Advocacy for Creative and Experiential Therapies
Part of my role as Convenor of PACFA’s College of Creative and Experiential Therapies (CCET),is a pivotal job in actively shaping the landscape of mental health and wellbeing within Australia’s service system and communities. Our consistent outreach to employers and key stakeholders aims to enhance the standards and recognition of Creative Arts and Experiential Therapists nationwide.
PACFA’s comprehensive professional standards and rigorous accreditation process establish it as the most relevant registering body for tertiary qualified, Australian-based Creative Arts and Experiential Therapists. Through CCET’s membership criteria, registered practitioners become recognised providers of therapeutic services, opening doors to various employment opportunities within both government and non-government organisations. Additionally, PACFA’s strong community partnerships and recent recognition by the Victorian Government underscore the increasing significance and impact of Creative Arts and Experiential Therapies within the mental health landscape.
I regularly contact and encourage employers and training institutions to include “Professional Registration with PACFA” as a selection criterion for Creative Arts and Experiential Therapist roles within their organisations. This ensures that candidates’ qualifications and professional registrations align with the high standards set by PACFA’s College of Creative and Experiential Therapies.
Our active contributions to sector policy development, including submissions to the NDIS, National Standards for Counsellors and Psychotherapists, PACFA’s own Professional Competency Standards, National Anti-discrimination Policy, National Arts and Cultural Policy, and the Victorian Government Schools Mental Health Fund and Menu, highlight our dedication to advancing the field on behalf of our members and for the benefit of our communities.
This article is proudly brought to you by Dr Carla van Laar.
Dr Carla is an artist and creative arts therapist living and working on beautiful Boon Wurrung Country down in the south east of Australia in the coastal country township of Inverloch.
She is a passionate advocate for access to creative arts and wellness for all members of our communitiies.
Dr Carla leads by example, in her role as Convenor of PACFA’s College of Creative and Experiential Therapies (CCET),
Founder of the Creative Mental Health Forum and Collective Care Retreat,
Author of articles, resources and books about the power of the arts for healing and wellness.
Dr Carla offers:
individual and small group creative arts therapy sessions at her Inverloch studio,
professional supervision for therapists and counsellors,
creative professional development workshops,
art therapy first aid training
commissioned artworks,
art and mindfulness wellbeing programs,
and arts project development and facilitation.
Please contact Dr Carla with any enquiries at Carlavanlaar@gmail.com
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