KESANTINI ATHINARAYANANRAO
Counsellor
Johor Bahru, Johor,01
Summary
Compassionate counsellor with extensive knowledge of counseling principles and practices. Adept at creating individualized treatment plans and leading group therapy sessions. Committed to creating safe, supportive environment for all clients. Counselling services are not only catered to university students but also staff in need of counselling.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
4
4
Certifications
2
2
Languages
Work History
Counsellor
Newcastle University of Medicine Malaysia
10.2019 - Current
- Utilized motivational interviewing techniques to encourage positive change in clients'' lives.
- Improved client satisfaction through consistent communication, empathy, and understanding of their unique challenges.
- Guided clients in developing skills and strategies for dealing with problems.
- Maintained accurate documentation of client interactions, assessments, and progress notes for effective case management.
- Developed individualized counseling plans for clients to incorporate short-term and long-term goals.
- Conducted thorough assessments to identify client needs and appropriate intervention strategies.
- Contributed to a supportive work environment by sharing knowledge, resources, and new findings within the counseling field.
- Coordinated referrals between agencies to ensure seamless transitions for clients receiving multiple services.
- Conducted assessments to determine progress and performance and report findings to relevant authorities.
- Implemented behavioral modification strategies to help clients develop healthier coping mechanisms.
- Designed culturally-sensitive interventions tailored to each client''s background and experiences.
- Provided crisis intervention services to individuals experiencing acute distress or dangerous situations.
- Developed and facilitated group therapy sessions for increased social support and skill-building opportunities.
- Used cognitive behavior therapy to assist clients in recognizing and redirecting poor habits.
- Worked closely with families to support clients in their recovery process and strengthen relationships among family members.
- Established trusting therapeutic alliances with clients through empathetic listening, validation, and unconditional positive regard.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive care for clients with complex needs.
- Assisted clients in setting realistic goals, developing action plans, and monitoring progress towards achievement.
- Improved client self-esteem and communication skills through targeted therapeutic techniques.
- Enhanced family dynamics by providing family counseling sessions.
- Led psychoeducational groups to increase awareness and understanding of mental health issues.
- Organised World Mental Health Week event every October, on different mental health themes to create awareness.
- Designed safe and supportive environment for clients to discuss issues.
- Determined clients' risk of self-harm or other dangerous behaviors.
- Guided clients in effective therapeutic exercises integrated from Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
Student Counsellor
University of Reading, Malaysia
10.2018 - 10.2019
- Enhanced student well-being by providing individualized support and guidance through regular counseling sessions.
- Promoted a positive school culture by organizing workshops on topics like stress management, time management, and effective communication skills.
- Fostered strong relationships with community organizations to enhance the range of resources available for supporting student growth both inside and outside the classroom.
- Led professional development sessions for colleagues on topics such as mental health awareness, trauma-informed teaching practices, and culturally responsive pedagogy.
- Reduced disciplinary incidents by implementing proactive behavior management strategies that encouraged personal responsibility and accountability among students.
- Served as a liaison between school personnel, families, community partners, and other stakeholders to ensure effective communication and collaboration in addressing student needs.
- Participated in ongoing professional growth opportunities like conferences, workshops, and webinars to stay current on best practices in the field of school counseling.
- Assisted students in setting realistic academic goals, creating action plans to achieve them, and monitoring progress towards those goals over time.
- Managed caseloads effectively, maintaining accurate records of all student interactions and outcomes achieved through counseling services provided.
- Provided crisis intervention support as needed, addressing urgent mental health concerns and connecting students with appropriate resources for ongoing care.
- Advised students on educational, career and social opportunities.
- Assisted students in exploring and selecting career paths.
Student Affairs Executive Cum Student Counselor
Kolej MDIS Malaysia
10.2017 - 10.2018
- Organised events for students and staff
- Collaborated with EduCity Student Village staff to conduct events to involve participation from all varsities in EduCity
- Plan and execute a calendar year of activities for the student body of Kolej MDIS Malaysia
- Bridged relations between the student body and the management by being the head of the Management-Student Committee
- Guide students in their student club and societies and turn them into active hub of ideas and community service
- Liaise with other external student bodies, associations and universities on collaborative projects and sports meet and such like
- Receive student complaints and issues and to assist management in resolving them in amicable fashion
- Assist Central Registry in student registration matters and course coordinators in students’ selection of modules or courses
- Accompany and chaperone students when doing external and community projects
- Organizing Graduation Event with the Office of Registrar
- Organizing PROM Night with Student Representative Council
- Updating Student Handbook with the Head of Academic Affairs and Students Handbook committee
- Oversee the raising of funds by students for their activities
- Assist and advising students in all their fund-raising efforts
- Taking part in all activities that have and raise relevance to students’ well-being (i.e: Orientation, Charity, Talent Search, Chinese New Year Event, Valentine’s Day, NUMED Games, Arts and Music Festival, Staff-Students Sports Day, Diversity Inclusion Youth Camp, Career Day, MDIS Got Talent, Teacher’s Day, Creative Competition, Photography Workshop, Tik-Tok Challenge and many more).
