Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Private Practice - Counselling
Affiliations
Professional Development
Websites
Other Roles
References
Timeline
Generic

Jessica Demuth

Palmwoods,Australia

Summary

A highly experienced mental health professional and educator with a proven track record in developing and delivering mental health and counselling programs, supporting student well-being, and leading strategic initiatives. Skilled in providing expert advice to senior leadership, designing and implementing mental health strategies, and fostering inclusive, supportive learning environments. Experienced in stakeholder engagement, interagency collaboration, and supporting diverse student populations, including those at risk of mental health issues, disengagement, and exclusion. Strong communicator with expertise in curriculum development, data-driven program evaluation, and enhancing school communities' capacity to integrate social-emotional learning and mental health initiatives. A committed advocate for student mental health, with the ability to lead change, drive outcomes, and promote equity and inclusion across educational settings.

Overview

5
5
years of professional experience

Work History

Program Facilitator

Little Dreamers
Sunshine Coast, QLD
09.2024 - Current
  • Peer Support Program Development: Facilitated peer support programs that empowered students to provide mental health and emotional support to their peers.
  • Student Engagement & Resilience: Promoted resilience, reduced stigma, and supported students at risk of disengagement or mental health challenges.
  • Inclusive Practices: Fostered a culture of inclusivity and respect for diversity by providing support to students with varying needs, including those from diverse cultural backgrounds, students with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ students.

Lecturer

Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors
Brisbane, QLD
11.2019 - 04.2024
  • Leadership & Collaboration: Led the development and delivery of courses for both Bachelor and Master’s programs, while overseeing a team of tutors and external markers to ensure consistency in assessment delivery. Collaborated with course coordinators to align curriculum with accreditation standards, fostering a collaborative teaching environment.
  • Curriculum Development: Played a pivotal role in continuously updating and revising course materials to ensure alignment with emerging trends in mental health and therapeutic practices, ensuring the content remained relevant and effective. Led the integration of mental health resilience strategies into course design, aligning with best practices, and supporting student mental well-being.
  • Mental Health & Well-Being Initiatives: Actively integrated mental health awareness and resilience strategies into the curriculum, fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment. Designed and implemented peer support programs that encouraged students to actively engage with mental health initiatives and offered resources to help manage stress and emotional challenges.
  • Student Engagement & Support: Promoted inclusivity within the classroom by developing engaging content and offering personalised support to students with diverse needs. Actively engaged students in key counselling practices such as active listening, empathy, and emotional intelligence, fostering an environment where students from diverse backgrounds felt supported.

Research Advisor

Sentai AI Ltd
London, UK
01.2020 - 12.2020
  • Psychology of Aging & Mental Health: Advised on the psychological impacts of aging, particularly focusing on loneliness and mental health challenges faced by the elderly. Provided expert insights into how technology can support mental health and emotional well-being in older populations.
  • Technology & Mental Health Integration: Collaborated with the development team to refine the language and user interface of Sentai's AI technology, ensuring it was sensitive to the psychological needs of elderly users and aligned with mental health best practices.
  • Market Entry Strategy: Assisted in the strategic planning for Sentai AI's entry into the Australian market, offering recommendations for how to tailor mental health services and support for Australian elderly populations.
  • Stakeholder Collaboration: Worked closely with cross-functional teams, including tech developers and mental health professionals, to ensure the technology aligned with psychological principles and was able to provide effective support for aging individuals facing isolation and loneliness.
  • Research & Data Analysis: Conducted research into the psychological needs of elderly populations and analysed data to inform product development, ensuring that the technology met the mental health and well-being needs of this demographic.

Education

Master of Counselling -

University of Queensland
Brisbane, QLD
12-2019

Bachelor of Behavioural Science - Psychology

Swinburne University
Melbourne, VIC
01.2012

Skills

  • Leadership
  • Strategy
  • Mental Health
  • Collaboration
  • Inclusion
  • Advocacy
  • Communication
  • Program Development
  • Case Management
  • Data Analysis
  • Problem Solving
  • Stakeholder Management
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Project Management
  • Reporting
  • Evaluation
  • Diversity
  • Innovation
  • Decision-Making
  • Organisational Skills

Private Practice - Counselling

Client-Centered & Integrative Counselling: Utilized a flexible, client-centered approach, integrating multiple therapeutic modalities to meet the unique needs of individuals and couples. Adapted treatment plans based on ongoing client feedback and progress.

