ANJUM ANJUM
Kellyville
Summary
Compassionate Counsellor and Psychotherapist with 15 years of experience in mental health and psychiatric care. Expertise includes individual counselling, psychosocial assessments, and evidence-based group therapy. Proficient in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, and mindfulness approaches. Adept at building therapeutic relationships and delivering person-centred care across diverse populations.
Overview
1
1
year of post-secondary education
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Practice Manager / Medical Receptionist
Dr Ratna – Consultant Psychiatrist
04.2010 - Current
- Managed practice operations and specialist medical administration in a busy private psychiatric practice, facilitating support for psychiatrists, allied health professionals, referring practitioners, and patients accessing mental health services.
- Manage the daily operation of a specialist psychiatric practice across multiple consulting locations.
- Coordinated complex psychiatrist appointment schedules and patient bookings to optimize service delivery.
- Provide compassionate support to patients experiencing a wide range of mental health presentations.
- Build trusted relationships with patients, carers and families.
- Coordinate referrals from GPs, psychologists, paediatricians and allied health professionals.
- Liaise with psychiatrists, psychologists, GPs, hospitals, Medicare, DVA, WorkCover, insurers and community agencies.
- Process Medicare claims, rebates, DVA and WorkCover documentation.
- Prepare specialist correspondence, reports and formal documentation.
- Maintain confidential electronic clinical records using Genie, HealthKit and Mediclear.
- Handled high-volume enquiries via telephone, email, and face-to-face consultations, ensuring timely and compassionate responses.
- Key Skills Demonstrated: Practice Management, Medical Administration, Appointment Coordination, Clinical Documentation, Confidentiality, Stakeholder Engagement, Medicare, DVA, WorkCover, Customer Service, Mental Health Support.
Client Services Advisor
Clinical Genomics
04.2015 - 09.2015
- Provided high-quality client support within a national cancer screening laboratory, assisting clients through sensitive health screening processes while maintaining strict quality assurance standards.
- Handled numerous incoming phone calls at the national cancer screening laboratory, addressing client inquiries.
- Assisted clients experiencing anxiety regarding testing procedures.
- Supported clients experiencing anxiety regarding testing procedures through empathetic communication and guidance.
- Executed payment transactions for clients at the national cancer screening laboratory.
- Maintained accurate patient records using Starlims.
- Performed detailed quality assurance checks to ensure compliance with laboratory standards.
- Developed complaint handling procedures adopted by the wider client services team.
- Balanced client satisfaction with organisational quality standards by addressing client needs while adhering to protocols.
Office All Rounder / Recruitment & HR
Solutions Personnel
04.2011 - 02.2013
- Coordinated recruitment, human resources and administration for busy transport and logistics recruitment agency to ensure efficient hiring processes.
- Conducted interviews with job applicants to assess their qualifications and fit for open positions.
- Managed onboarding activities to prepare new employees for their roles and responsibilities.
- Posted job openings on various platforms to attract suitable candidates.
- Communicated directly with employers to understand their staffing needs.
- Matched candidates to suitable positions.
- Organised interviews, managed timesheets and scheduled work rosters to facilitate smooth operations.
- Updated and organized recruitment databases to ensure accurate and accessible candidate information.
- Conducted workplace safety training to enhance compliance and promote a safe working environment.
Crisis Support Worker
Lifeline Australia
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Delivered telephone crisis counselling within Lifeline Australia’s structured intervention framework.
- Delivered telephone crisis counselling following Lifeline Australia’s structured intervention framework, ensuring consistent and effective support.
- Conducted suicide risk assessments and collaborative safety planning.
- Applied active listening, empathy, reflective responding, and emotional containment to support callers experiencing acute distress.
- Assisted callers in identifying strengths and coping strategies, enhancing their ability to manage crisis situations and access immediate supports.
- Maintained strict confidentiality, ethical practice, and professional boundaries.
- Engaged in ongoing supervision and professional development to continuously improve crisis intervention skills and knowledge.
