotherapy. This training is a PACFA Advanced Specialist Training course and Australia’s most comprehensive training in Equine Assisted Practice. It is a trauma-informed psychotherapy model, with its own theory and practice methodology, based on a relational, experiential and experimental approach. With an I-Thou therapeutic relationship at its heart, phenomenological process and client awareness are enhanced by the therapist’s self-awareness and use of the Self as part of the approach. An essential part of the training is the development of core competencies in horse handling based on an I-Thou approach with horses. 

Applicants must already be qualified as an allied health care professional with current registration as a Counsellor, Psychotherapist, Psychologist, Social Worker, Mental Health Occupational Therapist or Credentialed Mental Health Nurse. An interview process forms an important part of the application.

Functional Analysis Australia – Psychosomatic Psychotherapy

Functional Analysis is a Self-Oriented, Depth, Body Psychotherapy. It developed from the later stages of Wilhelm Reich’s pioneering work.

With this energetic model, Functional Analysts work verbally, through focusing words, guiding the cognition to a deeper consciousness to enter into a clear experience of one’s self. They work on the theme of relationships by first focusing on the Self to Self relationship. Once the person has re-organised their relationship to their self, they can then re-organise their relationships to all others.

Somatically, they do the same. By gentle touch, they work with the connective tissue. Recent biophysical research has revealed the primacy of the role of connective tissue in processing and holding stress. Stress and soft tissue memory is not held in the neuro-muscular system, but in the connective tissue system. 

Their non-invasive, physical release techniques work with the bio-energetic properties of connective tissue, releasing stress and shock in a safe and integrative way.

The course is taught in presence in Melbourne by the Australian practitioners Ermanno Bergami & Maria Sangiorgi. Will Davis the founder the this Body Psychotherapy approach will join online from France.

This course is suitable to join the College of Psychotherapy as it consists of 450 hours of training. FAA also run a 200 hour course for those needing to top up their College of Psychotherapy hours. You can find more information about these courses here.

Gestalt Therapy 

Gestalt Therapy is a unique blend of existential, phenomenological (present focused) and process-experiential approaches, focusing on moment-to-moment awareness, and ownership of the person’s internal and external responses to the environment in which they find themselves. Gestalt therapy is a relational approach, helping people develop in self-awareness and awareness of contact with others. Holistic in nature, Gestalt Therapy incorporates physical, psychological, emotional, interpersonal, intellectual and spiritual experience. The goal is to be fully present in the here and now, self-aware and relationally sensitive.

Gestalt Therapy Brisbane – Master of Gestalt Therapy

The Master of Gestalt Therapy is a intensive specialist qualification that leads to membership with the PACFA College of Psychotherapy. Students are taught specialised theoretical knowledge and the methodology of Gestalt therapy as applied to individuals, groups, couples, families, organisational settings, corporations and communities. 

The course takes a minimum of 4 years, even if students have other relevant qualifications, as it is recognised that the development of therapy skills is a lengthy process of gaining clarity about personal process and possible interference with therapy work. 

Entry to this course requires a relevant undergraduate degree and completion of the nested Graduate Certificate of Gestalt Therapy. The course delivery includes monthly weekend residentials and an annual 6-day residential intensive in Brisbane. As this course is an AQF9 Master program, fee help may be applicable. Further information is available at the website. The course includes 680 hours of training, clinical practice hours, and 40 hours of personal psychotherapy with a Gestalt psychotherapist. 

The Relational Institute Australia (Sydney) – Advanced Clinical Training in Contemporary Gestalt

The Advanced Clinical Training in Contemporary Gestalt Therapy is creative, experiential and dynamic training in Gestalt therapy skills and application. Focusing on student’s personal & professional development lays a foundation for a solid relational clinical practice.

This course is 2 years in duration, and is on the PACFA College of Psychotherapy Advanced Specialist Training list. Entry to this course requires a related bachelor degree, although consideration may be given to those with a counselling diploma or vocational certificate together with extensive relevant work experience. 

This course would be a great addition to make up your Registered Clinical Psychotherapist hours if you are under the 450 required hours.

Gestalt Therapy Australia (Melbourne) – Advanced Clinical Training in Relational Gestalt

The PACFA College of Psychotherapy approved Advanced Clinical Training in Relational Gestalt Therapy focuses on developing personal awareness and therapeutic skills, enabling graduates to work with others in profoundly healing ways. Far from being a dryly academic course, this is a deeply experiential, holistic learning process that “fosters capacities essential for deep connection.” 

