Welcome to the official website for the 45th National Conference of the Australian Association for Cognitive and Behaviour Therapy to be held in Fremantle / Walyalup (Western Australia) 16-18 October 2025.

We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the lands on which we will meet. We pay our respect to their ancestors and their descendants, who continue cultural and spiritual connections to Country. We recognise their valuable contribution to Australian and global society.


Our full conference program is now available - click through to view, and you can also download the Eventee app for use on your mobile device from the below links:

(search for our event code "24418" or "AACBT")

Or you can scan this QR code:

 

 

 


 

The 2025 conference theme is “Innovating CBT for diverse minds, needs, and peoples”.

 

Cognitive and behavioural therapies (CBT) continue to evolve to meet the needs of diverse communities, identities, and lived experiences. From the unique challenges faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, trans and gender-diverse, and neurodivergent individuals, to those navigating complex physical, psychological, or social-relational conditions, our field must innovate to ensure CBT remains inclusive, effective, and relevant.

 

This year’s conference will showcase high-quality, cutting-edge research and clinical practice that pushes the boundaries of traditional CBT while remaining grounded in evidence-based principles. We will explore how adaptations in formulation, intervention, and service delivery can enhance accessibility and effectiveness across diverse cultures, demographics, and conditions. Whether you work in research, clinical practice, or educational settings, this is an opportunity to engage with leading experts, share best practices, and shape the future of CBT.

 

Join us at the conference to connect, learn, and contribute to a growing movement of innovation and inclusivity in cognitive and behavioural therapies.

 

 

The 2025 Abstract book is now published.

 

If you would like to partner with AACBT and our national conference, please contact us for more information about our exciting opportunities, or read more in our information booklet.

 

 


 

Click here to jump down the page

Ticket sales

What's on at #AACBT25

Keynote and invited speakers

Abstract info

Early career info

Conference venue

Conference committee

Terms

 


 

Click here to see our other conference pages

Abstract information

Abstract portal

Ticket sales

Keynote and invited speakers

Scientific program

Workshops

Social events

Sponsorships

Things to do before / after national conference

 


 

Conference venue and accommodation

 

The 2025 conference will be hosted at:

 

  • The Esplanade
  • Cnr Marine Terrace and Essex Street
  • Fremantle / Walyalup, Western Australia 6160

 

 

 

Do you need accommodation?

 

This year we have partnered with Conference National and their Accommodation Link product - there is a portal just for AACBT delegates! (Be quick, their special rates expire on 10 Sep 2025.)

 

Get directions to the venue on Google Maps.

 

 

Transport to and from the venue is at your own cost - the conference venue is very close to public transport options.

 

If you need alternative accommodation ideas, please search "Fremantle Hotels" on Google.

 

 


 

 

 

 


 

Keynote and Invited speakers (#)

 

Our keynote speakers - click here for more information:

 

  • Judith S. Beck (live-streamed from the US, not pre-recorded)
    • Recovery-Oriented CBT
  • Pat Dudgeon
    • CBT and Aboriginal wellbeing
  • Liz Pellicano
    • Neurodiversity

 

Our invited speakers - click here for more information:

 

  • Nicole Lee
    • CBT for substance use
  • Yael Perry
    • Gender diversity
  • Lauren Breen
    • Childhood Grief
  • Vance Locke - Masterclass
    • Functional Neurological Disorder

 

Saturday is workshop day - there are two streams - full details on our workshops page:

 

  • Liz Pellicano (all-day stream)
    • Neurodiversity
  • Nicole Lee (1/2-day stream)
    • CBT and AOD
  • Lauren Breen (1/2-day stream)
    • Grief

 


 

Ticket sales – open now!

 

Face-2-face ticket prices:

 

Ticket type 2-day scientific program Single-day scientific program All-day workshop 1/2-day workshops

Additional Friday PM social event

AACBT Student Member $250 $175 $110 $55 $150
AACBT Member $950 $665 $325 $165 $150
Non-member $1,115 $780 $455 $230 $150

 

 

Livestream via Zoom (main room only) ticket prices (includes all keynote & invited speakers):

 

 Ticket type   2-day scientific program   Single-day scientific program 
 AACBT Student Member   $150   $105 
 AACBT Member   $570   $400 
 Non-member   $670   $470 

 

 

 

Book your tickets here

 

Book your Friday social only tickets

 


 

What can I expect at #AACBT25?

