Theoretical Paper Counselling Psychology: A view from Australia

Abstract

This paper outlines the origins, developments, and current state of play of counselling psychology in Australia. The relative strength of the early and middle developmental stages of the professions are contrasted with the current decline largely brought about by the Medicare system. The constraints on future development of the field are examined and the importance of revisiting its philosophical base is discussed alongside the need to vitalise its research culture and publications. The paper concludes with a number of recommendations for strengthening counselling psychology in Australia and a reassertion of the value of counselling psychology for the Australian and international community.