Decision to inaugurate an association for Cognitive Behavioural Therapies in Aotearoa

As the capacity for delivery of cognitive behavioural therapies in Aotearoa grows as a result of the many training courses now on offer, a decision has been made to establish an association that will unite interested parties with a common goal of providing support, training and further development for practitioners in the use of CBT’s.

It is acknowledged that whilst Psychologists currently have a well-established support and training network throughout the country, other professions currently lack access to this.  Nor do we have a network in Aotearoa that is inclusive of all practitioners, regardless of their professional orientation.  In order to further develop and enhance the delivery and access of CBT’s we need to unite together and support each other so that our shared aims can be developed and realised.

Tasks such as developing initial goals and aims, a definitive name for the association and a electing a board are still in the development stages and offers of support and involvement are welcomed.  The new association hopes to kick off by running an event in Auckland that will offer top quality speakers and topics at for an affordable fee – which will be a long-term goal for future training and CBD events.

The structure of the association will be loosely based around that of the BABCP (British Association of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies) and the AACBT (Australian Association of Cognitive Behavioural Therapies).  Relationships with these two successful associations are currently developing that will hopefully benefit our New Zealand association whilst offering forward our unique perspectives and talents based here in Aotearoa.

We hope that regional branches will soon develop amongst interested clinicians.  We are seeing movement in this direction already!

Our first annual general meeting will be held in November (date to be announced) and will see the voting in of our first President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer along with elected members and other roles significant to our aims and initial goals.  Please feel free to contact me if you are interested in attending, would like to put forward a nomination or are interested in getting the ball rolling in your region.

So for the time being….. watch this space!

Kind regards

Anna Elders

Clinical Nurse Specialist in Therapeutic Interventions

E-mail:  Anna.Elders@middlemore.co.nz

Mobile:  021 243 3023