25-26 FEBRUARY 2027
Counselling psychology
in complex times: Relational depth
in practice
Hyatt Centric Hotel Melbourne
JOIN US IN MELBOURNE
2027 APS College of Counselling Psychologists Conference
Counselling psychology in complex times: Relational depth in practice
Two days of discovery, connection and growth
This theme invites practitioners to explore how genuine, attuned connections supports effective, ethical, and compassionate practice within today’s evolving mental health landscape.
DEEPEN YOUR COUNSELLING PRACTICE
Explore cutting-edge research and evolving therapies - from evidence-based interventions to the therapeutic relationship - that strengthen your impact with clients.
CONNECT & COLLABORATE
Engage in thought-provoking discussions with leading counselling psychologists and passionate peers. Share insights, challenge ideas, and shape the future of the profession.
EXPERIENCE MELBOURNE
Immerse yourself in Melbourne's world-class food, arts, and culture scenes while enjoying a conference that renews both your professional and personal spirit.
SAVE THE DATE 25 - 26 FEBRUARY 2027
Join us in Melbourne for two days dedicated to advancing counselling psychology through learning, collaboration and professional connection at Hyatt Centric Hotel Melbourne
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Professor Ladislav Timulak
The Latest Research on Humanistic and Experiential Psychotherapies
The presentation will provide an overview of the research on humanistic and experiential therapies published between the start of 2019 and the end of 2026. It will cover research on the main contemporary humanistic and experiential approaches, namely person-centred/experiential therapy, emotion-focused therapy (inclusive of emotionally focused therapy), motivational interviewing and any other therapies (such as Gestalt therapy, existential therapy) that produced any evidence between 2019 and 2026. It will include research on these therapies for various presentations and various modalities (couple, family, group). The presentation will cover: 1. historical context, 2. outcome evidence (per typical presentation), 2a. the main meta-analyses, 2b. the main RCTs and outcome studies, 3. process-outcome studies, 4. qualitative studies (outcome, process), 5. other evidence. The presentation will address the questions such as: What are the most robust findings? What has changed in the last decade? How do findings highlight important concepts that all therapists should be aware of, regardless of their theoretical orientation? It will also speak to: What is still missing in current research on humanistic-experiential psychotherapies? In what ways are new therapeutic articulations influenced by other theoretical approaches? Where are the knowledge gaps? What needs to be addressed in future research?
About Professor Ladislav Timulak
Darryl Chow
We Are Hungry for Depth
Information is not transformation. If it were, generative AI can and will replace us. People are hungry for depth. We yearn not just for deeper conversations, but deeper connections. Connections that make us come alive. Yet, we somehow do not go there very often. Why is that? Is it too much to ask to have a good conversation? Is depth always necessary for a deeper connection to take place? In the dialogical nature of this enterprise called psychotherapy, deep speaks to deep. We are in a profession where the personal cannot be divorced from the professional. When this is divided, technique is what we use until the therapist arrives. Yet the proper role of technique is to reveal rather than to conceal the personhood from which good therapeutic work can come from. In this talk, I hope to address the The meeting between the therapist’s and client’s inner and outer lives, The five distinct levels of conversation that take place (and how not to prematurely scare one’s soul away), and How we can create a spaciousness that invites a more soulful living, so that we may touch, move and inspire the ones we seek to serve.
About Darryl Chow
WHY ATTEND
Two focused days in Melbourne
Grow your practice, strengthen your community and help shape the future of the profession.
Grow your practice
Walk away with practical insights and evidence-based approaches you can apply immediately - whether you're early in your career or deeply experienced.
Connect with your community
Meet, learn from and collaborate with psychologists who understand the challenges you face every day. The connections you make here go well beyond the conference itself.
Earn CPD hours
All sessions count towards your continuing professional development requirements - making it easy to invest in your growth while meeting your professional obligations.
EARLY BIRD REGISTRATIONS
Be one of the first 50 people to SAVE 30%
Use code: 27CCOUN30
*Discount not applicable to Student registrations. Available until sold out.
APS Member
Full Price $748
$523
CCOUN College Member
Full Price $633
$443
APS Student*
Set Price
$300
Non-Member
Full Price $972
$680
All prices are listed in Australian Dollars (AUD) and include the Australian Goods and Services Tax (GST).
