Tara Abeleira
LESMURDIE,WA
Summary
- Master's student in Counselling and Psychotherapy with over two years of experience as a volunteer support counsellor for at-risk youth, specialising in suicide prevention through an innovative program.
- Recently expanded expertise to include work with the homeless, demonstrating a strong commitment to making a meaningful impact within the community.
- Proficient in relationship building, empathetic listening, and providing non-judgmental emotional support. Skills have been refined through interactions with diverse clients.
- Approaching the completion of a professionally recognised Masters level qualification, dedicated to translating theoretical knowledge into effective practical application.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Homeless Emotional Support Counsellor
Ruah Community Services
07.2025 - Current
- Provide emotional support and compassionate care to individuals in need, facilitating the exploration of personal strengths, resources, and available options.
- Supported clients in development of healthy coping strategies, leading to improved life management skills.
- Create and maintain a safe, non-judgmental environment that encourages individuals to share their experiences and feel heard.
- Deliver psychoeducation on grounding techniques and distress-tolerance skills to promote effective emotional regulation during periods of crisis.
Youth Suicide Support Counsellor
Ruah Community Services
11.2023 - Current
- Working as a support counsellor volunteer at Luminos House, a residential centre for youth aged 16 to 24 at risk of suicide.
- Utilise a person-centred approach to build rapport and foster trust, supporting clients to improve emotional well-being.
- Engage in empathetic listening and non-judgmental support, creating a safe space for residents to express their emotions and challenges.
- Deliver psychoeducation to improve understanding.
- Participate in DBT group work, enhancing coping skills, distress tolerance and emotional regulation to promote safety and stabilisation.
- This is a pioneering initiative in Australia, which I have been involved in from the start. Current research has proved early success.
Marketing Contractor
AT Digital
01.2017 - 02.2021
- Established AT Digital, driving administrative efficiency and enhancing client engagement through tailored marketing strategies.
Marketing Advisor
Ravensdown
08.2010 - 01.2017
- Responsible for: Implementing marketing communications plan (DM / Advertising / Radio)
General Manager
Avatar Web Promotions
09.2004 - 05.2010
- Responsible for: Team of 8 employees and 4 contractors
- Driving sales and revenue, with an average turnover of $500,000
Advertising Executive
Virgin Atlantic
06.2001 - 07.2004
- Responsible for: Planning, implementing and research of above the line activity including print, radio, TV, outdoor and cinema advertising and online activity including affiliate partnership development, sponsorship and online advertising
Brand Manager
Saga Holidays
09.1999 - 06.2001
- Responsible for: Launching and developing a new e-commerce web site to sell flights online (jointly owned by British Airways and Saga Holidays)
Management Trainee
Saga Holidays
09.1998 - 09.1999
Education
Masters of Counselling and Psychotherapy -
Australian College of Applied Professions
Perth, Australia12-2026
BA Honours Tourism Management - undefined
University of Hertfordshire
Hertford, UK06.1998
Skills
- Sound volunteering experience through Ruah Services
- Self starter with ability to acquire new knowledge quickly
- Good planning and organisation; able to compile case notes / reports
- Skilled in building relationship connection
- Able to multi task and critically evaluate
Career Objective
I am a final-year Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy student seeking a student placement opportunity. I bring over two years of volunteer support-counselling experience, along with a strong foundational understanding of counselling theories, modalities, and core therapeutic skills. My relevant experience has strengthened my communication, interpersonal, and reflective practice capabilities, positioning me as a dedicated and well-prepared candidate for a student placement role.
COURSES
Certificate of Attendance, 2 hour workshops:
- Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
- Motivational Interviewing
- Schema Therapy
- Training the Inner Chimp
- Grounding Techniques
- ASSIST suicide prevention skills. Samaritans August 2023
- Chartered institute of Marketing advanced certificate module in marketing operations at South East Kent College JAN 1991-JUN 1991
HOBBIES
I enjoy going to the gym, walking with friends, nature and travel.
Timeline
Homeless Emotional Support Counsellor
Ruah Community Services
07.2025 - Current
Youth Suicide Support Counsellor
Ruah Community Services
11.2023 - Current
Marketing Contractor
AT Digital
01.2017 - 02.2021
Marketing Advisor
Ravensdown
08.2010 - 01.2017
General Manager
Avatar Web Promotions
09.2004 - 05.2010
Advertising Executive
Virgin Atlantic
06.2001 - 07.2004
Brand Manager
Saga Holidays
09.1999 - 06.2001
Management Trainee
Saga Holidays
09.1998 - 09.1999
BA Honours Tourism Management - undefined
University of Hertfordshire
Masters of Counselling and Psychotherapy -
Australian College of Applied Professions