About — Tasmanian School Psychologists Association

A place to connect & learn

About

The Tasmanian School Psychology Association (TSPA) is the Tasmanian branch of the Australian Psychologists and Counsellors in Schools Association (APACS). We are a professional association dedicated to supporting school psychologists, counsellors, and school-based allied health professionals who work to enhance the wellbeing, learning, and development of children and young people across Tasmania.

Established in 2012, TSPA was formed following the transition from the Tasmanian chapter of the Australian Guidance and Counselling Association. Since then, we have continued to advocate for and support professionals working within educational settings, while fostering a strong and connected professional community.

At TSPA, we believe that meaningful connections, lifelong learning, and professional growth are essential to effective practice. We provide opportunities for members to connect with colleagues, engage in high-quality professional learning, share knowledge and resources, and contribute to the ongoing development of school psychology and counselling services within Tasmania.

Our work is guided by three core values:

Connection – We foster meaningful relationships among school psychologists, counsellors, school-based allied health professionals, and the wider community. Through collaboration, support, and shared experiences, we create a strong professional network that enhances wellbeing, strengthens practice, and promotes positive outcomes for students.

Learning – We are committed to lifelong learning and evidence-based practice. We encourage curiosity, professional development, and the sharing of knowledge to ensure members remain informed, skilled, and responsive to the evolving needs of children, young people, and school communities.

Growth – We support the personal and professional growth of practitioners at every stage of their career. By embracing reflection, innovation, and continuous improvement, we empower members to develop their expertise, build confidence, and make a meaningful impact within their schools and communities.

Together, we strive to strengthen the profession, support our members, and improve outcomes for the children, young people, families, and school communities we serve.

FAQs

The Australian Psychologists and Counsellors in Schools (APACS) is the national professional association representing school psychologists, counsellors, and guidance officers across Australia. As a TSPA member, you also gain access to APACS benefits, including free webinars, the Journal of Psychologists and Counsellors in Schools, a biannual national conference, advocacy at a national level, professional resources, and opportunities to connect with colleagues across Australia.
New memberships are $120, with renewal memberships priced at $100, and a discounted student rate of $80. Your membership provides access to professional development opportunities, networking events, resources, and the benefits of TSPA's affiliation with APACS, including webinars, publications, conferences, and national advocacy.
Most of our webinars are recorded and made available to members after the event. However, recording is at the discretion of the presenter, so not all sessions will be available for later viewing.
You can find the link here: https://www.apacs.org.au/membersareajournal
Absolutely! We'd love to have you as part of our community. While many of our professional development opportunities are designed for school psychologists, most are also highly relevant to counsellors and social workers working in educational settings. Occasionally, we offer training focused on psychological assessment, which may be less applicable to some members. However, these sessions are infrequent, and the majority of our events focus on topics that support the wellbeing, learning, and development of students and school communities.
Yes! If you work with school-aged children and young people, you are welcome to join TSPA.
Many of the professional development opportunities, resources, and networking benefits available through TSPA are relevant to professionals working in a range of settings, including private practice, community services, health, and education. Membership can still provide valuable opportunities for learning, connection, and professional growth.