Image: Panel discussion with Timothy Passfield, Suzie Cosh, and Amanda Akers.

UNE was well-represented at a recent Hunter New England Psychology conference. Over 120 psychologists and mental health workers from across the region assembled in Newcastle to attend two days of symposia, workshops, and networking under the conference theme of “Embracing Complexity: Challenges in Psychological Practice’. 

Associate Professor Suzie Cosh (UNE, School of Psychology) delivered an invited workshop on how to help youth who have distress about climate change or ‘eco-anxiety’. Conference Committee Organiser and UNE representative Dr Phil Tully said “there is a growing concern about climate change but little is known about how to help people deal with eco-anxiety”.

UNE alumni, Amanda Akers, who has recently returned to working in Armidale, delivered an invited workshop on psychedelic assisted therapy. Her presentation was very timely given that the Therapeutic Goods Administration recently approved the use of psychedelics in therapy under tightly controlled conditions.

A/Prof Cosh and Amanda also participated in a lively panel discussion with Emeritus Professor Judy Atkinson AM, and psychologist Timothy Passfield. Important topics were covered to inspire the next generation of clinicians, regaling stories about inspirational individuals from their professional training, positive lessons from training other psychologists, and what improvements are needed to ensure psychologists maintain professional self-care.

Dr Phil Tully said “The annual conference is a great opportunity for the region’s mental health care workers to come together. It is important for UNE’s psychology program to maintain good links with the Hunter New England Local Health District who are the largest employers of UNE Masters graduates”.