The four-year program looks at:

• Year 1 – Self: How am I in the world? What do I sense, feel and think? 
• Year 2 – Self and Other: Who am I with you and who are you with me?
• Year 3 – Self in Context: How do the contexts from which I have emerged shape me?
• Year 4 – Self and Other in Context: Who am I as an emerging Gestalt Therapist? 

Individual psychotherapy is recommended for the entire 4-year training course. Fifty hours of weekly or fortnightly psychotherapy (preferably with a Gestalt psychotherapist) must be completed by the commencement of 3rd year. 100 hours of supervised client contact is also included in the final two years, which may be conducted as part of an internship at the ConnectGround Clinic.

Admission to the course requires an undergraduate degree and 2 years of supervised work experience. In some circumstances, special admission may be granted where an applicant can demonstrate relevant life or work experience and a history of personal therapy, along with suitability for this work. An individual and group interview are also required.

Hakomi Australia – Mindful Somatic Psychotherapy

Hakomi is a mindful, somatic psychotherapy, leading towards emotional and psychological transformation. Hakomi graduates have a compassionate, mindful, curious attitude towards the self and the client. The Hakomi practitioner reaches beyond the usual skill set of the therapist into “being” with the client with loving presence. Hakomi therapists are equally as dedicated to fully understanding their own process as they are to understanding others. 

The Goals of Hakomi Training are:

• A deep understanding of the principles of the Hakomi Method and the ability to work with them.
• An understanding of the organisation of personality and character, and the ability to use this understanding discriminatingly.
• An understanding of the various maps of the therapeutic process and the ability to use those maps and Hakomi techniques precisely and appropriately.
• An understanding of one’s own personality as an instrument for therapy

There are three levels of training:

1. Hakomi Fundamental Relationship Skills
   1. Two 5-day modules in person (Sydney or Perth)
   2. Three 2-hour webinars between modules
2. Hakomi Professional Skills Training
   1. Four 6-day modules in person (Sydney or Perth)
   2. Three 2-hour webinars between modules
3. Hakomi Advanced Clinical Skills
   1. Three 6-day modules in person (Sydney or Perth)
   2. Two 2-hour webinars

Admission Requirements: Participation in one or two Hakomi workshops. Some background in psychology, basic counselling, bodywork or allied health practitioner skills, or one-to-one communication skills. Also, some personal therapy experience.

IKON – Bachelor / Master of Counselling & Psychotherapy

The Bachelor of Counselling and Psychotherapy is designed to provide graduates with a broad and coherent body of knowledge relating to the field of psychotherapy, with an emphasis on embedding a conceptual framework and model of psychotherapeutic practice for the ‘whole person’.

The degree provides you with the theoretical knowledge and therapeutic skills you need to integrate therapy into your existing career or to establish a new career as a counsellor and psychotherapist.  This unique course is holistic in that it is inclusive of methods that care for the soul, traditional healing methods and science practitioner methods.  Through this the clinician will learn to assist their clients in moving forward towards healing.

Through experiential learning and personal development, psychotherapy students will learn the skills to engage with clients. They learn a range of therapeutic models and techniques to engage in ethically and culturally sensitive practices informed by theory, including a specialised trauma informed ‘mind, body and spirit’ approach.

At Ikon, there is an emphasis on self-development and understanding to be both an excellent practitioner and a wonderful human.

The Bachelor may have enough hours to join both PACFA and the College of Psychotherapy. IKON also have a Master of Counselling & Psychotherapy.

Institute of Body Psychotherapy – Body Psychotherapy Training

Professional three year Body Psychotherapy Training course.

The IBT is an Experiential Learning Centre, situated at Kelvin Grove, Brisbane.  They are affiliated with IICT (International Institute for Complementary Therapists) and upon successful completion, graduates are able to practice as body psychotherapists/Core Energetic therapists.

The training is a three year, part time training and there are four x three day workshops per academic year with reading, homework and sometimes, webinars in between. The cost of the training is $4,800 per year (payable in four installments). Additional costs are sixteen (16) individual therapy session per year with a body psychotherapist, required reading book list and ten supervision sessions in year 3.  Upon completion of the third year of course work, students have an additional year to complete course material and clinic hours.

The emphasis of the training is on self awareness and personal growth, working with the interplay of the emotional mind and the physical body, trauma resolution, relationships & intimacy and leadership. The course is theoretical, experiential and practical.

Institute of Somatic Psychotherapy – Somatic Psychotherapy

The Institute of Somatic Psychotherapy (IOSP) is delighted to offer mental health practitioners a training program in Somatic Psychotherapy that puts the embodied relationship between client/patient and practitioner at the centre of attention.

