Overview

The APS Psychology & Yoga Interest Group is excited to have a slightly different session - our presenter is an Exercise Physiologist. 'Beyond the Couch: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Psychological Capacity'.

6:30pm AEST | Live Online Webinar | 60 minutes (45 min + 15 min Q&A)

This evidence-informed webinar explores how integrating Exercise Physiology (EP) into mental health care can enhance therapeutic outcomes and reduce clinician burden. Anchored in emerging research—including the 2026 systematic umbrella review by Munro et al. ('British Journal of Sports Medicine' - please see attached article) on the effects of exercise on depression and anxiety—this session situates movement not simply as an adjunct, but as a core mechanism influencing psychological capacity.

Participants will gain insight into how physiological processes such as BDNF expression, HPA axis regulation, inflammation, and autonomic balance directly impact a client’s cognitive bandwidth and readiness for therapy. The session introduces a “pre habilitation” model, positioning targeted physical conditioning as a primer for more effective psychological intervention.

Translating evidence into practice, the webinar will outline accessible behavioural activation strategies, body-based exposure approaches for anxiety, and collaborative “Psych–EP” care pathways. This integrated approach supports improved client outcomes while distributing the load of behavioural change—helping reduce clinician burnout.

Delivered by Max Martin, Principal Exercise Physiologist at INform Fitness, this session aligns cutting-edge research with practical, multidisciplinary application.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Clearly articulate the role and scope of Exercise Physiology within a multidisciplinary mental health care team.
• Explain the key physiological mechanisms (e.g., BDNF, HPA axis regulation, inflammation, autonomic balance) that influence a client’s capacity to engage in psychological therapy.
• Apply the “pre-habilitation” model to enhanceclient readiness for therapeutic work through targeted physical interventions.
• Identify practical, collaborative referral pathways and strategies that support behavioural activation while reducing clinician workload and burnout.

Presenter(s)

Mr. Max Martin

About the presenter(s)

Max Martin is a Principal Exercise Physiologist and founder of INform Fitness, specialising in the integration of physical health and mental wellbeing. With a strong focus on evidence-based practice, Max works at the intersection of physiology and psychology, helping clients build the biological foundations that support cognitive and emotional functioning. His approach emphasises targeted resistance and aerobic training to enhance neuroplasticity, regulate the stress response, and improve overall capacity for therapeutic engagement. Max is particularly passionate about multidisciplinary collaboration, supporting psychologists and allied health professionals to implement sustainable, physiology-informed strategies that improve client outcomes and reduce clinician burnout.

Notes

Target Audience

This event is aimed at psychologists, mental health clinicians, and allied health professionals seeking practical, evidence-based ways to enhance client outcomes through multidisciplinary collaborations.

Please note:

• This is a Member Groups event. All communication will be sent to the registrants’ registered email address. This includes event reminders with details (such as the Zoom link) and any pre-event or post-event resources, if provided by the facilitators.
• A post-event email will be sent within two weeks of the event’s completion to each registrant’s registered email address. This email will include the CPD certificate, event-recording, and any additional resources shared during the session.

Duration of Access

This event will be recorded. The recording will be emailed to all registered within 2 weeks post event and available for viewing up to 90 days.

CPD

It is up to attendees to assess and determine how learning from this event aligns with the requirements of their learning plan. The providers accordingly do not make any representation that the event counts towards attendees’ CPD learning requirements. If an attendee determines themselves that the learning they complete aligns to their learning plan, then they can decide to count those hours towards their CPD requirements for the registration cycle.

The information in this presentation has been prepared in good faith and for educational purposes only. Therefore, the information is general in nature and should not be relied upon in the treatment of any condition and you should seek your own independent professional and/or legal advice concerning any specific issue. The APS accepts no responsibility for any errors, omissions or decisions relating to the information. The content should not be reproduced without permission or unless permitted by law.

If you are experiencing registration difficulties please contact APS Events Support.