Australian Regional Health Group (ARHG) FAQs

Accredited Specialist Program Accreditation Process

The process for applying for accreditation for Advanced specialist programs is currently on a temporary pause.

Aligned with PACFA’s ongoing commitment to supporting high quality counselling and psychotherapy training, we are currently undertaking a review of the PACFA Program Accreditation Standards. This process will encompass revising and formalising all associated processes and guidelines, starting with program accreditation and professional competencies, and subsequently focussing on advanced specialist training program accreditation as the College entry requirements and review process progresses.

Additionally, the Colleges are undergoing a revitalisation process, with some already having begun this journey. The leadership groups of each College will review and develop the college entry requirements, new application pathways and professional competencies. This thorough review and development process is crucial for maintaining the excellence and integrity of our accreditation standards for advanced specialist training programs.

To ensure a thorough and effective implementation of the revised advanced specialist training program accreditation process, there is a temporary pause on advanced specialist training program accreditation reviews. This interim measure aims to facilitate a smooth transition to the updated College entry and certification processes, ensuring that all reviews are consistent and conducted in accordance with PACFA’s stringent guidelines.

Throughout this period, PACFA will provide further updates on the progress of the review of the College entry requirements, application pathways, development of professional competencies and the revised advanced specialist program accreditation process as more information becomes available. Details regarding the revised process and guidelines, including its anticipated implementation date, will be communicated well in advance.

To assist in keeping up to date with the latest developments and updates, please see our latest editions of eNews.

Specialist training in Buddhism and Psychotherapy

Professional training in Buddhism and Psychotherapy, The Australian Association of Buddhist Counsellors and Psychotherapists (AABCAP)

This advanced specialist training in Buddhism and Psychotherapy is a two-year program comprising approximately 288 hours delivered over ten face-to-face weekend modules and three retreats.

Completion of this advanced specialist training is recognised as modality training for PACFA registrants. Accreditation means that the number of hours is recognised to contribute to the 450 hours of modality training required by the College of Psychotherapy.

For further information, please see the AABCAP website. Accreditation expires 31 December 2026.

Specialist training in Equine Assisted Psychotherapy

Postgraduate equivalent training, The Equine and Animal Assisted Psychotherapy Institute (Regional Victoria)

This advanced specialist training in Equine Assisted Psychotherapy is a 20-day in-person program comprising 160 hours of training.

Completion of this advanced specialist training is recognised as modality training for PACFA registrants upon completion of the full certification. Accreditation means that the number of hours is recognised to contribute to the 450 hours of modality training required by the College of Psychotherapy.

For further information, please see The Equine and Animal Assisted Psychotherapy Institute website. Accreditation expires 27 October 2027.

Specialist training in Gestalt Therapy

Advanced Clinical Training in Relational Gestalt Psychotherapy, Gestalt Therapy Australia (VIC)

This advanced specialist training in Gestalt Therapy is a four-year program comprising approximately 150 hours of face-to-face training, including two residential retreats per year. The program offers 600 hours of in-person training over four years and includes a supervised internship at ConnectGround, a community-based counselling and psychotherapy clinic.

Upon completing the specialist training in Gestalt Therapy and fulfilling all client contact and supervision requirements, PACFA registrants can apply for membership at the College of Psychotherapy. The training program and clinic hours will count towards the required 450 modality training and overall client hours.

For further information, please see the GTA website. Accreditation expires 31 December 2027.

Advanced Clinical Training in Contemporary Gestalt Therapy, The Relational Institute of Australia (TRIA)

*Program is in teach-out

This advanced specialist training in Contemporary Gestalt Therapy is a two-year program comprising 400 hours of instruction with modules delivered as face-to-face and asynchronous learning activities.

Completion of this advanced specialist training is recognised as modality training for PACFA registrants. Accreditation means that the number of hours is recognised to contribute to the 450 hours of modality training required by the College of Psychotherapy.

For further information, please see the TRIA website. Accreditation expires 2 November 2026.

Specialist training in Holistic Counselling and Psychotherapy

Metavision Institute (Burradoo, NSW)

This advanced specialist training is a two-year program comprising 12 modules delivered through on-campus intensives and eLearning.

Completion of this advanced specialist training is recognised as modality training for PACFA registrants. Accreditation means that the number of hours is recognised to contribute to the 450 hours of modality training required by the College of Psychotherapy.

For further information, please see the Metavision Institute website. Accreditation expires 11 November 2026.

Specialist training in Logotherapy

Advanced Course in Meaning Centred Therapy (Logotherapy), Life Change Therapies (Online)

This advanced specialist training in Logotherapy is a four-unit program delivered as self-paced online modules, with an approximate duration of 18 months to two years. Total volume of learning across the course is 2100 hours, including 700 hours supervised learning and a minimum of 72 hours face to face delivery.

PACFA registrants who wish to be recognised as Logotherapy Specialists must complete 72 hours of face-to-face instruction and 15 hours of client work. Accreditation means that the number of hours is recognised to contribute to the 450 hours of modality training required by the College of Psychotherapy.

For further information, please see the Life Change Therapies website. Accreditation expires 31 December 2027.

Specialist training in Psychodrama

Psychodrama Training, Psychodrama Australia (Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney)

*Program currently seeking accreditation

This advanced specialist training program in Psychodrama comprises 800 hours of experiential workshops, and 1600 hours of reading, supervised practice, and written papers, completed over a minimum of five years. The training is accredited by the Australian and Aotearoa New Zealand Psychodrama Association (AANZPA), towards certification as a Psychodramatist.

AANZPA is a PACFA Member Association of longstanding, and training is recognised as a modality of training for the purposes of College of Psychotherapy membership for PACFA registrants. Completion of the training leading to certification as a Psychodramatist exceeds the modality requirements of the College of Psychotherapy.

For further information, please see the Psychodrama Australia website.