This training intends to address those aspects of human experience that are too frequently paid insufficient attention to, or even ignored in other trainings.

The training will be delivered by Guest Lecturers: Gill Westland, Kathryn Stauffer and Slađana Đorđević as well as the founders  Ernst Meyer and Veronik Verkest who are located in Australia. Each module has a particular theoretical focus and is supported by set readings.

Modules

• Introduction to Body/Somatic Psychotherapy
• Sense of Self and Embodiment
• Relational Psychotherapy/Verbal and Non-verbal Communication
• Trauma-informed Practice
• How we Make our Work Visible

Students will gain an understanding of:

• The historical roots and development of the whole field of Somatic Psychotherapy
• What Somatic Psychotherapy is, and what is not considered to be Somatic Psychotherapy
• How Somatic Psychotherapy can fit into the current map of the mental health professions
• How to become more embodied and how to help others become more embodied
• How trauma affects the body-mind Self and how to address it
• A deeper understanding of Somatic Psychotherapy and how to incorporate a wide variety of approaches, practices and exercises
• The somatic connections with and components of meditation and mindfulness practice
• How to practice Somatic Psychotherapy effectively, even without touching
• How Somatic Psychotherapy approaches can be used to enhance other specific clinical presentations
• How to communicate our Somatic Psychotherapy practice and make our work more visible.

As this course is between 30 -50 hours it would make a good Category B to top up for joining the PACFA College of Psychotherapy.

Metavision Institute – Master of Counselling & Psychotherapy

The vision of Metavision Institute is to “Evolve Consciousness through Holistic Education for the betterment of Humankind. They provide “transdisciplinary holistic education “that enhances human potential in the co-evolution of nature, culture and society in sustainable ways.” The universe is seen as sacred, with laws that govern and connect everything and the human being is seen through the lens of eco-spirituality, soul and body awareness. Together, they help to heal despair, depression, isolation and alienation.  

This Master of Counselling & Psychotherapy which is PACFA approved, is designed to develop specialised and advanced knowledge and skills in holistic counselling and psychotherapy and process-oriented methodologies and skills. The aim is to promote critical questioning and reflection on the human condition, spirituality, and their relationship to wellbeing. Alongside counselling subjects, this training has 3 subjects covering process-oriented psychotherapy and 2 subjects covering inner work. 

This 2-year course is offered via blended delivery with intensives at Burradoo, NSW and Metavision have also recently released an Ecotherapy course that clinicians could participate in for a Category B for College of Psychotherapy entry.

Nature Calling – Advanced Ecotherapy Training

Dr. Geoff Berry founded Nature Calling in Australia in 2017 and has been training practitioners in Ecotherapy and Applied Ecopsychology since 2019. As the Australian representative to the International Ecopsychology Society (IES), Dr. Berry has designed a training program that aligns with the rigorous standards of the IES, focusing on its unique form of Applied Ecopsychology known as Ecotuning. His Advanced Ecotherapy Training Course (AETC) offers in-depth training for those already experienced in counselling, psychotherapy, coaching, or related helping professions.

The AETC spans 8 months and is delivered online, culminating in a 5-day on-Country retreat. The course equips participants with the skills to integrate outdoor activities or nature-focused approaches into their existing practice, using Geoff’s phenomenological approach to Ecotuning, which centers on an embodied relationship with nature. The course also includes professional and clinical supervision, supporting participants in developing their Ecotuner skills.

The curriculum covers:

• Ecopsychology Theory: Students engage with key authors in Ecopsychology such as Theodore Roszak, Joanna Macy, and Paul Shepard, and delve into themes like Deep Ecology, Ecofeminism, and Gaia Theory.
• Personal Growth: Focuses on self-knowledge, managing emotions, stress, and building an ecological self through an awareness of natural light and darkness.
• Experiential Nature Seminars: Involves sensory explorations, creative practices, wilderness quests, and ecopsychotherapeutic sessions.
• Ecotuning Practice & Communication: Covers facilitation of group work, conflict management, business development, and public speaking.
• Event Participation: Graduates design their own Ecotuning event or workshop, receiving feedback from Geoff and the cohort.

• 32 hours synchronous online learning plus 48 hours at the retreat
• 3 hours a week of nature therapy activities
• 3 hours per week for personal and group activities – group work sessions, activities and recording them/journaling
• Plus readings and online learnings

Upon completing the course, participants receive an Ecotuner diploma, recognising their ability to incorporate nature-based therapeutic practices into their professional work. This course would fall under a PACFA College of Psychotherapy Category B.

