As complementary and alternative medicine becomes increasingly integrated into healthcare, psychotherapists are more frequently encountering questions about its role within therapeutic practice. Some Conversational Model therapists also hold qualifications in complementary medicine and seek to incorporate these approaches into their work, while others practise across multiple therapeutic modalities. These developments raise important ethical, professional, and clinical questions regarding scope of practice, therapeutic boundaries, referrals, and the integration of different treatment approaches.

This ANZAP Ethics Education Seminar will examine the interface between complementary medicine and the Conversational Model, providing a forum for thoughtful discussion about ethical decision-making and responsible clinical practice.

The seminar will begin with a keynote presentation by Dr Carrie Thomson-Casey (Southern Cross University), who will explore the nature of complementary medicine, its status as a form of knowledge, and the ethical and professional considerations that arise at the intersection of psychotherapy and complementary healthcare.

A panel of experienced ANZAP clinicians will then share their perspectives and clinical experiences of integrating complementary approaches within psychotherapy, highlighting the opportunities, challenges, and ethical boundaries that inform safe and effective practice.

Keynote Speaker
Dr Carrie Thomson-Casey
Ethics at the Interface: Psychotherapy and Complementary Medicine

Chair
Kath McPhillips
Chair, ANZAP Ethics Committee

Panel

• Kim Hopkirk – Complementary and Chinese Medicine

• Carolyn Crawford – Complementary Medicine and Somatic Therapy

• Jen Holmes Beamer – Complementary Medicine and Yoga

Venue: Live Webinar (Zoom Link Embedded in your booking confirmation emails) Session will be recorded and all attendees will have access to recording for 30 days only.

Date: Saturday, 15th August, 2026 

Time: 9:00am - 12:00pm (AEST) / 11:00am - 2:00pm (NZST)

Cost: $120 (Non Members), $90 (ANZAP Members), $60 (Other Students), $40 (Westmead Students), Free (ANZAP Students)

CPD Certificate: 3 Hours. CPD certificates are issued to attendees who meet one of the following criteria: attend the live webinar with at least 80% attendance.

Contact Event Organiser