Watch the Starting Strong Conference Videos
The PACFA Student & Early Career Conference 2026 was designed for counselling students, recent graduates, and emerging practitioners preparing to transition from study into professional practice.
This event featured expert speakers, practical career guidance, and insights aligned with the National Standards for Counsellors and Psychotherapists. Sessions explored supervision, ethics, self-care, private practice, professional registration, career pathways, and what to expect when beginning work in the profession.
Created specifically for students and early career practitioners, the conference aimed to bridge the gap between study and practice by providing practical knowledge, professional insights, and guidance to help build confidence for the next stage of a counselling career.
Watch the recordings from these sessions to gain valuable advice and real-world perspectives from experienced practitioners and PACFA leaders.
Finding Your First Counselling Role
Stepping into a first counselling role could feel both exciting and uncertain. This panel featured practitioners reflecting on their journey from graduation into the workforce. They shared when they finished their studies, how they secured that all-important first role, what surprised them about the experience, and what they wished they had known earlier.
The session explored the realities of starting out, including the gaps between study and practice. Panellists discussed what their courses did not cover and how they navigated those challenges. It was an honest, practical conversation designed to help attendees feel more prepared and confident as they took their first steps into the profession.
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Building a Sustainable Counselling Career
What could your counselling career look like over time, and how might it evolve in ways you don’t expect? In this session, we explored the diverse pathways available within the profession, from aviation counselling with Jacob, to EAP work with Rebecca, and private practice and supervision with Rachel. Our panellists shared how they have shaped careers that are both meaningful and sustainable across different sectors.
You’ll hear each panellist reflect on how they built their career after graduating. Was their path a steady progression, or did it shift in a new direction? What does an average day look like in their current role, and what aspects of the work surprised them most?
This session offers an honest conversation about the highs and lows of different counselling settings. Our panellists discuss the most rewarding parts of their work, along with the challenges emerging practitioners should be prepared for. Watch the recording to broaden your understanding of what’s possible within the profession and start thinking about the kind of career you want to create.
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Private Practice, Compliance and Professional Protection
Thinking about private practice can be exciting, but it also comes with important responsibilities. How do you know when you’re truly ready to take that step, and what do you need to have in place to protect yourself and your clients? In this session, experienced practitioners share their journey into private practice, reflecting on when they graduated, how their careers evolved, and what led them to this path. They discuss what they wish they had known earlier, particularly when it comes to managing risk and navigating professional responsibilities.
You’ll also hear a focused 15-minute presentation from Insurance.com.au, offering practical insights into professional indemnity essentials, risk management for new practitioners, and compliance under the National Standards. The presentation explores what to look for in professional indemnity insurance and how to choose the right provider for your practice.
Bringing together real-world experience and expert guidance, this session highlights common early-career pitfalls and how to avoid them. Watch the recording to gain a clearer understanding of what it takes to step into private practice with confidence.
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Supervision and Sustainable Self-Care
Supervision is often talked about as a requirement, but what does it really mean for your growth, your wellbeing, and the quality of care you provide? How can it support both you and your clients in safe and meaningful ways?
In this session, we explore what good supervision truly looks like. Katinka unpacks the purpose of supervision and explains why it is far more than a box to tick, while Sophie guides attendees through the different roles supervision can take, including clinical and managerial supervision, and how to navigate these in practice.
You’ll also hear from Melissa on the importance of sustainable self-care. The discussion explores how to recognise and respond to burnout, vicarious trauma, and compassion fatigue, and how supervision and professional networks can play a vital role in supporting practitioner wellbeing over time.
This session invites you to think deeply about how you will care for yourself as a practitioner while maintaining safe, ethical, and high-quality practice. Watch the recording to reflect on what it could look like to build habits now that support a long and sustainable career.
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The Future of Counselling: The National Standards & What Comes Next
What does the future of counselling look like, and how will the National Standards shape your career? In this session, Johanna will guide you through what these changes mean for the profession and for you as a student or emerging practitioner. What should you be aware of now, and how can you prepare for what comes next? Join us to gain insight into the evolving landscape of counselling and where it might take you.
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