Pathways Psychology Institute – Graduate Diploma of Trauma Informed Processwork Psychotherapy

The basic theoretical approach of Processwork tracks the perceptual system of the client, with the aim for the practitioner being to therapeutically join with the specific process the client is involved in. Arnold Mindell is a creative innovator, constantly opening up new areas of research, and applying the basic Process Work principles to an increasing range of practical applications. One of the strengths of this approach is that it encourages a phenomenological analysis of the client’s orientation to the issues they bring. This mapping of the client’s approach to every issue allows the practitioner to respond therapeutically to the specific details of client experience and processing.

The Graduate Diploma of Trauma-Informed Processwork Psychotherapy is taught as a combination of day and evening classes, study groups, and home study readings/ assessments, which can be accessed at-a-distance or in person, as three intensive 3.5 day residential trainings which must be attended in person each year (6 in total). These residentials focus on supervision and coaching feedback for each student on their skills development, and application of the theory.

This two-year course approved by the College of Psychotherapy, incorporates practical skills-based training practice; the theoretical foundations of Processwork Psychotherapy; the latest neurobiological developments (theory and skills) in working with trauma/stress effectively; as well as all the ASQA requirements. Over the 8 terms students will complete eight enterprise units called modules, participating in a total of 1340 hours of training, learning and assessment activities.

Psychodrama Australia – Psychodramatist Training

Psychodrama training comprises 800 hours of experiential workshops, and 1600 hours of reading, supervised practice, and written papers, completed over a minimum of five years. The training is accredited by the Australian and Aotearoa New Zealand Psychodrama Association (AANZPA), towards certification as a Psychodramatist and is approved Advanced Specialist Training with PACFA College of Psychotherapy.

Psychodrama Australia has a vision of a future where people can express themselves relevantly in ordinary here and now situations in which they live and work. The expression is responsive, creative, brings joy to the human spirit, uplifts the soul and makes us feel part of the universe again. In supporting this vision coming to fruition Psychodrama Australia sees its mission as providing professional development and training which builds the capacities for spontaneity, creativity and co-creation of progressive relationships, using the methods and philosophy of life collectively known as the psychodrama method.

Sensorimotor Psychotherapy (SP) Institute

Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, founded by Pat Ogden, is a “complete therapeutic modality for trauma and attachment issues.” Using a three-phased approach of safety and stabilisation, processing, and integration, SP works from the bottom-up, using the body as a vehicle for transformation. 

Certification in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy is a 3 level process covering:

1. Sensorimotor Psychotherapy for Trauma Themes course (36 contact hours)
2. Sensorimotor Psychotherapy for Developmental Themes (126 contact hours)
3. Advanced Integrative Training in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy (108 contact hours)

Although SP training is not Australian-based, it is accessible to therapists living here, with the Level 1 training now offered online.  The entry requirement is usually a Masters degree; however, Australian applications are independently reviewed with the understanding that the educational requirements for clinical practice vary between different geographical locations. Successful applicants are required to be a member of a regulating body for the practice of psychotherapy that has a code of ethics. 

This course would fall under a PACFA College of Psychotherapy Category B.

University of Sydney – Master of Trauma Informed Psychotherapy

The Master of Science in Medicine (Trauma-Informed Psychotherapy) equips clinicians to work in a trauma-informed, specific way with clients, including those suffering from psychological disorders not aided by the more traditional psychotherapies. This may include personality disorders, traumatic and dissociative disorders, anxiety disorders, dysthymia, chronic depression, somatisation and conditions in which chronic complex trauma is a contributing factor. 

The therapeutic approach is based on the psychodynamic Conversational Model, but also incorporates theories from self-psychology, intersubjectivity, development, attachment, trauma, memory systems and neuroscience. Concepts of the self, boundary formation, empathic listening, subjective experience, and unconscious traumatic memory systems are all addressed, informed by emerging neuroscience. This training also incorporates a broad person-centred and trauma-informed approach suitable for settings where psychological factors are important and a good therapeutic alliance is crucial.

This 3-year part-time course is suitable for clinicians such as social workers, psychologists, nurses, psychotherapists, counsellors and school counsellors, with at least 12-months of mental health experience. Supervised training in acute, brief and longer-term work is included.

An advantage of this course is that students may be eligible for a Commonwealth Supported Place, significantly reducing the course fee payable by the student.

Admission is dependent upon successful completion of the embedded Graduate Certificate in Science in Medicine or Graduate Diploma in Science in Medicine, or a bachelor degree in a health or science-related discipline.