- Participated in ongoing supervision and professional development.
- Skills Developed: Crisis Intervention, Suicide Risk Assessment, Safety Planning, Telephone Counselling, Trauma-Informed Practice, Emotional Support, Active Listening, Reflective Practice, Ethical Decision-Making, Professional Communication.
Student Counsellor
The Hills Clinic / Hills Private Hospital
01.2023 - 01.2024
- Completed a supervised clinical counselling placement within an inpatient private mental health hospital, providing individual counselling, therapeutic group facilitation, psychoeducation, and psychosocial support to adults, young adults, and adolescents experiencing mood disorders, addiction, emotional distress, and other complex mental health presentations.
- Conducted supervised individual counselling sessions using person-centred, strengths-based, and recovery-oriented approaches.
- Delivered psychoeducation focused on emotional regulation, resilience, coping strategies, recovery, and wellbeing.
- Facilitated evidence-based therapeutic group programs, enhancing clients' coping mechanisms and emotional resilience through approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness, Art Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy.
- Worked within the Children & Young Persons Unit, developing strong therapeutic rapport with children and adolescents through both group and individual interventions.
- Provided comprehensive support to adults and young adults with mood disorders, addiction, anxiety, and emotional dysregulation, fostering a safe environment for recovery and personal growth.
- Placement included close collaboration with multidisciplinary clinicians while maintaining ethical and professional counselling standards.
- Applied professional judgement and ethical decision-making when responding to client safety concerns, including managing potential risks within therapeutic group settings.
- Adapted therapeutic interventions to meet the unique needs, strengths, and goals of each client.
- Exhibited empathy and active listening while building rapport with clients, ensuring effective communication and reflective practice in all interactions.
- Clinical Skills Developed: Individual Counselling, Group Counselling, Intake and Psychosocial Assessment, Case Formulation, Psychoeducation, Therapeutic Rapport, Active Listening, Reflective Practice, Risk Awareness, Emotional Regulation Strategies, Clinical Documentation, Ethical Practice, Multidisciplinary Collaboration, Clinical Supervision.
Education
Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy -
Australian College of Applied Professions (ACAP)
Sydney 07.2025 - 12.2026
Graduate Diploma of Counselling -
Australian College of Applied Professions (ACAP)
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Macquarie University
Certificate III in Business Administration (Medical) -
TAFE NSW – Liverpool Campus
Higher School Certificate (HSC) -
Canterbury Girls High School
Skills
- Patient Care Management
- Clinical Documentation
- Psychomedical communications assessment
- Risk Assessment
- Suicide Intervention
- Safety Planning
- Emergency support
- Emotional Support
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical therapy
- Mindfulness interventions
- Person-Centred Therapy
- Solution-Focused Therapy
- Trauma-Informed Practice
- Recovery-Oriented Practice
- Strengths-Based Practice
- Team Leadership
- Leadership
- Multidisciplinary teamwork
- Case Coordination
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Practice Management
- Appointment Coordination
- Referral coordination
- Medicare Administration
- DVA Administration
- WorkCover management
- Confidential Record Management
- Customer Service
- Leadership
- Issue resolution
- Office Management
- Recruitment management
- Screening candidates
- HR management
- Employee training
- Staff Scheduling
- Time Management
- Adaptability
- Detail-oriented
- Problem Solving
- Professional speaking
- Cultural Awareness
- Emotional Intelligence
- Active Listening
- Motivational techniques
- Therapeutic relationship
- Reflective Practice
- Screening candidates
- HR management
- Employee training
- Staff Scheduling
Professional Highlights
- ACA Registered Counsellor
- PACFA Registered Counsellor
- Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy
- Bachelor of Science (Psychology)
- ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) Certified – LivingWorks
- Lifeline Crisis Supporter Workplace Training
- Over 15 years’ experience within specialist psychiatric and psychological services
- Individual counselling and therapeutic group facilitation
- CBT, DBT, Mindfulness, Art Therapy, Person-Centred and Solution-Focused Therapy
- Child, Adolescent and Adult Mental Health experience
- Trauma-informed, strengths-based and recovery-oriented practice
- Crisis intervention, suicide risk assessment and safety planning
- Psychosocial and intake assessments
- Recruitment & Human Resources experience
- Medical administration and practice management
- Volunteer literacy tutor
- Multidisciplinary collaboration
- High-level stakeholder engagement
- Strong organisational and leadership skills
Professional Development
- ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training), LivingWorks Education, 2026-07-31, Successfully completed the internationally recognised 16-hour Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) program, developing advanced skills in suicide intervention, collaborative safety planning, suicide risk assessment, crisis communication, and immediate intervention strategies for individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts.
