Evidence-based practice is at the heart of quality counselling. As the profession continues to grow across Australia, so too does the need for research that explores effective therapeutic approaches, improves client outcomes, and strengthens the counselling profession.
That’s why Certified Practising Counsellors Australia (CPCA) is proud to introduce the CPCA Research Grant Initiative—a new annual programme designed to support researchers and invest in the future of counselling.
Investing in the Future of Counselling
Research plays a vital role in advancing professional practice. It helps counsellors better understand what works, informs ethical and effective interventions, and contributes to improved outcomes for individuals, families, and communities.
The CPCA Research Grant Initiative has been created to encourage original Australian research while providing meaningful support to emerging researchers undertaking postgraduate study.
For the inaugural 2025/2026 round, CPCA will award:
- Five research grants
- $1,000 per grant
- Total funding pool of $5,000
Each successful applicant will undertake a one-year research project before publishing their findings in a dedicated edition of the CPCA Research Journal.
Why Has CPCA Created This Initiative?
CPCA is committed to supporting not only practising counsellors, but also the future development of the profession.
This initiative aims to:
- Advance evidence-based counselling practice.
- Support emerging counselling researchers.
- Encourage innovation in therapeutic techniques and interventions.
- Build stronger partnerships.
- Publish original Australian counselling research that benefits practitioners, educators, policymakers, and the wider community.
By investing in research today, CPCA hopes to contribute to stronger counselling services for future generations.
Research Topics
The inaugural grant round will focus on five important areas where counselling continues to make a significant impact.
Applicants may apply to undertake research within one of the following topics:
Indigenous Children
Research exploring culturally safe counselling approaches, trauma-informed practice, and therapeutic effectiveness for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
Indigenous Adults
Research examining counselling techniques, healing-centred engagement, and culturally responsive therapeutic models for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults.
Domestic Violence
Research investigating counselling interventions for victim-survivors or perpetrator intervention programmes, including trauma recovery, risk management, and long-term wellbeing.
Incarcerated Adults
Research into counselling delivery within correctional settings, rehabilitation outcomes, and the mental health needs of incarcerated adults.
Juvenile Offenders
Research focusing on therapeutic approaches for young people involved in the justice system, including trauma-informed care, rehabilitation, and early intervention.
These research priorities reflect areas where high-quality counselling research has the potential to make a meaningful contribution to practice and improve outcomes for vulnerable communities.
Who Can Apply?
Applications are open to:
- Anyone working or studying in the field of Counselling
More Than Funding
Beyond financial support, successful applicants will receive valuable professional recognition.
Grant recipients will benefit from:
- Publication in the CPCA Research Journal
- National exposure within the counselling profession
- Recognition as contributors to evidence-based practice
- Opportunities to share research that may influence future counselling approaches and policy
For emerging researchers, publication also provides an excellent opportunity to build an academic profile while contributing meaningful knowledge to the profession.
Supporting Research That Makes a Difference
Counselling continues to evolve alongside Australia’s changing social, cultural, and mental health landscape. Continued investment in research ensures practitioners have access to current evidence, innovative approaches, and a stronger understanding of what best supports clients.
Through this initiative, CPCA hopes to encourage research that not only meets academic standards but also has practical application in everyday counselling practice.
Whether improving trauma-informed care, strengthening culturally responsive practice, or identifying more effective therapeutic techniques, each research project has the potential to make a lasting impact.
Learn More
Applications for the inaugural CPCA Research Grant Initiative will open soon.
If you’re interested or know someone who may be eligible we encourage you to explore the initiative, learn about the available research topics, and prepare your application.
Visit the CPCA Research Grant Initiative page to learn more about eligibility, grant funding, the application process, and upcoming dates.
Together, we’re helping build the future of counselling research in Australia.