Empowerment & Effective Communication: Developed a supportive and empathetic environment that ensured client comfort and safety, empowering clients to express themselves openly and work toward their personal and relational goals.

Comprehensive Assessment & Case Formulation: Conducted thorough client assessments, refined intake processes, and formulated tailored treatment plans. Focused on both immediate concerns and long-term emotional health and well-being.

Psychoeducation & Group Facilitation: Delivered psychoeducational content to clients, enhancing their understanding of key mental health issues and relationship dynamics. Facilitated group sessions to promote shared learning and peer support.

Ongoing Professional Development: Committed to continuous professional growth, engaging in regular training and staying current with the latest evidence-based practices in counselling and mental health.

Ethical Practice & Confidentiality: Maintained high ethical standards in all client interactions, upholding confidentiality and respecting clients’ autonomy, while ensuring a non-judgmental and safe space for exploration.

Extensive Client Engagement: Accumulated over 3,000 client contact hours, providing individual and couples counselling, which contributed to significant improvements in client relationships and emotional resilience.

Practice Management: Managed day-to-day operations of the practice, including administrative tasks, accounts, scheduling, and business development, ensuring smooth operations and client satisfaction.

Affiliations

Australian Counselling Association (ACA - Level 3)

Eligible Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA)

Professional Development

EFT-C - Externship with Jenny Fitzgerald, 2019

Gottman Level 1 & 2 - Relationship Institute, 2020

Eating Disorder Training - InsideOut, 2020

Trauma, Grief, and Personality Disordered Symptoms, 2020

Relational Life Therapy - Terry Real Couples Therapy, 2020

The Developmental Model of Couples Therapy, 2020

Desire Discrepancy - A Clinical Toolkit for Therapists, 2021

Trauma Conference: The Body Keeps the Score- Bessel van der Kolk, 2021

Applying Cognitive Behavioural Techniques to Create Meaningful Change, 2021

ADHD in Adults and Relationships - Ari Tuckman, 2022

Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS) Conference - Stephanie Mitchell, 2023

Feedback Informed Treatment (FIT) - Scott Miller, 2023

The Work that Reconnects - Joanna Macy, 2024

Healing Affairs and Repairing Attachment Injuries - EFT, 2024

Healing The Fragmented Selves - Trauma-Informed Stabilization Treatment, 2024

Other Roles

Tutor | University of the Sunshine Coast & Griffith University

Role Description:
Tutored undergraduate and postgraduate students in counselling, psychology, and mental health courses. Responsibilities included:

  • Facilitating Tutorials: Delivered interactive sessions to reinforce course content and support student learning.
  • Providing Academic Support: Offered guidance on assignments, assessments, and study strategies.
  • Grading & Feedback: Assessed student work and provided constructive feedback.
  • Curriculum Support: Assisted with updating course materials to reflect current research and industry standards.
  • Fostering Well-being: Promoted a supportive learning environment to enhance student engagement and well-being.

Career Shift - Previous Roles 2012-2018

Prior to returning to study in the counselling field, I held senior leadership roles in both the corporate and non-profit sectors. As Head of Partnerships at a children's charity, I was responsible for overseeing key operations, building strategic partnerships, and driving the organization’s mission to support vulnerable children and families. Later, as Lead Strategist in Accounts Management, I led a team to develop and execute strategic initiatives for client accounts. These roles helped me develop strong leadership, strategic thinking, and stakeholder management skills, all of which I now apply to my work in the mental health and counselling field.

References

Fleur Cameron - Lecturer at Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors (AIPC)

fleurcameron@hotmail.com | 0417 438 200

Kim Stewart - Lecturer Social Work and Human Services at USQ former Course Coordinator AIPC

kim.stewart@usq.edu.au | 0413 397 839

Ben Tomecek - Course Coordinator Acknowledge Education

b.tomecek@ae.edu.au

Karenne Hills - Retired Course Coordinator of Counselling at AIPC

‭0402 135 752‬

Timeline

Program Facilitator

Little Dreamers
09.2024 - Current

Research Advisor

Sentai AI Ltd
01.2020 - 12.2020

Lecturer

Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors
11.2019 - 04.2024

Master of Counselling -

University of Queensland

Bachelor of Behavioural Science - Psychology

Swinburne University
Jessica Demuth