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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can anyone join the PCA?
Anyone who is a member of the ACA can join the PCA. Students are welcome but there is no membership just entry to meetings via student ID card.
Who does the PCA report to?
We are a professional incorporated body representing counsellors and psychotherapists throughout NSW and the ACT.
The PCA is an independent member association of the Australian Counselling Association Inc. We have our own board and executive and we report the decisions the board makes to the members.
We also report to the Australian Taxation Office and must comply with financial requirements as specified by ASIC and Fair Trade in the running of an Association. There are mandatory requirements we must meet eg. yearly audit of all finances and accounting of documents. Branch procedure, keeping of minutes, and all admin/ accounts must be transparent and accountable. Yearly financial reporting is sent to all members for the annual general meeting.
How often do members of the PCA meet?
We currently have branches in the Sydney, Penrith, Central Coast/Gosford, Hunter/ Newcastle and Illawarra/Wollongong, ACT that deliver bi - monthly and monthly (ACT only) meetings for members and their guests.
For members of the PCA, each branch meeting offers professional development opportunties and group supervision, recognised by the Australian Counselling Association Inc.
The Executive Board Members meet twice yearly and an AGM is held annually.
Can I attend a PCA presentation if I am not a member?
PCA invites guests to attend. Non ACA / PCA members can attend for $20 per presentation but cannot have any paperwork signed by the supervisor. No ongoing professional development (OPD) will be credited and no card signed. A certificate for presentation may be given.
ACA members can attend one meeting as a GUEST to observe what the PCA offers to members.
Then ACA members must join the PCA to continue attending future meetings of the PCA.
Students may attend free of charge (evidence of student status must be shown).
Please Note– as a guest you will not be entitled to have your ACA or any other association card signed, as your invitation is to observe only not for participation.
What are the required qualifications of PCA Counsellors?
All PCA Counsellors are qualified practitioners and hold relevent tertiary and vocational qualifications. All PCA members hold membership with the Australian Counselling Association Inc.
Are all PCA Counsellors Insured?
All PCA Counsellors in private practice listed on our website have a current insurance policy.
Do you have a complaints procedure?
All complaints are dealt with by the ACA. Click here for link
Do PCA Counsellors have to work under a code of ethics?
All PCA Counsellors are required to practise in an ethical and professional manner as outlined in the ACA Code of Conduct and the PCA Constitution.
Do PCA Member Counsellors offer Telephone and Internet Counselling Sessions such as Skype?
As each practitioner is different it is recommended that you ask your practitioner if they offer these services.
How much is membership of the PCA?
Twelve month membership of the PCA is only $125.00 per financial year. This includes annual membership and unlimited entry into any branch meeting in NSW and ACT. Renewals are due on the 1st July each year. Student Membership is free (with student card) per financial year.
Why do I have to be a member of the ACA first?
As a Member Association of the ACA it is a requirement that all members of the PCA hold membership of the ACA first. This allows members to claim the OPD and Supervision points they gather at PCA branch meetings with our national body.
Can I attend different branch meetings?
As a member of the PCA you are able to attend each of the branch meetings throughout NSW and the ACT. (See Branch pages for further details)