Welcome to the third digital edition of the Counselling Australia Magazine (CA).

In this edition, I am very excited to share with you the key findings from the 2024 ACA Counsellor Workforce Census. The Census provides valuable insights into the demographics, employment profiles, qualifications, earnings, specialisations, and motivations within the counselling workforce in Australia. We extend our thanks to all counsellors who participated in this survey, as their contributions are crucial in shaping the future of the profession.

This edition features an insightful article by Edwin Briels on the challenges and initiatives of introducing counselling services in war-torn Myanmar. The article discusses the impact of the military junta, efforts to improve mental health, and opportunities for collaboration with the Australian Counselling Association and its members. We highly recommend reading this piece and encourage you to get involved though volunteering as a counsellor, providing training or supervision to help Myanmar's Counselling Corner’s training program and their practitioners.

We had the pleasure of speaking with Dr Dawn Macintyre, a Chronic Pain Behaviourist, Clinical Counsellor and Professional Supervisor, about what inspired her to pursue a career in clinical counselling and how her personal experiences influenced research and professional work. The article explores the meaning of pain, particularly chronic pain, and discusses Dr. Macintyre's personal and professional experiences with it. ​

The article explores the importance of language in managing chronic pain, the need for building a relationship with pain, and the significance of validation and acceptance in counselling. It also addresses the stigma associated with chronic pain and provides insights into effective communication and therapeutic approaches for counsellors.

Additionally, we review Dr. Macintyre’s book, “Living with Chronic Pain – From OK to Despair and Finding My Way Back Again”, which provides valuable guidance for understanding and managing chronic pain.

Finally, we present a peer-reviewed article titled “Enhancing Counselling Support for Families of Individuals with Disabilities in Fiji: Integrating Cultural Sensitivity and Information Technology”. This article examines the counselling support available to Fijian families, considering its cultural beliefs and practices, as well as how information technology is used to deliver interventions. It highlights the sociocultural and spiritual perspectives on disability in Fijian communities, which often bring stigma and emotional burdens for families.

We hope you enjoy reading Digital Issue 1.3 of CA!