About

The Fiji Psychological Society is a membership organization for individuals involved in the profession and practice of psychology in Fiji and the Pacific region. Established in August 2019, the Society offers a platform for collegial support and professional development, enhancing the competence of its members and those who work to facilitate individual well-being, community mental health, and national productivity.

For some time, Fiji has been a society in transition with its citizens experiencing substantial development in many forms – economic, social, and political. While much development is beneficial it also generates personal and community change accompanied by new sharply felt needs, alternative options and conflicting priorities.

Some welcome and embrace change while others regard change as a threat. Neither group is immune to the corrosive influence on mental health of the stress and distress associated nagging uncertainties, unaccustomed options, and contrary information.

Where individual and communal mental health is tested, the profession of psychology with its specialized knowledge and scientific methods is well positioned to offer a better-informed understanding of the complex issues involved. While other helping professions have a part to play, psychology is pivotal across all levels of intervention: primary, secondary, and tertiary. It directly provides the rationale, methods, knowledge and skills for clinical and therapeutic strategies, counselling, rehabilitation, and similar forms of constructive intervention. More indirectly, psychology provides insightful understanding and evidence-based strategies to inform areas as diverse as health, education, nutrition, policy development, behavioural economics, sport performance, management, and marketing.

Objectives

The Fiji Psychological Society identifies, prioritises, and seeks to address four contemporary areas of professional need identified as four objectives. These objectives are foundational in nature. They are:

1. Offer and where feasible, cooperate with relevant government ministries, agencies, and independent tertiary institutions, to facilitate appropriate supervisory oversight over the profession and practice of psychology for the purpose of maintaining and enhancing the professional knowledge, skills, ethical standards and conduct of its members in Fiji.
2. Function as a body mandated to speak and advocate on matters relating to the profession and practice of psychology in Fiji.
3. Facilitate professional development and networking opportunities for psychologists working in diverse fields of practice in Fiji.
4. Offer appropriate professionally responsible support for psychologists living and working in Fiji, and if and when considered appropriate, for psychologists living and working in nearby South Pacific countries.

Administrative Structure

The Fiji Psychological Society consists of an Executive Board and a number of Committees as determined from time to time by the Executive Board. The Executive Board is comprised of:

• President
• Vice President
• Secretary
• Treasurer
• Three additional members

The committees that manage core activities are formed periodically and play a crucial role in driving the Society’s key initiatives. Some examples include the Continuing Professional Development Committee, Disciplinary Committee and Finance Committee.

Message from our President

Read an inspiring message from the President of the Fiji Psychological Society.