Course structure:

• Year 1 (Graduate Certificate): Fundamental knowledge and skills in psychodynamic psychotherapy, focusing on ultra-brief psychotherapy, short-term interventions and Trauma-Informed Care (TIC)
• Year 2 (Graduate Diploma): Training and supervision in the longer form of psychotherapy and an introduction to research methods 
• Year 3 (Masters): Training and supervision in longer-term psychotherapy. Students also complete a capstone project that synthesises the learning during the course, together with prior learning and experience, drawing conclusions that form the basis for further investigation, and intellectual and/or professional growth.

Western Sydney University – Master of Psychotherapy and Counselling

Western’s Master of Psychotherapy and Counselling is designed to expand and refine clinicians’ capacity to listen deeply and provide in-depth support to people struggling with emotional issues and life difficulties. This is a deeply humanistic program in which the clinician will explore the role of the human psyche and learn how their own life experiences and perspectives can be used to help others. The training also includes an emphasis on the creation of the therapist and the therapeutic relationship and environment for the client.

The Master of Psychotherapy and Counselling is professionally accredited with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) and is on the approved Advanced Specialist Training page.

Wild Mind Institute – Intro to Ecotherapy

The Wild Mind Institute runs training in ecotherapy and psychedelic therapy.

The Introduction to Eco-Psychotherapy integrates traditional psychotherapy with the healing power of nature, recognizing the deep connection between human well-being and the natural world. While conventional psychotherapy focuses on healing the mind or soul within the confines of an indoor setting, eco-psychotherapy brings this process outdoors, blending therapeutic dialogue with nature’s calming and restorative influence. It challenges the idea that mental health is separate from the environment, offering a holistic approach that fosters healing through a mindful relationship with the earth.

This course provides 6 components to ecotherapy: Being in nature, Being with nature, Engaging with nature, Nature as a therapeutic ally, Nature-based interventions and Ecotherapy in practice.

Face-to-Face Hours

• 2 x 3-hour online sessions = 6 Hours
• 7-day intensive = 56 Hours (minimum)
• Total = 62 Hours.

Some of the other requirements are as follows:  

• Reading: We supply a comprehensive reading pack with essential and suggested readings before and after the intensive. (Minimum 5 hours reading)
• Writing: One reflective piece before the intensive (1000 words max) and one written assignment after the intensive (3000 words max). (Minimum 5 hours writing)
• Practicum: One eco-psychotherapy session of 2-3 hours length following the intensive, to be facilitated with a volunteer client.

This course would fall under a PACFA College of Psychotherapy Category B.

New Zealand

Wellington Transactional Analysis Training Institute – TA Psychotherapy

3-Year Transactional Analysis Course (leading to an MSc Psychotherapy from Middlesex University)

This course is run out of Wellington, New Zealand over 10 weekends a year. It meets the College of Psychotherapy Training Standards.

Transactional Analysis (TA) is a theory of human personality, a theory of social behaviour, and a comprehensive system of psychotherapy originated by Eric Berne, M.D. (1910-1970) in the late 1950’s.

Significant features of TA are that it is applicable to situations as diverse as psychotherapy for mildly to severely disturbed individuals, couples and families; the education of children and adolescents; and consultation and management training in government and business organizations.

At it’s heart Transactional Analysis is a humanistic system of understanding which assumes people are OK and capable of autonomy.

The 3-year course covers 4 aspects:

• training
• supervised practice
• personal therapy
• written work

You can read more about this TA course here in the 2024 Handbook. I believe The Berne Institute also offers an online training.

Wrapping it Up

To comply with the PACFA College of Psychotherapy entry requirements for membership as a Registered Clinical Psychotherapist, students in some of the above courses may need to have additional hours of personal psychotherapy and possibly undertake additional supervised client psychotherapy hours. All of the training courses require prior study in a related field before commencing the psychotherapy training. Not all of the courses lead to registration with PACFA upon completion; however, if a student is already eligible for PACFA registration due to undergraduate studies, this will be less of a concern.

Sometimes blended Masters of Counselling and Psychotherapy courses, don’t meet the psychotherapy training standards. Without a clear focus on one modality, an in-depth integrative approach and/or the psychotherapeutic relationship, they likely will not be considered adequate for joining the College of Psychotherapy. Graduates from the blended counselling and psychotherapy courses included in this blog have been approved for College entry at time of writing this blog.

If you are interested in studying psychotherapy, I hope you have found this blog helpful. I encourage you to reach out to the training institution that has captured your heart to find out more about what it might take for you to gain membership as a Registered Clinical Psychotherapist. I know I will!

Interested in learning more about psychotherapy in Australia? Come and join your colleagues at Psychotherapy in Australia and Opening the Door on Private Practice Facebook groups.