- Lifeline Australia – Crisis Supporter Workplace Training, 2022-06-30, Successfully completed Lifeline Australia’s comprehensive Crisis Supporter Workplace Training, developing competencies in telephone crisis intervention, suicide risk assessment, emotional support, active listening, safety planning, ethical practice, and crisis communication.
- Clinical Supervision, Completed over 24 hours of formal clinical supervision through the Australian College of Applied Professions (ACAP) during placement, focusing on reflective practice, ethical decision-making, counselling competence, case formulation, and professional development.
Administration And Coordination
- Practice Management
- Medical Administration
- Appointment Coordination
- Referral Management
- Medicare Administration
- DVA Administration
- WorkCover Administration
- Confidential Record Management
- Medical Correspondence
- Customer Service
- Complaint Resolution
- Office Management
- Quality Assurance
Recruitment And Human Resources
- Candidate Interviewing
- Recruitment Administration
- Employee Onboarding
- Reference Checking
- Candidate Screening
- HR Administration
- Staff Training
- Workplace Inductions
- Roster Coordination
Professional Registrations
- Australian Counselling Association (ACA), Registered Counsellor
- Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA), Registered Counsellor
Licenses Certifications Checks
- Current Australian Driver Licence
- NSW Working With Children Check
- National Police Check
- Eligible to obtain NDIS Worker Screening Check
- Current First Aid & CPR
Clinical Placement Experience
Student Counsellor, The Hills Clinic / Hills Private Hospital, 2023-01-01, 2024-12-31, Completed a supervised clinical counselling placement within an inpatient private mental health hospital, providing individual counselling, therapeutic group facilitation, psychoeducation, and psychosocial support to adults, young adults, and adolescents experiencing mood disorders, addiction, emotional distress, and other complex mental health presentations., Conducted supervised individual counselling sessions using person-centred, strengths-based, and recovery-oriented approaches., Completed psychosocial assessments, intake interviews, and comprehensive clinical documentation., Facilitated evidence-based therapeutic group programs incorporating CBT, DBT, Mindfulness, Art Therapy, Person-Centred Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy., Delivered psychoeducation focused on emotional regulation, resilience, coping strategies, recovery, and wellbeing., Supported adults and young adults experiencing mood disorders, addiction, anxiety, depression, and emotional dysregulation., Worked within the Children & Young Persons Unit, developing strong therapeutic rapport with children and adolescents through both group and individual interventions., Participated in multidisciplinary case discussions, treatment planning, and regular clinical supervision., Maintained confidential client records and professional case notes in accordance with ethical and organisational standards., Applied professional judgement and ethical decision-making when responding to client safety concerns, including managing potential risks within therapeutic group settings., Adapted therapeutic interventions to meet the unique needs, strengths, and goals of each client., Demonstrated empathy, active listening, unconditional positive regard, reflective practice, and effective communication throughout all client interactions., Individual Counselling, Group Counselling, Intake & Psychosocial Assessment, Case Formulation, Psychoeducation, Therapeutic Rapport, Active Listening, Reflective Practice, Risk Awareness, Emotional Regulation Strategies, Clinical Documentation, Ethical Practice, Multidisciplinary Collaboration, Clinical Supervision
Therapeutic Approaches
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
- Person-Centred Therapy
- Solution-Focused Therapy
