Overview

Complaints can be stressful and unsettling. This webinar will provide psychologists with a clear, practical and reassuring overview of the AHPRA notifications (complaints) process, helping to reduce uncertainty and build confidence in understanding what to expect if a complaint is made.

It will explore some of the key reasons complaints arise, how matters are assessed, and the steps AHPRA may take when determining outcomes. It aims to demystify the process while equipping psychologists with a stronger understanding of how best-practice professional conduct and reflective practice can help minimise risk and support ethical, high-quality care.

The webinar will also encourage an open and constructive approach to managing complaints, with practical guidance on responding professionally and effectively, and will review performance appraisal processes and outline circumstances in which conditions, suspension, or de-registration may occur.

Level of Learning

Foundational. This activity is targeted to those new to the topic.

Duration of access

This webinar will be recorded. Access to the recording and presenter slides is for 12 months from the date of confirmed registration.

APS CPD Approved

This activity has been assessed against the APS Standards for CPD activities and approved for its education quality. Learn more about the APS CPD Approval process.

CPD Frequently Asked Questions

Refer to the APS CPD Frequently Asked Questions for general and technical information when undertaking APS Professional development activities.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this webinar, participants should be able to:

• Describe the key stages of the AHPRA complaints handling process, including initial assessment, investigation and possible outcomes,
• Identify best-practice principles that reduce the risk of complaints and support professional protection, and
• Apply practical strategies to reduce the likelihood of complaints in everyday practice and respond appropriately if a complaint is made.

Presenter(s)

Dr Janina Szyndler MAPS

About the presenter(s)

Dr Janina Szyndler MAPS is a registered clinical psychologist with a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, she holds a Certificate in the Theory of Marital and Family Therapy, and is endorsed by AHPRA to practice in the area of Clinical Psychology and Educational and Developmental Psychology.
Dr Szyndler has over 35 years experience in the assessment and treatment of children and adults with a special interest in neurodiversity. She has been a Consultant Clinical Psychologist within the National Health Service (UK) and also worked as a Clinical Psychologist in Child and Family Mental Health and the Children’s Hospital at Westmead. Since 2003, she has built her own private practice and is now Principal Clinical Psychologist at Apex Psychology and regularly writes expert reports in child protection and family law matters.
Janina has extensive experience supervising psychology students to very experienced registered practitioners and has experience supporting psychologists who have been the subject of notifications, and brings additional insight from her own practice in complex settings such as family law, where complaints risk can be heightened. She has served on a number of tribunals, conducted performance appraisals on behalf of the Psychology Council, and supported practitioners through complaints processes and the management of conditions.
She is a Member of the Australian Psychological Society and its Colleges of Clinical Psychology and Educational and Developmental Psychology, and a Member of The Australian Clinical Psychology Association. She is an Adjunct Fellow in the School of Social Science and Psychology, Western Sydney University and Clinical Associate at the Australian Catholic University.

Website/s

https://www.ahpra.gov.au/Notifications/Has-a-concern-been-raised-about-you.aspx