ACA Sydney CBD Chapter - May 2026

Name: ACA Sydney CBD Chapter - May 2026
Start: 2026-05-16T09:30:00+11:00
End: 2026-05-16T09:30:00+11:00
Location: Anzac Memorial

About

The ACA Sydney CBD Chapter meets in person on the Third Saturday of each month.

Agenda - Dementia Counselling: Clinical Skills, Complex Grief & Family Dynamics
Presented by Martine Barclay

This 90-minute presentation explores the therapeutic role of counsellors working with individuals living with dementia, as well as their carers and family members. Grounded in clinical practice, the session examines how counsellors can adapt traditional therapeutic approaches to meet the cognitive, emotional, and relational complexities associated with conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and other progressive dementias.
Participants will deepen their understanding of dementia as not only a neurological condition but a profoundly relational and identity-altering experience. The presentation highlights dementia counselling as fundamentally grief-oriented work—addressing ambiguous loss, anticipatory grief, identity disruption, and evolving family roles.
Through three applied case studies (early-stage diagnosis, caregiver burnout, and family conflict), attendees will explore practical interventions, ethical considerations around consent and capacity, and strategies for managing countertransference. The session also examines therapeutic adaptations, including pacing, communication modifications, validation approaches, and systemic family work.
Designed for counselling professionals, this presentation integrates theory, clinical tools, reflective exercises, and real-world application to enhance practitioner confidence and competence in supporting clients navigating the dementia illness.
Participants will leave with actionable strategies, greater clarity in their therapeutic role, and a strengthened capacity to provide grounded, compassionate care in complex dementia contexts.

Martine is a Clinical Counsellor and accredited supervisor working across both the not-for-profit and private practice sectors. In her not-for-profit role she has a special focus on supporting individuals living with dementia, as well as their carers and family members. In community-based settings, Martine provides compassionate, evidence-informed counselling to help families navigate the complex emotional and practical realities of dementia. The four most prevalent in Australia are Alzheimer’s, Lewy-Body, Fronto-temporal and Vascular dementia.
Through a person-centred and strengths-based approach, Martine helps clients process grief and anticipatory loss, manage uncertainty, improve communication, and maintain dignity and connection throughout the progression of the disease. Her work empowers carers and families with tools to reduce burnout, strengthen resilience, and make informed decisions with greater confidence.
In private practice, Martine supports adults experiencing anxiety, stress, insomnia and lifestyle overwhelm. With a focus on building sustainable practices—emotionally, mentally, and physically—Martine works collaboratively with clients to develop practical strategies for nervous system regulation, boundary-setting, and long-term wellbeing.
Known for her warmth, clarity, and grounded insight, Martine is passionate about helping people move from surviving to optimised lifestyle practices—whether navigating the challenges of dementia care or building resilience in everyday life.

Memberships: ACA Level 4 and Accredited Supervisor, PACFA Clinical Member, Full Member Australasian Sleep Association, Practitioner Member Australasian Lifestyle Medicine.