The 2012 APS Clinical Psychology Conference was held from 29 June to 1 July at the Sheraton on the Park in Sydney and it was extremely pleasing to have 560 delegates in attendance. The Conference delivered an outstanding program and brought together prominent practitioners and researchers under the banner of ‘Clinical psychology: Developments in applied psychology’. 

The program offered thirty-four workshops (comprising eight master classes and twenty-six workshops) that explored new and challenging themes relevant to those who teach, work or study in the field of clinical psychology. An inspiring group of highly experienced and well respected presenters delivered engaging presentations complementing those of the two distinguished keynote speakers, Professor Mark Creamer FAPS and Adjunct Associate Professor Amanda Gordon Hon FAPS. Mark discussed recent developments in the understanding of the nature, prevalence and treatment of psychological reactions to trauma, as well as the implications for recovery planning. Amanda highlighted the crucial need to promote the field of psychology within the rapidly evolving landscape of primary health reform, Medicare Locals, and changes to the Better Access and other program-based mental health initiatives. 

The master classes and workshops covered a diverse range of highly relevant topics including CBT, family-based therapy for eating disorders, changing treatment to prevent relapse from alcohol addiction, relationship issues and identification of posttraumatic stress disorder.

Along with this stimulating scientific program, social and networking functions at the Conference offered the opportunity to mingle with other delegates in a friendly and relaxed environment and expand collegiate networks. The Conference dinner was held at the Wharf Restaurant accompanied by spectacular views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. 

The Conference Organising Committee worked diligently and were assisted by a large number of student volunteers over the three days of the Conference, which was very much appreciated. The next APS Clinical Psychology Conference will be held in Melbourne in 2014. 

Fay Oberklaid FAPS, Conference Chair

Clinical expertise hits the news

The APS media campaign for the Conference aimed to highlight the diverse expertise of APS clinical psychologists. Stories featuring Conference presenters appeared in publications and broadcasts with a total audience of over 11 million people. A mix of mainstream, medical and niche publications ran or will run Conference stories, including in-depth feature articles. Media coverage commenced a week ahead of the Conference and is continuing with articles and interviews scheduled to appear in late July, August and September. 

Media highlights 

  • The high rating 2UE weekend radio program interviewed Professor Bruce Stevens about the Conference, while College Chair Anthony Cichello provided a Conference round-up to Radio Norfolk.
  • Psychiatry Update featured a story on Professor Mark Creamer and his call for improved PTSD training for clinicians.
  • The Canberra Times interviewed Professor Bruce Stevens about the impact of romantic affairs, and this was syndicated to 185 Fairfax news websites around Australia.
  • The high quality, respected online publication The Conversation published an ‘explainer’ piece on bipolar disorder, written by Professor Greg Murray.
  • Associate Professor Bruce Stevens appeared on Channel 7’s Weekend Sunrise program, one of the highest rating breakfast shows, to discuss relationship issues.
  • A feature article on ADHD, including an interview with APS President-Elect Tim Hannan, will be published in late July in the Body and Soul lift-out that appears in the Sunday News Ltd papers.
  • Seniors publication 50 Something has commissioned a piece on ageing and dementia by Professor Nancy Pachana.
  • The online magazine Happy Child will publish feature articles on ADHD and parenting an Asperger’s child based on interviews with Associate Professor Tim Hannan and Sally Lock in the coming weeks.
  • ABC Radio stations around Australia enthusiastically took up discussions with some of the key Conference presenters, engaging listeners in conversations that covered destructive anger, psychological strategies to prevent alcohol relapse, relationship crises, ageing, posttraumatic stress and more. 

See APS in the News online to read some of the highlighted articles – www.psychology.org.au/news/in_the_news/

Karen Coghlan, Senior Media Coordinator, National Office

InPsych August 2012

 
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