Linda Smith

I am hard working, conscientious and passionate about helping others to resolve issues and find solutions to obtain personal goals. I have well developed skills in time management, including managing my schedule to complete Counselling Sessions and fulfilling administration tasks. I work very well independently to complete tasks, resolve issues and review performance.

In my current role at Yourside, I have:

• Conducted Psychological assessments to identify client needs and appropriate intervention strategies.
• Developed individualised Counselling plans for clients to incorporate short-term and long-term goals.
• Assisted clients in setting realistic Counselling goals, developing action plans, and monitoring progress towards achievement.
• Adapted Counselling techniques to best suit individual needs of each client.
• Implemented behavioural modification strategies to help clients develop healthier coping mechanisms.
• Guided clients in developing their own resources, skills and strategies for dealing with problems.
• Implemented and developed core Counselling programs to meet each individual's specific and varying needs.
• Educated clients on available community resources, fostering a sense of empowerment and self-sufficiency.
• Maintained accurate documentation of scheduled sessions, client interactions, assessments, and progress notes for effective case management.
• Participated in ongoing professional development trainings to remain current on best practices within the Counselling field.
• Enhanced client progress by utilising evidence-based Counselling techniques and interventions.
• Developed and expanded a local referral system of service providers to assist clients in attaining services.
• Provided education on mental and physical health topics and resources to clients.
• Developed and facilitated group therapy sessions for increased social support and skill-building opportunities.
• Determined clients' risk of self-harm or other dangerous behaviours.
• Displayed sensitivity to cultural and linguistic needs of clients and families served.
• Improved client satisfaction through consistent communication, empathy, and understanding of their unique challenges.

Within the Carer Gateway team, I worked closely with a team of Counsellors to provide individual Counselling services to carers.

I provided short term therapy interventions which included:

• Assisting clients in setting realistic goals, developing action plans, and monitoring progress towards achievement.
• Maintaining accurate documentation of client interactions, assessments, and progress notes for effective case management.
• Using evidence-based interventions such as Solution- focused therapy, Cognitive behaviour therapy to assist clients in recognising where change could be made.
• grief and loss Counselling to carers who experienced or anticipated the loss of the person they cared for.
• trauma-informed services to meet clients specific needs.
• Supporting individuals dealing with mental health and emotional issues.