Past PACFA Presidents Interviews
Discover the people, ideas and conversations that helped shape PACFA and the counselling and psychotherapy profession in Australia.
This history project brings together a series of interviews with past PACFA Presidents and key contributors whose leadership, advocacy and vision guided the organisation through its formative years and ongoing evolution. Through personal reflections and professional insights, these conversations explore the development of counselling and psychotherapy in Australia, the creation of PACFA, and the challenges and opportunities that continue to shape the profession today.
Across these interviews, past leaders reflect on:
- the early formation of PACFA and the profession’s push for recognition
- the development of ethics, accreditation and training standards
- the evolving relationship between counselling, psychotherapy and mental health systems
- the importance of relational practice, community and professional identity
- the people and moments that influenced PACFA’s growth into the organisation it is today.
The project also offers a rare opportunity to hear directly from those involved in PACFA’s history through both written transcripts and recorded video interviews. Together, these stories capture not only the organisation’s development, but also the values, dedication and collaborative spirit that continue to guide PACFA and its members.
We invite you to explore the interviews, reflect on the profession’s journey, and celebrate the contributions of those who helped build and strengthen PACFA for future generations.
Hugh Crago
Hugh Crago is a counsellor, educator and one of the key figures involved in the formation of PACFA and the early development of counselling as a recognised profession in Australia. Originally trained in English literature, Hugh later undertook counselling psychology training in the United States before building a career in counselling education, family therapy and private practice.
Alongside colleague Dr Ruth Stury, Hugh co-convened the first national gathering of counselling and psychotherapy educators in 1996, which laid the groundwork for the creation of PACFA. Throughout his career, he has been a strong advocate for counselling and psychotherapy as distinct relational professions, emphasising the importance of experiential learning, personal development and the therapeutic relationship.
Jim Crawley
Jim Crawley was PACFA’s inaugural President and played a central role in bringing together counselling and psychotherapy organisations across Australia during the federation’s formative years. Originally from England, Jim trained in sociology, social work and psychiatric social work before developing extensive experience in family therapy, group work and psychotherapy in both the UK and Australia.
Throughout his career, Jim worked as an educator, therapist and organisational leader, including as Director of Relationships Australia WA and a lecturer in counselling and psychotherapy. He was instrumental in shaping PACFA’s early vision for professional standards, ethics and national recognition, helping establish the organisation as a unified voice for the profession in Australia.
Ron Perry
Ron Perry is a former PACFA President who played a key role in the early development of counselling and psychotherapy standards in Australia. Beginning his career as a teacher and university educator, he later undertook counselling studies in New York before helping establish the Institute of Counselling, where he eventually became Director.
Ron was deeply involved in the formation of PACFA, contributing to foundational work around accreditation, ethics and professional recognition. As both Vice President and later President, he helped guide the organisation through its formative years and continues to advocate for the important role of counselling and psychotherapy within Australia’s mental health sector. Ron is also recognised as a PACFA Life Member for his longstanding contribution to the profession.
Tim Johnson-Newell
Tim Johnson-Newell is a former PACFA President and longstanding psychotherapist whose work has helped shape the development of counselling and psychotherapy in Australia. Originally from Britain, Tim trained in psychotherapy through experiential and body-oriented traditions before settling in Australia, where he became deeply involved in somatic psychotherapy, psychoanalytic training and professional ethics.
Tim played a significant role in PACFA’s early development, serving as Treasurer, Deputy President and President from 2008 to 2010. He contributed extensively to the establishment of the PACFA Register and ongoing work around professional standards, ethics and the recognition of psychotherapy as a distinct relational and experiential profession.
Dr Di Stow
Dr Di Stow is PACFA’s immediate past President, serving from 2016 to 2022 during a significant period of organisational growth and reform. Based in Hobart, she works in private practice specialising in grief, loss and trauma, and has been an active contributor to PACFA since the early 2000s through leadership roles in both Tasmania and nationally.
Over many years, Di served as Board Member Responsible for Member Associations, Secretary, Vice President and President, helping guide PACFA through its major national restructure and expansion into a stronger unified professional body. She is widely recognised for her collaborative leadership, advocacy work and longstanding commitment to strengthening the counselling and psychotherapy professions in Australia.