As the CPD deadline approaches, psychologists and counsellors across Australia are considering opportunities trainings that meet their professional development needs. With so many options available in relation to substantive and practice skills, it can feel overwhelming to choose the right CPD activities. How can you ensure compliance while fostering your growth? Here are some tips to help you make the most of your CPD journey.
Understand the CPD Requirements in Your Jurisdiction
Before diving into CPD activities, it’s most important to familiarise yourself with the specific requirements set out by your regulator. Your time is valuable, and failing to meet CPD obligations can lead to significant consequences, including potential adverse action by your regulator. How many hours or points do you need for your renewal? What types of activities qualify as CPD? What competency areas should you focus on?
Our guides on the CPD rules can help clarify this important requirement for your profession.
Identify Your Knowledge Gaps
Reflect on the past year: What challenges have you faced in your practice? Have you encountered situations that sparked an interest in a specific therapeutic approach or area of psychology? Are there skills you’ve realized need improvement? CPD offers a valuable opportunity for growth, allowing you to explore new areas or enhance your existing expertise. Additionally, you might consider areas of emerging practice growth such as Artificial Intelligence or use of technology to assist your practice skills.
Focus on Skills for Professional Development
The mental health field is constantly evolving and the academic literature is always developing. The professional development journey of a practitioner requires an ever increasing set of skills. In addition to identifying your personal development needs, you may wish to also identify current trends in your profession. Here are some emerging growth areas for psychologists and counsellors:
- Building a Cultural Competent;
- Building a Neuroaffirmative practice;
- Emotional Intelligence and Building Client Rapport;
- The use of artificial intelligence in note-taking and report writing;
- Technology Proficiency (including in tele-health);
- Client Management software;
- Self-Care, Wellbeing and Resilience Strategies.
Set SMART Professional Goals
Once you have identified the skills you want to develop, it’s time to set SMART goals. This method can significantly enhance your professional growth and CPD experience.
SMART stands for:
- Specific: Clearly define your goal. Vague goals are harder to achieve than specific ones.
- Measurable: Determine how you will track your progress. What metrics will you use to assess your advancement?
- Achievable: Ensure your goal is challenging yet attainable. This balance will motivate you without overwhelming you.
- Realistic: Consider your available resources and relevance to your future career. Is this goal feasible?
- Timely: Set a clear timeline for achieving your goal. Deadlines create urgency and help prioritize your CPD activities.
For example, a SMART goal might look like this:
“I want to complete a workshop on neuroaffirmative practice by March 2025 to better support my diverse client base. I will track my progress through client feedback over the following three months.”
This goal is specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timely—making it a solid foundation for professional development.
Leverage Expert Knowledge
The time and resources you invest in CPD are of central importance for your career. When selecting courses, prioritise those led by experienced professionals in your profession.
Make the Most of Your CPD Experience
Take this opportunity to invest in yourself and your practice—your clients will benefit, and so will you.
