PsySSA’s Annual Psychology Congress 2026 – Abstract Submissions Now Open!

by Web Admin | Jan 20, 2026 | Events and Announcements, PsySSA Announcements, PsySSA Congress

PsySSA is excited to announce that abstract submissions for the Annual Psychology Congress 2026: “Psychology in Transition: Humanity, Technology, and the Future of Care” is officially open!

The Scientific Committee welcomes abstracts and proposals for symposia, oral papers, posters round-tables, and creative work. Abstracts addressing all fields of psychology and related areas will be considered.

Abstract submission opens on 20 January 2025 and closes on 24 March 2026.

PsySSA encourages you to be a part of this exciting event from 13-15 October 2026 at Emperor’s Palace, Johannesburg, South Africa, and play an active role by contributing to the scientific programme, which promises stimulating presentations, robust debate and innovative ideas.

We look to your abstract submission for the #PsySSACongress2026

Click Here to View the Congress Call

Click Here to Submit Your Abstract

Click Here to Download the Abstract Submission Guidelines and Terms & Conditions

PsySSA Statement of Condolence and Support

by Web Admin | Jan 20, 2026 | PsySSA Announcements

In times of profound tragedy, we stand together in compassion and solidarity.

PsySSA extends our heartfelt condolences to the parents, caregivers, siblings, educators, classmates, and loved ones of the 13 children who lost their lives in the Gauteng taxi accident. We honour the young lives lost and hold all those grieving in our thoughts.

We emphasise the importance of psychological and psychosocial support during this difficult time and encourage families, educators, and communities to seek professional care where needed.

The Society stands ready to work with relevant authorities, schools, and community structures to support trauma debriefing, counselling, and longer-term psychological care for affected learners, educators, families, and first responders. We also urge that care be taken to protect children and grieving families from further harm, including exposure to distressing media coverage.

May we continue to care for one another with humanity, sensitivity, and respect.

PsySSA Statement of Condolence and Support

Download (PDF, 222KB)

Congratulations Prof Nick Malherbe

by Web Admin | Jan 19, 2026 | PsySSA Announcements

Congratulations!

Warm congratulations to Prof Nick Malherbe on his promotion to Associate Professor.

This achievement reflects your sustained academic excellence, leadership, and valuable contributions to teaching, research, and professional practice. It is also a significant milestone for the Psychological Society of South Africa, where your service continues to strengthen the discipline and our professional community.

We wish you every success as you take on this new role and look forward to your continued impact in advancing psychology in South Africa.

Congratulations once again.

A Message From The President: Welcome to 2026 – Prof Jace Pillay

by Web Admin | Jan 16, 2026 | Community and Engagement, PsySSA Announcements

A Message From The President

Welcome to 2026

Welcome to PsySSA 2026!

It gives me immense pleasure to welcome you to PsySSA in 2026. As we begin the year, I hope you feel rested, reconnected, and rejuvenated—ready to engage with the challenges and opportunities facing psychologists and the profession as a whole.
Psychology continues to evolve within a rapidly changing world marked by global challenges that deepen inequality and trauma, the growing influence of technology and artificial intelligence on service delivery, climate change and its impact on mental health, and ongoing social justice concerns. At the same time, there is an increasing need for community empowerment and robust, evidence-based psychological research to guide ethical practice, policy, and decision-making.

PsySSA is committed to responding proactively rather than reactively—embracing challenges with caution while harnessing opportunities for growth and development. Our core mission remains steadfast: improving psychological care in the service of humanity.

We encourage all members to actively participate in PsySSA’s work by engaging in meaningful dialogue, sharing ideas, and building strong professional networks. In 2026, PsySSA will host a range of exciting initiatives, including the 30th Annual PsySSA Psychology Congress, a CPD Workshop Series featuring 13 diverse and practice-relevant workshops, strengthened programmes for students and early-career psychologists, and expanded opportunities to earn CPD points through our online platform, PsyCPD.

On behalf of the entire PsySSA team, I wish you a psychologically fulfilling and inspiring year.

Prof Jace Pillay PsySSA President

Comprehensive DBT Training 2026

by Web Admin | Jan 13, 2026 | Collaborations, CPD Opportunities, Practice and Techniques, Professional Development, Psychology Events

Comprehensive DBT Training 2026

In partnership with PsySSA

The Comprehensive Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) Training Programme for 2026 is now live, offering a structured, in-depth learning pathway for practitioners and teams seeking to strengthen their DBT knowledge, skills, and implementation.

This 9-month, fully online programme has been designed to accommodate the realities of busy professional practice, while maintaining clinical depth, rigour, and practical relevance. The training is delivered across three progressive levels, combining live workshops, on-demand learning, peer consultation, and implementation support. This advanced-level programme offers case-based supervision, structured implementation support, and opportunities for peer consultation. You’ll gain hands-on experience in applying DBT across complex presentations, with guidance on system integration, team dynamics, and sustainable service delivery.

Participants will gain access to:

over 100 CPD hours
live online workshops
a comprehensive training library
structured skills development
expert supervision and feedback
real-world application of DBT in your setting
tools to lead and grow DBT programmes
a community of practice for ongoing support

The programme covers DBT foundations, clinical application across presentations and populations, and advanced implementation, including programme development and therapy-interfering behaviours.

PsySSA members receive a 10% discount and group discounts are available. Flexible payment options are also offered to support accessibility.

Programme starts: 28 January 2026

Click Here To Register Now

Mr Werner Teichert

Presenter

Werner Teichert is an international speaker and clinical psychologist based in Sydney, Australia. He was trained in ACT under Steve Hayes, Russ Harris, Robyn Walser, and Kirk Strosahl. Werner has trained healthcare professionals across South Africa, Namibia, New Zealand, Australia and the UK.

Training Overview