Accreditation, Member of, CPD … what does it all mean for me as a client?
Psychologists in Australia have to have minimum levels of education to be registered with AHPRA and work as psychologists.
However, it is possible to gain further experience and accreditation or credentialling in a number of therapeutic modalities or agencies.
NDIS Agent to be a registered Agency for NDIS participants an organisation / practitioner must go through a substantial process to document (that is, audit) they meet requirements to service agency-managed participants. I have chosen to not undergo this process as it is cost-prohibitive for an individual practitioner. However, with the upcoming changes and introduction of the PACE system … watch this space. But for now, only my self-managed and plan-managed participants can use their NDIS funds to pay for psychology services relevant to their supported disability needs.
Accredited EMDRA Practitioner. To practice EMDR in Australia (anywhere, really) accreditation is not required. However, training in this therapeutic modality is ethically and clinically necessary. Accreditation provides validation of competence, recognition of clinical hours working with clients, enhances EMDR treatment fidelity, and provides clients with quality control and patient protection. I am working towards my accreditation in EMDR in 2024. To learn more about EMDRAA accreditation, visit here.
Other areas of interest
There are so many different ways I can support my clients, and while I have training in traditional therapies such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), they do not work for everyone, and there is growing evidence that CBT in particular can be problematic for neurodivergent individuals. I have interests in eating disorders and tics & tourettes as these are highly co-occuring in autistic, adhd and other neurodivergent populations. However, like CBT, there is growing evidence that traditional therapeutic approaches can create trauma rather than heal when the traditional therapies are not adapted to suit the individual. So, I am interested in CBT-e, the maudsely method and CBIT, but will take my time in selecting ND-affirming training, as it is not readily available and still emerging.
ANZA Eating Disorder Credential. The Australian and New Zealand Academy of Eating Disorders (ANZAED) and the National Eating Disorders Collaboration (NEDC) are partnering to establish a credentialing system for eating disorder treatment professionals in Australia. The ANZAED Eating Disorder Credential is formal recognition of qualifications, knowledge, training, and professional development activities needed to meet minimum standards for the delivery of safe and effective eating disorders treatment. While I work with clients who may have eating disorder diagnoses, I primarily work with dieticians providing ED treatment and support clients with underlying mental health concerns to enhance the effectiveness and consistency of treatment for eating disorders. Should my client load evolve to include more EDs, I may work towards the ANZAED credential.
Comprehensive Behavioural Intervention for Tics (CBIT) is a therapeutic treatment for tics. There is only one organisation that provides CBIT training in Australia and the next training is scheduled for mid 2024 online. As with most therapies there is no formal credentialing.
Memberships
What does that mean for me as a client? Professional membership provides clients a means of searching for professionals on registers which can be reassuring to know you’re going to be working with a professional who is committed to ongoing education and learning. Being a psychologist of many years does not necessarily mean better. It is important that you have someone working with you and for you, who has up-to-date skills based on emerging evidence that is both evidence based and practice based evidence.
APS Membership
The Australian Psychological Society is an optional professional body representing mostly Clinically endorsed psychologists. The Psychology Board currently refers to the APS Code of Ethics as the standard of all Psychologists in Australia.
AAPi Membership
The Australian Association of Psychologists Inc (AAPi) is aims to promote the rich diversity of the psychology profession. It aims to dismantle the two-tier system (which I applaud) and supports neurodivergent and disabled practitioners working as psychologists
AADPA Membership
The Australian ADHD Professionals Association, and provides support, research and advocacy work for professionals and individuals working and living with ADHD. I attended the AADPA Conference in Melbourne in 2023, and will attend the 2024 Brisbane conference.
ANZAED Membership
ANZAED is the peak body for eating disorder professionals involved in research, prevention, treatment and advocacy in Australia. I attended the ANZAED Conference in 2023 on the Gold Coast.
EMDRAA not a member
So memberships can get expensive. Once I am an accredited EMDR therapist, I will be eligible to join the EMDRAA (Australian EMDRA professional association) and join their list of accredited clinicians.
Socials
While not strictly a membership, I am actively involved in several professional groups and connect with like-minded neurodivergent allies, neurokin and neuroaffirming psychologists, dieticians, OTs, speechies and more. So if I don’t have the availability or skills to support you, I probably know someone who can! Just ask.
You may also find me at regular events such as Distractd on the first Wednesday of the month at Miami Marketta or a Yellow Ladybugs (virtual) event. Where possible, I regularly connect with my local and virtual ND communities.