One of PACJA's stated aims is to stimulate research in this field, by providing an online journal in which the findings of effectiveness and other research studies can be published. In this online journal, we intend to publish articles that contribute to the evidence base of psychotherapy and counselling in the form of theoretical essays, experiential reports, and empirical studies featuring quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-method approaches. PACJA encourages practitioners, researchers, students and educators (even if you have never published before) to submit articles for publication. The process is intended to be a supportive in order to mentor aspiring authors to contribute to the dissemination of knowledge in the counselling and psychotherapy field. The first edition lives up to PACJA's aims, with six differing articles of merit, a commentary relating theory to practice, and two book reviews.