As well as keeping you up to date with the latest developments in your industry and providing you access to low-cost professional indemnity insurance, joining an association that is relevant to your discipline will help expand your skills and network rapidly. Whether you're a naturopath, kinesiologist, massage therapist, or practising another modality, you will gain insight from this article which lists the most recognised natural therapy associations in Australia.
1. Australian Natural Therapists Association (ANTA)
Established in 1955, Australian Natural Therapists Association (ANTA) is committed to promoting the practice of various types of complementary medicine in Australia, while ensuring the safety of the public by setting the highest standards of education and professionalism among its members. As a registered member, you can participate in national ANTA seminars, receive free advertising for your practice, write for "The Natural Therapist", which is ANTA's official journal, and be recognised as a legit healthcare provider by the country's 50 largest health fund providers.
2. Australian Traditional-Medicine Society (ATMS)
Australian Traditional-Medicine Society (ATMS) advocates the needs and interests of practitioners of different forms of natural healing modalities, including acupuncture, aromatherapy, Ayurveda, Chinese herbal medicine, homeopathy, massage therapy, and many others. It provides its members access to professional webinars and events, indemnity insurance cover, free advertising on the ATMS website, monthly newsletters and peer-reviewed journals.
3. Federation of Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Societies of Australia (FCMA)
Federation of Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Societies of Australia (FCMA) is a professional association that represents Chinese medicine practitioners in Australia, which include acupuncturists, Chinese herbalists and Tuina practitioners. The Federation organises Continuing Professional Development (CPD) seminars for its members and grants them access to discounted insurance cover through its insurance partners to ensure their growth and protection.
4. Association of Massage Therapists (AMT)
Formed in 1966, the Association of Massage Therapists (AMT) is the oldest association that represents certified massage therapists in Australia and supports the ideals of all kinds of massage therapies as well the profession per se. Members have free access to workshops and training seminars that are held throughout the year to ensure their personal and professional growth.
5. Australasian Association of Ayurveda Inc. (AAA)
As the peak body for Ayurvedic practitioners in Australia, Australasian Association of Ayurveda Inc. (AAA) maintains the highest ethical standards in the practice of Ayurveda. Its registered members enjoy an array of benefits which include a free listing of their services on the AAA website, access to seminars and workshops that count towards CPE credits as well as monthly newsletters to keep them abreast of the latest industry news.
6. Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association (AACMA)
Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association (AACMA) was established in 1973 to represent practitioners of Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), including acupuncturists, Chinese herbalists and Tuina therapists. Joining the Association gives you access to discounted professional indemnity insurance, affordable CPD programs, newsletters and a mentoring program for student members.
7. Australian Association of Clinical Hypnotherapy & Psychotherapy Inc. (AACHP)
The Australian Association of Clinical Hypnotherapy & Psychotherapy Inc. (AACHP) is a member organisation of the Hypnotherapy Council of Australia (HCA), the national peak body for clinical hypnotherapy, which represents certified hypnotherapists, psychotherapists, counsellors and students enrolled in the relevant course of study. All registered members can take advantage of the Association's free CPE events, newsletters, discounted insurance cover and free member listing on the AACHP website. They can also offer their clients rebates from private health fund providers that recognise AACHP as a healthcare provider.
Receiving support from a recognised natural therapy association in Australia, whose principles mirror your goals, lessens the bumps in the road that leads to your success.
Originally published on Dec 01, 2020
