PACFA or ACA ~ Who should Counsellors register with?

Summary

This video explores the differences between PACFA and ACA, two prominent counseling registration bodies in Australia. It discusses the pros and cons of each, eligibility criteria, and membership options. The presenter shares personal insights from being registered with PACFA, highlighting benefits like professional development webinars and newsletters. It also compares membership fees, noting PACFA's higher costs but also its affiliate option. The video advises that while students can join for free, they cannot claim to be practicing members. It concludes by encouraging viewers to subscribe for more counseling-related content.

Takeaways

• 🧑‍⚖️ In Australia, there are two main counseling registration bodies: PACFA (Psychotherapy and Counseling Federation of Australia) and ACA (Australian Counseling Association).
• 🎓 The choice between PACFA and ACA depends on personal preference, career path, educational background, and eligibility requirements.
• 🏛️ The speaker has personal experience with PACFA, which was recommended by their university, and they have not explored ACA.
• 💼 PACFA offers professional development, webinars, and newsletters to keep members updated on the field of counseling.
• 💵 PACFA membership pricing ranges from approximately $213 for affiliate members to $426 for practicing counselors, with different levels based on career stage and work hours.
• 💼 ACA offers memberships from $280 to $340, with levels that also depend on career progression and professional activity.
• 📈 PACFA does not offer memberships for those with a diploma in counseling, while ACA does, making ACA a suitable option for diploma holders.
• 👨‍🎓 Students can join both PACFA and ACA for free to access professional development and updates, but cannot advertise as practicing members.
• 🔄 Both PACFA and ACA provide various membership levels to accommodate different stages of a counselor's career and professional needs.
• 🔗 The speaker encourages viewers to subscribe for more counseling-related content, indicating the channel's focus on providing valuable information in this field.

Q & A

What are the two main counseling registration bodies in Australia mentioned in the video?

The two main counseling registration bodies in Australia mentioned are PACFA (Psychotherapy and Counseling Federation of Australia) and ACA (Australian Counseling Association).

Why might someone choose to register with PACFA over ACA or vice versa?

The choice between PACFA and ACA depends on personal preferences, career pathways, eligibility requirements, and the benefits offered by each body. The video suggests that PACFA offers professional development webinars and newsletters, while ACA might be chosen by those who have completed a diploma in counseling, which PACFA does not offer membership for.

What are the benefits of being registered with PACFA as mentioned in the video?

Being registered with PACFA offers benefits such as access to professional development webinars, newsletters with updates in the field, and various membership levels based on career stage and client hours.

What is the affiliate membership option in PACFA and what does it cost?

The affiliate membership option in PACFA is for those who do not have a degree in counseling or are not eligible for practicing counseling membership. It costs about 213 dollars per year and offers access to member benefits without the right to practice as a counselor.

How does the cost of PACFA membership compare to ACA membership?

PACFA membership costs range from about 300 to 426 dollars per year, while ACA membership costs range from about 280 to 340 dollars per year, making ACA generally less expensive than PACFA.

What is the eligibility requirement for PACFA that is different from ACA as per the video?

PACFA does not offer memberships for those who have completed a diploma in counseling, unlike ACA which does, making ACA a more suitable option for diploma holders.

What are the membership levels offered by PACFA and ACA, and how are they determined?

Both PACFA and ACA offer different levels of membership, which are determined by factors such as the member's career stage, the number of client hours, and supervision hours they have completed.

Can students join PACFA or ACA, and what benefits do they receive?

Yes, students can join both PACFA and ACA for free. They receive access to professional development resources, webinars, and newsletters, similar to affiliate members, but they cannot advertise themselves as practicing members.

What is the significance of the NDIS in the context of counseling registration mentioned in the video?

The NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) requires counselors working in roles involving their services to be registered. This registration ensures that counselors meet the necessary standards to provide services under the scheme.

Why did the speaker choose to register with PACFA and not ACA?

The speaker chose to register with PACFA because their university recommended it, and they did not explore other options at the time. They later maintained their registration with PACFA for private practice.

What are the potential career implications of not being registered with a counseling body as mentioned in the video?

Not being registered with a counseling body may limit career opportunities, especially in roles that require registration, such as those involving the NDIS. It can also affect the counselor's credibility and professional development.