Supporting the Future of Counselling Research in Australia
At Certified Practising Counsellors Australia (CPCA), we believe strong research leads to stronger practice.
The CPCA Research Grant Initiative has been established to support researchers undertaking original counselling research that has the potential to improve practice, inform policy, and strengthen outcomes for clients across Australia.
For the inaugural grant round, CPCA will award five research grants of $1,000 each, helping researchers investigate counselling approaches for priority population groups while contributing to the profession’s growing evidence base.
Why We're Investing in Research
As Australia’s counselling profession continues to grow, so too does the need for high-quality research that reflects real-world practice.
The CPCA Research Grant Initiative aims to:
- Advance evidence-based counselling practice
- Support emerging counselling researchers
- Build partnerships
- Increase knowledge across the counselling profession
- Publish original Australian research for practitioners
Successful projects will be published in a dedicated CPCA Research Journal, helping share new knowledge with counsellors, educators and the wider mental health sector.
Grant Overview
Total Grant Pool: $5,000 AUD
Number of Grants: 5 × $1,000 Grants
Who Can Apply: Anyone working or studying in the field of Counselling
Research Period: One Academic Year
Research Focus: Counselling Techniques & Effectiveness
Publication: CPCA Journal Special Edition
Research Topics
Applicants will apply for one of five designated research areas.
Indigenous Children
Research exploring counselling approaches, cultural safety, trauma-informed practice and therapeutic effectiveness for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
Indigenous Adults
Research investigating counselling techniques, healing-centred engagement and culturally responsive therapeutic practice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults.
Domestic Violence
Research examining counselling approaches for victim-survivors or perpetrator intervention programs, including trauma, recovery and risk management.
Incarcerated Adults
Research exploring counselling delivery within correctional settings, rehabilitation outcomes and mental health support for incarcerated adults.
Juvenile Offenders
Research into counselling models for young people within the justice system, including trauma-informed practice, rehabilitation and early intervention.
Who Can Apply?
Applications are open to:
- Anyone working or studying in the field of Counselling
What's Included?
Successful applicants will receive:
- A $1,000 research grant
- Publication in the CPCA Research Journal
- Recognition by an Australian certified professional counselling association
- Opportunities to build relationships within the counselling profession
- Increased exposure for future academic and professional opportunities
How the Grant Works
Step 1
Submit your application, including your research proposal.
Step 2
Applications are independently assessed by the CPCA Research Assessment Panel.
Step 3
Successful applicants receive their first grant payment of $500.
Step 4
Complete your research over one academic year.
Step 5
Submit your final report.
Step 6
Following acceptance for publication, you'll receive your final $500 payment, and your research will be published in the CPCA Journal.
Research Timeline
Applications Open
6–8 week application period
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Assessment
Applications reviewed by the CPCA Assessment Panel
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Research Period
One academic year
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Final Submission
Research submitted for review
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Publication
Research published in the CPCA Research Journal
Why Publish with CPCA?
Publishing with CPCA allows your research to reach practising counsellors, educators and industry leaders across Australia.
Successful applicants receive:
- First publication in the CPCA Journal
- Professional recognition
- Greater visibility within the counselling profession
- An opportunity to contribute to evidence-based counselling practice
Following publication by CPCA, authors remain free to submit their research to academic journals, acknowledging CPCA as the original publisher and grant provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many grants are available?
Five grants of $1,000 each are available.
Can international students apply?
Yes. International students enrolled in an Australian university are eligible.
What type of research is accepted?
Original empirical research involving primary data collection, including surveys, interviews, case studies and program evaluations.
Literature reviews alone are not eligible.
Who owns the research?
Researchers retain authorship.
CPCA receives first publication rights for publication in the CPCA Journal.
When is the grant paid?
The grant is paid in two instalments:
- $500 upon signing the grant agreement
- $500 following acceptance of the completed research report
Ready to Apply?
If you’re passionate about advancing counselling practice and contributing meaningful research to the profession, we’d love to hear from you.
Applications for the CPCA Research Grant Initiative are now open!
Fill out the attached Proposal Template, and tell us about your research proposal.