16 July 2024
CEO Johanna de Wever, along with members of the College of Psychotherapy Leadership Group, Martha Calhoun and Deputy Convenor Jodie Gale, met with Janet Hay, Kairēhita/Registrar from Te Poari o ngā Kaihaumanu Hinengaro o Aotearoa/Psychotherapists Board of Aotearoa New Zealand (PBANZ).
This collaborative meeting served as a platform to gain valuable insights from PBANZ regarding the regulation of psychotherapy in New Zealand, a system established in 2007. The discussion focused specifically on the College of Psychotherapy's ongoing efforts to refine the application requirements for PACFA members seeking to join the College and ultimately earn their Registered Clinical Psychotherapist (RCP) badges.
The conversation extended beyond application requirements. It delved into broader issues facing the field of psychotherapy. Key areas of discussion included the complexities and roadblocks associated with implementing changes within established systems, ensuring that psychotherapists possess the necessary skills and adhere to a clearly defined scope of practice, and exploring the evolving landscape of psychotherapy in both New Zealand and Australia.
A critical takeaway from the meeting was the shared commitment to maintaining the highest standards within the field of psychotherapy. This emphasis on rigorous standards serves a dual purpose: protecting public health and safety, and ensuring a strong and viable future for the psychotherapy profession in both nations.
This meeting with PBANZ marks a significant step forward for the College of Psychotherapy. As PACFA's College of Psychotherapy reopens its doors to new members seeking the specialist RCP designation, the discussions with PBANZ serve as a powerful validation of the College and organisation’s dedication to maintaining the highest standards for the profession. The positive and productive nature of the meeting underscores the importance of ongoing collaboration between regulatory bodies and professional organisations including PBANZ.
To learn more about the Psychotherapists Board of Aotearoa New Zealand (PBANZ), please visit their website.
For information on the College of Psychotherapy and its Leadership Group, visit the leadership page on the PACFA website.