Graduate Connect

   

Graduate Connect is an informal mentoring opportunity to provide guidance throughout a graduate’s first year of practising as a counsellor, like a buddy system. This program is a free service and engages volunteers from our practising membership to take on the role of Mentor.

Mentors are experienced ACA Registered Counsellors who have a minimum of two years of professional counselling practice and who are interested in supporting new practitioners entering the profession. Members who are interested in becoming Mentors are now invited to enrol. This involves outlining your areas of expertise, professional background, communication preferences, and mentoring approach. 

From April 2026, Graduates will be invited to apply to participate. This will involve describing their professional interests, goals for the mentoring relationship, and the areas of practice they would like to explore. The program is open to graduates transitioning into practice and who are within their first twelve months post-graduation.

Enrol Now

Enrol as a Mentor or update your preferences.

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Guidelines

Important information for both Mentors and Graduates.

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Frequently Asked Questions

      

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Proudly brought to you by the ACA Class of 2026 Student Legacy Project

  

The ACA Student Legacy Project is an annual initiative which invites our student community to provide project ideas they would like to see ACA explore to support future counselling graduates. It’s a chance for students to leave their mark and contribute something lasting to the counselling profession.

ACA conducted a survey in November 2025 to gather ideas from students. The response was outstanding, with an overwhelming number of students expressing a strong interest for mentoring. As a result, ACA is proud to announce the launch of Graduate Connect as the Class of 2026 Legacy Project. 

The Class of 2026 Legacy Project is all about building connection, identity, and purpose through supporting new practitioners entering the profession. It's an important milestone that involves navigating new responsibilities, workplace environments, professional expectations, and professional growth as a practitioner.