 

  • Two days of scientific program, with presentations from leading researchers and practitioners
    • Judith Beck, live-streamed into the venue with her keynote address
  • Discussions on current topics related to the cognitive and behavioural families
  • A Master Clinician session, included in scientific program ticket
  • Opportunities to network with your peers
  • Up-to-date information in CBT
  • Awards, recognitions, and special events

 

You can choose to attend in-person in Fremantle / Walyalup, or view our main room on-line via Zoom (including all keynote and invited speakers). 

 

 


 

Abstract portal

 

The abstract portal is currently closed.

 

The abstract portal is open now and submissions are will be accepted for symposium (max time 60 min), open papers, poster presentations, and rapid presentations.

 

Full details on our information page, including guidelines and templates.

 

Our abstract portal is hosted via SurveyMonkey this year.

 

Abstract portal closed on Wednesday 30 April 2025.

 


 

Early Career Researcher and Clinician mentoring meeting!

 

This is a networking event for PhD students, Post-Doctoral fellows, Honours students, clinicians in training, clinicians and anyone who may be early in their career. The networking event will provide an opportunity for people to chat with senior clinicians and researchers who will share their knowledge and tips for success! There will also be the opportunity for networking with peers.

 

Our panel members are key members of our CBT community:

 

  • Liz Pellicano
  • Lauren Breen
  • Vance Locke
  • Kristin Gainey
  • Caroline Donovan
  • Lara Farrell

 

This event is organised by the AACBT ECR sub-committee and is **free** for delegates who are registered for the scientific program.

 

We would like to thank our Early Career Researcher and Clinician mentoring meeting Networking Supporter: The School of Psychological Science at The University of Western Australia.

 

 


 

Book your tickets here

 


 

The AACBT National Conference Committee 2025

 

  • Dr Danielle Mathersul (Scientific Convenor 2025 – WA)
  • A/Prof Rebecca Anderson (Convenor 2025, WA Branch Chair)
  • Prof Peter McEvoy (National Conferences – Chair)
  • Prof Ross G Menzies (National President)
  • Ms Natasha Dean (National Workshops Coordinator)
  • Dr Carolina Gonzalez (Marketing)
  • Dr Luke Ney (Early Career Research Chair)
  • Dr Kate Tonta & Dr Adelln Sng (Social Events Coordinator)
  • A/Prof Rodrigo Becerra (Volunteer Coordinator)
  • Ms Melissa Mulcahy (Partnerships Coordinator)
  • Prof Lisa Phillips (Scientific Co-convenor 2026 - Vic)
  • A/Prof Eric Morris (Scientific Co-convenor 2026 - Vic)
  • Ms Lisa Catania (Convenor 2026, Vic Branch Chair)

 

The conference is supported by Mr Peter Pohlman (Conference Secretariat).

 

The AACBT Board is grateful for the assistance of the many volunteers it takes to put on a successful conference of this scale.

 


 

Image credits: The Esplanade, Business Events Perth

 


 

All prices are shown in AUD$ and GST inclusive. Discounts apply for group bookings of non-members, contact info@aacbt.org.au for further information. [AACBT members and student members already receive their best pricing.] All orders will receive an e-mail confirmation – please be sure to check your SPAM folder if you do not receive a message.

 

Cancellations attract a 25% processing fee. Cancellations within one week of the event attract a 50% processing fee. Cancellations within 24 hours of the event will not be refunded under any circumstances. If you wish to transfer the name of your registration to someone else there is no charge, providing that they are the same ticket type as yourself. EG if you purchased a ticket for a member, and the new guest is also a member etc. If there is a difference in ticket type you will need to pay the additional charge at the time of name transfer.

 

COVID ticket cancellation – Medical The health and safety of event attendees is our highest priority. AACBT is mindful of the health risks posed by COVID-19, and the importance of following official medical advice with respect to social distancing, practicing good hygiene and staying at home when unwell. AACBT requests that any delegate who is feeling unwell or has cold or flu like symptoms, or who may have been in contact with someone with COVID-19, not attend our events. If, on medical grounds, you are unable to attend an event, you must cancel your attendance in writing by email to info@aacbt.org.au. We can transfer your ticket with no penalty to the on-line offering, or a full refund can be provided, however you may be asked to provide additional details.

 


 

# AACBT reserves the right to alter the program as may be required