- Ensure that all student activities and engagement with external publics remain healthy and above board
- To manage the front-line counselor’s roles and responsibilities
- To maintain the confidentiality of the counselling files and records
- To contribute to teamwork and to maintain close links with other student support services
- To counsel students regarding academic and personal issues for their well-being
- Maintain accurate and complete student records as required by government laws, policies and administrative regulations
- To perform other duties, include planning workshops, budgeting and other administrative tasks as required by management
- Job Description
Administration Executive
elc International School
01.2016 - 07.2017
- Maintaining records of students and staff
- Managing and compiling extracurricular activities for students and dealing with external activity providers
- Communicating with external and internal extracurricular activity providers
- Dealing with parents and visitors as a front liner
- Answering telephone calls professionally
- Being in- charge of the sickbay – treating children who are injured or in need of treatment
- Preparing the Private School Information Form and submitting it to the Ministry Of Education on time
- Applying for school’s data protection license with the department of personal data protection
- Managing time management system for all staff
- Preparing mid-month and end of the month leave report for staff in order to be submitted to the finance manager and line manager
- Assisting in fee payment via credit card machine
- Ensuring all leaves taken by staff is recorded with relevant documents
- Retrieving parents and student details for payment as and when needed by finance manager
- Filing and retrieval of invoices, receipts, and correspondence with external bodies including statutory and licensing bodies
- Scheduling interview appointments for the principal
- Preparing letters for unsuccessful interview candidates
- Filing private and confidential documents accordingly
- Assisting the principal in preparing the appraisal forms for all staff during appraisal
- Assisting the principal in preparing documents as and when needed
- Assisting the admissions executive for visa renewal or student pass application
- Taking new parents for school tour during school visit
- Filing students’ report cards at the end of every term
- Job Description
- Finance
- Principal
- Admissions
Trainee Counselor
Institut Pendidikan Guru
03.2015 - 06.2015
- Conducted group counseling and individual counseling for students and staff regarding burnout, decision making, stress management and time management
- Conducted moral seminar on personality module
- Conducted test using instruments such as Big Five Personality Test, stress test
Trainee Counselor
Tapah Prison
03.2012 - 06.2012
- Conducted group counseling sessions with the prisoners
- Conducted individual counseling sessions with the prisoners
- Conducted talks and seminars for the betterment of prisoners
- Conducted tests – Personality test
Education
Masters Degree - Counseling Psychology, Major in Psychology, Minor in Counseling
Universiti Malaysia Sabah
01.2013 - 01.2016
Bachelor Degree - Counselling Psychology, Major in Psychology, Minor in Counseling
Universiti Malaysia Sabah
01.2009 - 01.2012
Sijil Tinggi Peperiksaan Malaysia (STPM) - undefined
SMK Seri Garing
Rawang, Selangor 01.2006 - 01.2008
Ph.D. - Psychology
Universiti Malaysia Sabah
Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia 04.2001 -
Skills
Counseling
Certification
Member Of Persatuan Kaunseling Malaysia (PERKAMA)
References
Mohd Azrizan, Bin, Registrar, 07-2072601 ext. 226, Kolej MDIS Malaysia, Dr. Mohd Azrizan Bin
Training
- TRAINEE
- SQC Centre, Johor Bahru
- SQC Training: Certified Professional In Service Sector (MSI Academy)
- 14th April 2018 – 22nd April 2018
Timeline
Counsellor
Newcastle University of Medicine Malaysia
10.2019 - Current
Student Counsellor
University of Reading, Malaysia
10.2018 - 10.2019
Student Affairs Executive Cum Student Counselor
Kolej MDIS Malaysia
10.2017 - 10.2018
Administration Executive
elc International School
01.2016 - 07.2017
Trainee Counselor
Institut Pendidikan Guru
03.2015 - 06.2015
Masters Degree - Counseling Psychology, Major in Psychology, Minor in Counseling
Universiti Malaysia Sabah
01.2013 - 01.2016
Trainee Counselor
Tapah Prison
03.2012 - 06.2012
Bachelor Degree - Counselling Psychology, Major in Psychology, Minor in Counseling
Universiti Malaysia Sabah
01.2009 - 01.2012
Sijil Tinggi Peperiksaan Malaysia (STPM) - undefined
SMK Seri Garing
01.2006 - 01.2008
Ph.D. - Psychology
Universiti Malaysia Sabah
04.2001 -