By Cobus Du Toit, Clinical Psychologist
In this Q&A blog post, we’re excited to feature Cobus Du Toit, Clinical Psychologist, who made a significant leap in his career journey. Having trained as a psychologist in South Africa, Cobus embarked on the NorthStar Transitional Program which helped him navigate the rigorous process to become eligible to practice as a psychologist in Australia. Join us as we delve into Cobus’s experiences, challenges, and triumphs during this transformative phase.
As a South African, why did you want to practice in Australia?
After completing my Community Service placement at a South African governmental psychiatric hospital, I wanted to continue practising in a governmental clinical setting. However, at the time there were no governmental Clinical Psychology positions available because of funding constraints – neither in Port Elizabeth (where I was based) nor in the wider Eastern Cape. We had a young family to provide for, and the reality set in that after so many years of specialised study leading to my much-needed skill set, I was unable to secure full-time stable employment. Faced with that decision, my wife and I opted to move to Australia, with the hope of better opportunities. We were granted a scarce skill working visa with a pathway to PR, and Northside Psychology offered me a full-time permanent position in their private practice in Canberra as well as the necessary support required to complete the Transitional Program.
Why did you go through the Transitional Program?
To register as a Psychologist in Australia, AHPRA requires all overseas psychologists to complete a transitional program prior to registration as a General Psychologist in Australia. This consists of three months of supervised practice by a registered board-approved supervisor as a Provisional Psychologist, culminating in the National Psychology Exam. I was supervised by Jenni Avidon at Northside Psychology for my transitional program, while practising there as a Provisional Psychologist. I passed the Exam on my first attempt, so was able to apply for my General Psychologist AHPRA registration after 3 months of working in Australia.
What was your experience like going through the Transitional Program (from initial fears and/or excitement to challenges and opportunities)?
It was overwhelming to be faced with all the administrative requirements and documentation needed to apply for the Transitional Program through AHPRA, particularly after the volume of admin required to secure our scarce skill visas for Australia. Jenni’s experience as a supervisor for the Transitional Program turned a potentially stressful 3 months into an enjoyable period of supervised practice. She validated my skill set and competencies, and provided the necessary feedback required, which ensured my successful and efficient completion of the Transitional Program.
What were your key takeaways from the Program?
The Transitional Program helped me realise that my skills and competencies gained through my Honours and Masters’ degrees in South Africa equipped me to hit the ground running in Australia. Completing the Program reassured me that my knowledge of the discipline, including intervention strategies, was already sound. The Program further bridged my gap in knowledge relating to ethical, legal and professional matters specific to the Australian (and the ACT) context.
Since you’ve been practicing in Australia for over a year now, can you tell us what the experience has been like? Benefits of practising in Australia?
I did not fully comprehend the scope and opportunity available in Australia for persons who possess a scarce skill like clinical psychology. Compared to the limited opportunities in South Africa, the world is truly your oyster in Australia when choosing what to specialise in, and in what type of setting you want to work. After a year gaining invaluable experience at Northside Psychology’s private practice, I am now working at the University of Canberra’s Medical and Counselling Centre, providing psychotherapy for a student population within a multidisciplinary team. At both workplaces, I’ve appreciated the recognition of a variety of evidence-based therapeutic interventions, and access to a range of professional development opportunities.
Anything you learned about yourself along with way that you’d be comfortable sharing?
I’ve recognised the resilience that we as South Africans have. To secure meaningful employment in our home country is a privilege, not an entitlement. As with most individuals working at my professional level, we’ve had to work so hard to get to where we are now. In Australia, that hard work (and work ethic) pays off and is rewarded. Plus, this often happens in a much shorter timeframe compared to in South Africa. We immigrated only a year ago, yet have already experienced so much joy and success, both personally and professionally, as well as wonderful work opportunities. I’m thrilled to have recently obtained my Clinical Endorsement through AHPRA, so that I can utilise the title of Clinical Psychologist in Australia. This opens even more opportunities for my professional future.