AACBT National Conference 2026

The AACBT National Conference 2026 is a three-day professional conference organised by the Australian Association for Cognitive and Behaviour Therapy. Taking place from 15 to 17 October 2026 at The Langham, Melbourne, in Southbank, Victoria, the conference brings together clinicians, researchers, educators, students and other professionals working in cognitive and behavioural therapies.

The 46th National Conference explores the theme "Evolving practice: curiosity, context and connection". It provides a platform for discussing developments in evidence-based psychological care, sharing research findings and examining practical approaches to clinical work.

With an expanded scientific programme, masterclasses and skills-based learning opportunities, the conference is designed to support professionals seeking to strengthen their knowledge and apply contemporary evidence to real-world practice.

Understanding the Conference Theme

Curiosity, context and connection represent three important elements of effective psychological practice. Curiosity encourages practitioners to remain open, reflective and responsive when understanding a person's difficulties. It supports thoughtful assessment, collaborative formulation and continued learning.

Context recognises that psychological experiences are influenced by developmental, relational, cultural and systemic factors. Effective care requires practitioners to understand the circumstances surrounding an individual and adapt evidence-based approaches appropriately.

Connection highlights the importance of therapeutic relationships, collaboration and engagement. The quality of professional relationships can influence how people participate in treatment, develop new skills and work towards meaningful change.

Together, these principles encourage thoughtful, flexible and evidence-informed clinical practice.

Evidence Based Cognitive and Behavioural Therapies

Cognitive and behavioural therapies encompass a range of approaches used to understand and address psychological difficulties. These approaches draw on research, structured assessment and collaborative treatment planning to help practitioners develop suitable interventions.

The conference provides an opportunity to explore developments across traditional cognitive therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, applied behaviour analysis, other behavioural approaches and mindfulness-based cognitive and behavioural therapies.

Participants can examine how established methods are being refined, how new evidence influences clinical decisions and how practitioners can maintain high standards when applying therapeutic techniques across different populations and settings.

Assessment and Clinical Formulation

Assessment and formulation are essential components of effective psychological care. They help clinicians understand presenting concerns, identify relevant maintaining factors and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

The conference programme offers a setting for discussing contemporary approaches to clinical assessment and formulation. Participants can consider how personal history, relationships, developmental experiences and environmental circumstances inform clinical understanding.

These discussions are relevant to practitioners seeking to improve case conceptualisation, make informed clinical decisions and tailor interventions to the needs of individual clients.

Practical Approaches to Intervention

Evidence-based treatment requires practitioners to translate research into approaches that are suitable for real-world clinical settings. This involves selecting appropriate interventions, monitoring progress and adapting treatment when circumstances change.

The AACBT National Conference places an increased emphasis on clinically practical content in response to feedback from previous attendees. Sessions and skills-based learning opportunities are designed to help professionals connect scientific knowledge with everyday clinical responsibilities.

Participants can explore approaches to intervention, consider practical challenges and reflect on how clinical techniques can be applied thoughtfully across different client needs and professional environments.

Research and Emerging Clinical Ideas

Research continues to influence the development of cognitive and behavioural therapies. New findings can improve understanding of psychological difficulties, inform assessment methods and contribute to the refinement of existing interventions.

The conference brings together national and international contributors to discuss current research and emerging clinical ideas. Its scientific programme offers opportunities to consider how research findings can inform professional practice while recognising the importance of context, clinical judgement and appropriate interpretation of evidence.

The event also supports knowledge exchange between researchers and practitioners, helping bridge the gap between academic investigation and everyday service delivery.

Masterclasses and Skills Based Learning

A notable feature of the 2026 conference is its expanded three-day format, which includes masterclasses and skills-based learning alongside the scientific programme.

These opportunities are intended to provide a deeper examination of selected clinical topics and support the development of practical professional skills. Attendees can explore specialist approaches, reflect on clinical techniques and learn from experienced contributors.

Participants should consult the official conference programme for specific masterclass descriptions, presenter information, registration requirements and any additional charges associated with particular sessions.

Collaboration and Professional Networking

Professional collaboration is an important part of continuing development in mental health practice. Conferences allow practitioners to exchange experiences, discuss shared challenges and learn how different teams approach clinical and research questions.

The AACBT National Conference creates opportunities for delegates to connect with colleagues from public, community and private practice, as well as academic and educational settings.

Networking can support the development of professional relationships, encourage future collaboration and provide new perspectives on clinical practice. The conference's social programme also gives attendees opportunities to connect with members of the wider cognitive and behavioural therapy community.

Who Should Attend

The conference is relevant to psychologists, psychotherapists, mental health clinicians, researchers, educators and students interested in cognitive and behavioural therapies.

It may also benefit professionals involved in psychological assessment, clinical formulation, treatment delivery, behavioural research, supervision and professional education.

The programme's combination of scientific content and practical learning makes it suitable for attendees at different stages of their professional development. Prospective delegates should check eligibility criteria, membership rates, continuing professional development details and registration options through AACBT.

Venue and Event Information

The AACBT National Conference 2026 is scheduled to take place at The Langham, Melbourne, at 1 Southgate Avenue, Southbank, Victoria 3006, Australia.

The venue is located near Melbourne's central business district and the Yarra River, providing a central setting for a national professional gathering.

The conference runs from Thursday 15 October to Saturday 17 October 2026. Visitors should check the official timetable for individual session hours, registration arrangements and venue access details before travelling.

The AACBT National Conference 2026 offers a dedicated forum for exploring the evolving practice of cognitive and behavioural therapies. Through its focus on curiosity, context and connection, the conference encourages thoughtful clinical work, collaboration and the application of evidence-based psychological care.

With three days of scientific presentations, masterclasses, skills-based learning and professional networking, the event provides opportunities for practitioners, researchers and students to exchange knowledge and strengthen their professional development.

For anyone working in cognitive and behavioural therapies, the conference offers an opportunity to engage with contemporary research, consider practical clinical approaches and connect with Australia's wider professional community.