- Mindfulness-Based Interventions
- Art Therapy
- Psychoeducation
- Strengths-Based Practice
- Recovery-Oriented Practice
- Trauma-Informed Practice
Clinical Interests
- Adult Mental Health
- Child & Adolescent Mental Health
- Mood Disorders
- Anxiety Disorders
- Depression
- Neurodiversity (including ADHD)
- Emotional Regulation
- Recovery-Oriented Practice
- Crisis Intervention
- Suicide Prevention
- Psychosocial Recovery
- Mental Health Education
- Group Therapy
- Community Mental Health
Populations Supported
- Adults
- Young Adults
- Adolescents
- Children
- Families and Carers
- Individuals experiencing mood disorders
- Individuals experiencing addiction
- Individuals experiencing anxiety and depression
- Individuals experiencing acute emotional distress
- Individuals in crisis
- Neurodivergent individuals
- Individuals accessing specialist psychiatric services
University Projects
Psychology Teaching Program, Collaborated with fellow psychology students to develop and implement a teaching manual designed to help high school students build resilience, confidence and positive coping strategies through evidence-based psychological principles.
Software And Clinical Systems
- Genie
- HealthKit
- Mediclear
- Starlims
- Microsoft
- Microsoft Word
- Excel
- Outlook
- PowerPoint
- Teams
- Zoom
- Telehealth platforms
- Email Management
Professional Attributes
- Compassionate
- Warm
- Authentic
- Non-judgemental
- Person-centred
- Ethical
- Adaptable
- Calm under pressure
- Resilient
- Reliable
- Reflective
- Organised
- Excellent communicator
- Strong therapeutic rapport
- Quick learner
- Positive and enthusiastic
- Strong attention to detail
- Collaborative
- Self-aware
- Professional
Volunteer
Crisis Support Worker, Lifeline Australia, 2022-01-01, 2023-12-31, Provided telephone-based crisis intervention and emotional support to individuals experiencing psychological distress, suicidality, grief, trauma, anxiety, depression, loneliness, and relationship difficulties., Delivered telephone crisis counselling within Lifeline Australia’s structured intervention framework., Conducted suicide risk assessments and collaborative safety planning., Applied active listening, empathy, reflective responding, and emotional containment to support callers experiencing acute distress., Assisted callers to identify strengths, coping strategies, and immediate supports., Maintained strict confidentiality, ethical practice, and professional boundaries., Participated in ongoing supervision and professional development., Worked collaboratively within organisational policies and crisis intervention guidelines., Crisis Intervention, Suicide Risk Assessment, Safety Planning, Telephone Counselling, Trauma-Informed Practice, Emotional Support, Active Listening, Reflective Practice, Ethical Decision-Making, Professional Communication
Community Service
Literacy Tutoring, Completed TAFE Course 9833 – Literacy Tutoring, including practical volunteer work supporting primary school children to improve literacy skills. Previously volunteered during high school to assist younger primary school students with reading and literacy development.
Timeline
Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy -
Australian College of Applied Professions (ACAP)
07.2025 - 12.2026
Student Counsellor
The Hills Clinic / Hills Private Hospital
01.2023 - 01.2024
Crisis Support Worker
Lifeline Australia
01.2022 - 01.2023
Client Services Advisor
Clinical Genomics
04.2015 - 09.2015
Office All Rounder / Recruitment & HR
Solutions Personnel
04.2011 - 02.2013
Practice Manager / Medical Receptionist
Dr Ratna – Consultant Psychiatrist
04.2010 - Current
Graduate Diploma of Counselling -
Australian College of Applied Professions (ACAP)
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Macquarie University
Certificate III in Business Administration (Medical) -
TAFE NSW – Liverpool Campus
Higher School Certificate (HSC) -
Canterbury Girls High School