AACBT 2026 National Conference: Melbourne, October 2026
Event Date: October 15–October 17, 2026
Location: Naarm / Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
AACBTAustralasia
46th National Conference
AACBT 2026 National Conference
“Evolving practice: curiosity, context and connection”
Paste AACBT logo URL in srcThe Australian Association for Cognitive and Behaviour Therapy returns to Naarm | Melbourne for its 46th National Conference. For the first time the programme runs across three full days, with a sharpened focus on practical, clinic-ready content.
Wominjeka. The AACBT acknowledges the Wurundjeri people, traditional custodians of the lands on which the conference will meet, and pays respect to their ancestors and descendants, who continue cultural and spiritual connections to Country.
At a glance
About the conference
The 2026 conference brings together national and international leaders from across the family of the cognitive and behavioural therapies. The programme pairs an expanded scientific schedule with masterclasses and hands-on, skills-based learning, answering member and past-attendee feedback that asked for more clinically practical content.
Sessions are designed to support clinicians working in real-world settings. A panel discussion brings keynote speakers, invited experts and lived-experience perspectives together to explore contemporary issues across the cognitive and behavioural therapies.
The theme, in three parts
Curiosity
Supports strong formulation and keeps clinicians open, reflective and responsive.
Context
Psychological difficulties are shaped by developmental, relational, cultural and systemic factors, so evidence-based practice must adapt to the real-world settings in which therapy happens.
Connection
The therapeutic relationship and our capacity to work collaboratively remain central to engagement, learning and meaningful change.
Programme highlights
- Expanded three-day scientific programme
- Masterclasses and skills-based learning
- Keynote and invited-expert panelWith lived-experience perspectives
- Assessment, formulation, intervention and service delivery
- Early-career research stream
- Social events programme
Conference committee
- Prof Lisa PhillipsScientific Co-convenor, Vic
- A/Prof Eric MorrisScientific Co-convenor, Vic
- Ms Lisa CataniaConvenor 2026, Vic Branch Chair
- Prof Peter McEvoyNational Conferences Committee Chair
- Prof Ross G MenziesNational President
- Ms Natasha DeanSocial Events Coordinator
Conference flyer
Details are subject to change. Please visit the conference website or contact the organisers to confirm.