Please review the Attendee Terms and Conditions before completing your registration.
IN-PERSON REGISTRATIONS INCLUDE
Access
Entry to all in-person presentation sessions on the scheduled program dates 25-26 February 2026.
Catering
Morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea.
Social events
Additional guest tickets can be purchased for the Welcome Reception through this registration form for $150 AUD per ticket.
Conference Program Planning Committee
The Conference Program Planning Committee comprises experienced clinical psychologists guiding the development of a forward-looking, practice-relevant program. Drawing on expertise across diverse clinical contexts, emerging treatments, workforce development, and public and private sector practice, the committee supports the profession in navigating change and embracing opportunity.
Dr Catherine Bishop
Conference Chair
Chair, APS College of Counselling Psychology
Catherine is a Counselling and Clinical Psychologist, Board-approved Supervisor, and Senior Lecturer. She divides her time between providing therapy for adults with complex and enduring mental health presentations in her private practice, supervising early- to mid-career psychologists, and teaching in the post-registration Clinical Psychology program at the Cairnmillar Institute. Her teaching and supervision interests include effective formulation, reflective and ethical practice, and the integration of relational and process-oriented approaches with evidence-based practice for complex presentations. Alongside her clinical and academic work, Catherine has held several leadership and service roles within the profession. She is the current Chair of the APS College of Counselling Psychology and has previously served as WA Section Chair and Secretary on the national executive committee of the College, and as Chair of the Association of Counselling Psychologists. Catherine has a strong commitment to the advancement of counselling psychology and the professional training of psychologists in Australia.
Rosie Scott
Conference Committee Member
Familiar Psychology
Rosie Scott is a Brisbane-based registered psychologist, psychosexual therapist, and dual clinical and counselling psychology registrar who provides individual and relationship therapy across private practice and employee assistance settings. Alongside her clinical work, Rosie is involved in psychology education and research through the University of Queensland. She is in the early stages of a PhD investigating sexual health intervention practices and perspectives. Rosie is the early career representative on the APS's National Executive Committee for the College of Counselling Psychologists.
Michael Di Mattia FAPS FCCOUNP
Conference Committee Member
Counselling Psychologist
Michael Di Mattia is a Senior Lecturer and Counselling Psychologist at The Cairnmillar Institute, with over 25 years of experience across clinical practice, teaching, and research. Michael is an active researcher whose work focuses on professional issues in counselling psychology, including professional identity, cross-border practice, and the evolving landscape of the profession in Australia. He is a Fellow of the Australian Psychological Society and a Fellow of the APS College of Counselling Psychologists. He received the College's Award of Distinction in 2019 for his contribution to counselling psychology.
Dr Sonia Kalsi
Conference Committee Member
Psychologist, Consultant & Trainer
UK-trained Counselling Psychologist and Psychotherapist with over 30 years of experience spanning clinical practice, training and leadership within the mental health sector. Dual-registered in Australia and the United Kingdom, Sonia has extensive experience across tertiary education, private practice, and healthcare settings. Her professional interests include student mental health, including student suicidality, and service development. She also has a demonstrated track record in leading counselling services, delivering evidence-based psychological interventions, and providing strategic consultancy to support service improvement and innovation.
Anita Missiha
Conference Committee Member
Anita provides counselling to adults and young people, using an integrative approach combining Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Solution-Focused Therapy, in addition to mindfulness, relaxation, and psycho-education. She enjoys working with clients to help them develop strategies to cope more effectively with a wide range of personal problems, relationship difficulties, and work-related concerns. Using a respectful, collaborative approach, Anita assists clients to better understand themselves and to function at their full potential. She is particularly passionate about supporting and assessing ADHD in adults to help them live fulfilling lives.
Jane Anastasios
Conference Committee Member
MA (Counselling Psych), GradDipFamTher, BA (Hons)
Jane is a counselling psychologist and family therapist with over 25 years' experience providing therapy and supervision in school settings and private practice. She is a lecturer and teaches into undergraduate and post-graduate courses that focus on counselling skills, systemic and relational thinking, and family therapy.
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