Published on 25 February 2026
Description:
This edition brings together contributors exploring evolving areas of counselling practice, including the role of therapy dogs, contemporary counsellor approaches, and working with chronic PTSD. Through practitioner insights, reviews, and interviews, it reflects on key challenges shaping today’s counselling landscape.
25 articles from this collection:
Cover
Contents Digital Edition 2.3 Chronic Illness
ACA EMAG 2.3 Editorial - February 2026
At least one-fifth of Australians are directly impacted by chronic illness, with counsellors and therapists more and more likely to see these impacts in session. For that reason, this edition of our magazine explores some of the many aspects of living with one or more chronic illnesses.
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Living With Chronic PTSD
Explore experiences of living with chronic PTSD, highlighting personal challenges and recovery journey. Discover how family support aids the healing process.
Podcast - Nyree Johnson interviews Cathie & Neal Davies – Beyond PTSD
Join Nyree Johnson as she interviews Cathie and Neal Davies from Beyond PTSD, exploring their transformative trauma support model in Central Queensland.
Understanding the Neuropathology and Neurobiology of Behavioural-Variant Frontotemporal Dementia (bvFTD): Recognising Behaviour Changes
This feature article delves into the complexities of behavioural-variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD), examining neuropathology and neurobiology, and offering insights on diagnosis, progression, and impact on patients and caregivers.
Understanding motor-neurone disease: Q&A with Jane Milne, CEO, MND and Me
This feature article offers a detailed Q&A with Jane Milne, CEO of MND and Me, about motor neurone disease (MND). Discover insights into MND, its symptoms, and the emotional journey of those affected. Learn about the psychological impacts, the role of grief counselling, and best practice guidelines for mental health practitioners.
How Autonomics and Chronic Illness Interact
Discover how autonomics influence chronic illness through the ANS. Understand the role of autonomic states in health and chronic conditions.
He Did The Right Thing And Got Frozen Out: Why EAP Counsellors Need To Understand Retaliation, Isolation, And Suicide Risk on Mine Sites
Explore why EAP counsellors need to understand retaliation, isolation, and suicide risk on mine sites. Learn strategies for managing these challenges.
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When Assumptions Cost Us: How Misreading Client Priorities Impacts Private Practice Growth
The article highlights how misreading client priorities in private practice can hinder growth. It discusses the discrepancies between therapist perceptions and client realities, emphasizing the importance of aligning marketing, engagement strategies, and therapy goals with client expectations. By understanding these priorities, practitioners can improve retention and practice sustainability.
Healing Amidst Chaos: How ACA Volunteers Are Supporting Mental Health in Myanmar
Explore how ACA volunteers are transforming mental health amidst Myanmar's chaos. Discover the impact of volunteer support and training on Myanmar counsellors.
Who Let the Dog In? Are Therapy Dogs a Counsellor’s Best Friend?
Worldwide, therapy dogs have become an increasing area of interest for a wider range of practitioners across various contexts and industries. Therapy dogs are utilised in hospitals, schools, allied health settings, psychology, counselling practices, and even at the local dentist! However, with therapy dogs, several concerns arise. What are the pros and cons?
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Book Review: Breaking Free of PTSD
From a therapist’s perspective, Breaking Free of PTSD by Neal Samuel Davies and Catherine Anne Davies is a grounded and clinically relevant text that offers a rare dual lens on trauma recovery: that of the person living with chronic PTSD and that of the long-term carer/partner.
Book Review: Shattered Motherhood: Surviving The Guilt Of A Child’s Suicide
Shattered Motherhood: Surviving The Guilt Of A Child’s Suicide is a deeply reflective and insightful work that sheds light on the guilt and often unspoken suffering endured by mothers who have lost a child to suicide.
Book Review: Mind Over Murder: A Janna Rose Mysteries, Book 1
A young counsellor is thrust into a murder that needs her therapeutic skills to solve in Mind Over Murder, a new novel. The life of Janna Rose, a dedicated EMDR counsellor, takes a dangerous turn after she stumbles upon criminal activity. Determined to uncover the truth and with a strong sense of social justice she tenaciously sets out, risking her own safety and the wellbeing of her loved ones.
Interview Q&A with Authors of Mind Over Murder, Jake Lynch and Annabel McGoldrick
The authors explore EMDR and IFS techniques, drawing parallels between therapy and detective work, in their book Mind Over Murder.
How Easy Is It to Break Passwords?
Explore how easy it is for hackers to break passwords and why businesses need strong security measures. Discover the benefits of passphrases, password managers, and multi-factor authentication in safeguarding sensitive data.
When Defensiveness Blocks Connection: An IFS Perspective on Rebuilding Trust After Infidelity
Explore how the Internal Family Systems (IFS) approach can help rebuild trust after infidelity by addressing defensiveness and fostering genuine communication.
Therapist Burnout Is Real
Therapist burnout is a rising concern affecting practitioner wellbeing and client outcomes. Discover how self-compassion and intentional rest can combat emotional burnout and sustain effective therapy practices.
Mapping Relationship Patterns in Counselling Practice
In counselling, clients often come in thinking their problem is about one specific relationship. A partner feels distant, a colleague feels controlling, or a family situation feels exhausting. As the conversation goes on, it often becomes clear that the distress is not only about what is happening now. It is usually connected to an older and more familiar pattern, shaped by past relationships, that still affects how the client relates today.
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Counselling Australia Magazine
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