The last year has been something of a feast for a new CASA member such as me. Having completed my formal study in 2008, I have appreciated the opportunity to attend the seminars on offer in 2009 and now in 2010.
Diana Collett has continued with another helpful, challenging and stimulating Saturday afternoon presentation.
Her explanation of terms specific to the topic formed the basis of a talk that echoed for me experiences I have had, both positive and negative, and introduced new ways of seeing how important it is to assess continually the influence of power and rank in counselling relationships. The categories she shared, Personal, Socio-economic, Psychological and Spiritual, and the resulting interplay between these four, began to clarify for me the fuzzy thoughts I have come to own over the years. As she spoke I found myself responding mentally, “That’s right,” “Very good, now I understand that better,” “I must remember that,” and other similar statements.
The Social Rank Diana presented, formalised and gave specific guidance for investigating oneself and one’s client, and therefore how the relationship can be better understood for the benefit of the client.
Mindell’s book will certainly be added to my “To Read” list.
Diana effectively included the attendees in her presentation. Early on she explained that an afternoon seminar was insufficient to fully cover the topic. She gave enough information to encourage further investigation later and sought attendee participation that was well received. Her efforts to include a spread of participants and her specific responses to questions, statements and views expressed showed her breadth of knowledge and fine communication skills.
Richard Osborne
Attendees at the February PD event
CASA PD Evaluation Forms have gone online
At the end of 2009 we commenced trialing a new online Professional Development Evaluation Feedback system which we have now used for our last two PD workshops.
The way it works is very simple. After attending a PD event members are sent an email with a link that goes straight to the online evaluation form. Just a few clicks with optional comments and it’s done! Privacy is protected and all submissions are completely anonymous.
The advantages of going online for the evaluation have been significant, especially for the PD Convener and Sub-Committee Members. With the old system all the sheets were collected by hand, numerical data was collated and comments were typed out manually and presented into a report. The new system collates everything automatically and prints out a finished report.
Whilst some of us are not as comfortable with computers as others, the benefits in time saving and material costs are well worth the change and we encourage you to give it a try!
Presentation material, in addition to that provided by the speaker on the day, is also made available for electronic download. These are available following completion of the Evaluation Form or alternatively may be requested by email.
Our Premier Event in 2010
Make sure you keep May 1st free so you can attend the CASA 2010 Conference. We have an impressive line-up of presenters at this event, with the keynote address given by Volker Krohn, Director of the Hoffman Centre Australia/Singapore.
So prepare to be spoilt with topical, informative workshops, delicious food and the opportunity to network with both speakers and colleagues.
Stay tuned for full details to be announced soon!
Internet Advertising Page Gaining Popularity
Our Internet Group Advertising Program subscriber list is continuing to grow, and we have already received positive feedback from members who are getting new enquiries since signing up for the service.
The graphical counsellor directory page is now the most-visited web page on our site as a result of our prominence in Google's search results. We know of at least one other Counselling Association that will be following CASA's lead and implementing a similar service nationally.
If you are eligible* and wish to participate, act now by logging into the Members Area of our web site and completing the simple online application form. You may subscribe at any time throughout the year for as little as $100.00 per annum.
* Subscribers must be Professional or Clinical CASA members and have current indemnity insurance.
Request for Helpers at PD Events
With our ever increasing numbers attending PD events, we need to have more helpers assisting us to set up and clean up for afternoon tea. If you would like to offer your services in this regard for future events, please contact Judy Headley, the PD convener, at casa.profdev@casa.asn.au. Your help would be much appreciated.
Welcome to New Members
The CASA Executive takes great pleasure in welcoming to CASA: Fiona, Nadia, Robert and John.
Best wishes in your counselling careers, and/or in your continuing studies. We very much look forward to your involvement in CASA with us.
Have you read Our Philosophy recently?
The Association’s Philosophy is a statement of principles, beliefs and values about our world view of ourselves as counsellors, the service we provide and the individuals and community we serve. At the practitioner level it serves to guide our thoughts and actions.
It reads in part:
The Practitioner acknowledges that in the practitioner/client relationship the practitioner has considerable power and influence. We endeavour to use this power and influence to affirm and further the development of the client and their efficacy in the world.
If you are looking for additional professional development opportunities, check out the Calendar of Events on the CASA website. This service is a free listing for events that are considered to comply with our requirements for eligibility as professional development.
Professional Development activities are to be relevant to clinical practice and to core competencies of counselling and psychotherapy.
Such activities may include workshops, seminars, lectures, courses and conferences presented by appropriately qualified practitioners who are recognised by our profession as having advanced expertise in the topic being addressed.
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in association with Ingrid Poulson
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What: This workshop aims to:
develop strategies for managing stress, adversity and change
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Ingrid will present the unique RISE model of resilience success and how to develop and implement key resilience skills.
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Where:
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Cost: $225.00+ GST $22.50 = $247.50 Price includes: Morning and afternoon teas, and handouts.
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Trauma Workshops
Christian Counsellors Association (SA),
in association with Tabor Adelaide, is presenting a series of workshops on Trauma Counselling.
The presenter is Associate Professor Ione Lewis, vice president of PACFA.
The three workshop sessions will be conducted at the end of February, and CASA members will be offered the CCAA member rate for attendance.
Power and Rank - a review of our recent PD event 
