Australian Association of Psychologists Inc (AAPi)

Join us for first session in this 2-part series on contingency planning. Session 1 will cover the basics of the incoming Board of Psychology’s Code of Conduct with regards to Contingency Planning, including: • Professional Will versus Contingency Plan • Why psychologists need a plan • Plan creation, storage and updating. Learn more or register here: https://ow.ly/2TKb50X9xQk

We’ve recently been made aware of a case which highlights risks to client confidentiality, where a psychologist’s phone records - including communications with unrelated clients - were accessed through legal processes, despite the psychologist successfully objecting to a subpoena. The incident serves as a stark reminder that client privacy can be compromised, even when we act in good faith. This highlights the importance of robust privacy management strategies, particularly under the Notifiable Data Breach (NDB) Scheme. Members can read our full update covering what your Privacy Management Plan should include, responsible use of text messaging with informed consent, clear written communication and professional boundaries, and practical changes to your practice to reduce privacy risks. https://ow.ly/mwi750X9xgf

Finances, pricing, and profit are often the most uncomfortable subjects for clinicians to talk about. But if you own a private practice, profitability is part of your job. This webinar will help you challenge some of the unspoken assumptions you may be carrying, build confidence in your pricing, and explore strategies to support the growth of your practice. We’ll share best practices for smart pricing, strategic staffing and show how software such as Zanda can help with no-show management, leveraging automations and AI, operational efficiencies, and more. Register here: https://ow.ly/Hkya50WZ6XH

This year has seen the inclusion of respectful and culturally reflective practice in the Ahpra Code of Conduct for psychologists, while simultaneously racial harm and marginalisation continue to be perpetrated across the world, including Australia. In this webinar Smruthy Nair and Janhavi Mistry will delve into the critical areas of cultural safety and racial trauma, sharing their powerful lived experience and authentic insights into the impact of racial trauma. The webinar will cover the concepts of culturally responsive and affirming practice, and also offer practical strategies for clinicians to effectively respond to racial trauma and work in culturally competent ways with diverse clients. Learn more or register here: https://ow.ly/UtuL50X6P4x

In this presentation, Dr Geoff Berry will discuss how ecopsychology and ecotherapy are evolving alongside current concerns in Australian mental health landscape and how they intersect with shifts in Australian culture towards more mindful acceptance of things such as prescription of time in nature, Indigenous rights and somatic and creative arts therapies. Points of discussion include: • Prescribing nature connection has become more common as benefits become more obvious • Concurrently, many of the practices included under the umbrella term ecotherapy engage with a shifting social baseline • Intersection with current key MH concerns: isolation, disconnection, environmental and other ‘generalised’ anxieties, depressive symptoms Register here: https://ow.ly/ABHb50X1gYB

In just a few days, #AAPi2025 begins, bringing Australia’s psychology community together for three inspiring days of learning with real impact. Expect diverse, thought-provoking insights designed to deepen understanding, and spark fresh approaches. Can’t attend the full conference? Don’t forget that workshop-only registration is now available for our pre-conference sessions. Learn more here: https://ow.ly/Nn1250X8eLq

This webinar will explore the efficacy and processes of play therapy that position it as an effective evidence-based child-centred, developmentally appropriate and neurobiologically sensitive intervention for children. A case example will be shared illustrating HOW play therapy works – i.e. cognitive reprocessing within a play therapy intervention. Learning Outcomes: 1. Define play therapy, articulate its efficacy, and distinguish between three common play therapy models 2. Gain insight into the therapeutic and processes of how play therapy works 3. Identify key play therapy techniques Learn more or register here: https://ow.ly/F9Rt50Wo7x1

Many psychologists become involved in family law matters, whether it be to support a client, or inadvertently as a result being issued a subpoena or called as a witness in proceedings. This presentation will: • Provide a practical overview of the Family Law Act 1975, including key principles of the Act which are relevant to psychologists and/or relate to family violence and mental health in parenting and financial matters • Explain the weight the court may provide to evidence from psychologists, including reports, in interim and final hearings • Clarify what documents can be subpoenaed in proceedings and when confidentiality may apply • Provide practical tips for psychologists with children as clients, or when assisting a child or parent who is subject to family law proceedings. Register here: https://ow.ly/8f1M50WXVrL

Following on from the foundational webinar 'Is It Emotional Abuse?', this advanced session takes a deeper dive into the complex and often hidden dynamics of emotionally abusive relationships - and the critical role psychologists can play in supporting clients throughout their journey. Topics covered include: • Brief overview 3Ds model - Disrespect, Distort, and Disempower • The cumulative toll of emotional abuse on the mind and body • Supporting clients who are confused or unaware of the abuse • Therapeutic work with clients contemplating leaving but feeling stuck • Understanding post-separation abuse through legal, financial, and co-parenting channels • Practical strategies for supporting clients during post-separation abuse Register here: https://ow.ly/rRjj50WEl8W

The afternoon program on day 1 of AAPi's 2025 conference dives deep into some of the most important and emerging issues in psychology practice, including: • Considering Children’s Rights within Psychology Practice - Reflections on compliance and power in the therapy room with Raelene Dundon. • The Modern Family - Supporting diverse family structures in therapy with Rachel Samson. • Working with Children and Families in Rural & Remote Areas - Exploring the unique challenges and strengths of regional communities with Daniela McCann. • When Intersectionalities Collide: Understanding the Complexities of Being NeuroQueer - A powerful look at intersectionality and identity with Den Abreu. • Bosses Behaving Badly – Exploring how stressful environments prompt disengaging management behaviours, and strategies to create workplaces that prioritise compassion, equity, and sustainable success with Dr Paul Donovan • Supporting Staff in a Candidate’s Market – Examining recruitment, retention, and graceful exit strategies for psychologists, provisional psychologists, and other mental health professionals in private practice with Dr Tess Crawley An afternoon packed with thought-provoking sessions that reflect the diversity, complexity, and resilience of the clients and communities we serve. It's not too late to register! Secure your spot today: https://ow.ly/8Wpj50X1fLb