Sharika Venugopal

Registered psychologist (AHPRA) with over ten years' experience supporting the mental health and wellbeing of children and adolescents in school settings. Experienced in individual and group counselling, safeguarding and collaborative pastoral care. Having worked in a fully residential boarding environment, I understand the emotional dynamics of boarding life and the importance of consistency, discretion and community-based support.

I aim to be a steady and approachable professional who helps young people develop resilience, self-awareness and character.

School Counsellor at British International School Riyadh (2024-01 – Present)

Provide individual counselling for students facing anxiety, emotional regulation challenges, peer relationships and transitions. Collaborate with teachers, house staff and pastoral leaders to deliver coordinated wellbeing support.

• Provide individual counselling for students facing anxiety, emotional regulation challenges, peer relationships and transitions
• Collaborate with teachers, house staff and pastoral leaders to deliver coordinated wellbeing support
• Maintain safeguarding procedures, risk assessment and confidential documentation
• Support families and staff in understanding student wellbeing needs
• Contribute to a positive school culture where pastoral care is integrated into daily school life

School and College Counsellor at THINK Global School (2020-01 – 2023-12)

Worked within a 24/7 residential model supporting students during international travel and boarding life. Provided therapeutic support for homesickness, identity development, peer dynamics and emotional regulation.

• Worked within a 24/7 residential model supporting students during international travel and boarding life
• Provided therapeutic support for homesickness, identity development, peer dynamics and emotional regulation
• Collaborated closely with house staff and educational teams to ensure holistic student care
• Developed understanding of safeguarding and pastoral care in a residential context
• Supported students in navigating cultural transitions and global learning experiences

School Psychologist at Catholic Regional College St Albans (2018-01 – 2020-12)

Provide counseling, instruction, and mentoring for students with social, emotional, and behavioral problems. Promote wellness and resilience by reinforcing communication and social skills, problem solving, anger management and self-regulation.

• Provide counseling, instruction, and mentoring for students with social, emotional, and behavioral problems
• Promote wellness and resilience by reinforcing communication and social skills, problem solving, anger management and self-regulation
• Evaluate eligibility of self education services with Vice-Principal/ Head of Wellbeing

Provisional Psychologist at Life Resolutions (2017-01 – 2017-12)

Provided clinical interventions for children, adolescents and adults utilising CBT, ACT, and strengths-based approaches. Evaluated clients and made the appropriate assessments and referrals.

• Provided clinical interventions for children, adolescents and adults utilising CBT, ACT, and strengths-based approaches
• Evaluated clients and made the appropriate assessments and referrals
• Maintained communication with all clients and their families to ensure that treatments were carried out as directed

AHPRA Accredited Supervised Internship at Learning Links (2015-01 – 2018-12)

Completed two years of supervised professional practice under provisional registration with the Psychology Board of Australia. Focused on counselling, assessment, and intervention across educational and developmental settings.

• Completed two years of supervised professional practice under provisional registration with the Psychology Board of Australia
• Focused on counselling, assessment, and intervention across educational and developmental settings

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology – Macquarie University (2007-01 – 2009-12)

Graduate Diploma of Psychological Sciences in Psychological Sciences – Australian College of Applied Psychology (2012-01 – 2012-12)

Bachelor of Psychological Sciences (Honours) in Psychological Sciences – Australian College of Applied Psychology (2013-01 – 2013-12)