Sama Riaz

Knowledgeable about empathetic communication and active listening. Strong foundation in understanding human behaviour and providing emotional support. Ready to use and develop counselling techniques, conflict resolution, and client rapport skills in counselling role.

With focus on counselling and mental health support, have honed skills in empathetic communication, active listening and problem-solving. Can deliver compassionate, personalised counselling to individuals in need and create safe, supportive environments. Able to utilise understanding of cognitive behavioural therapy and mindfulness techniques to facilitate client growth and promote mental wellbeing.

Compassionate individual seeking role as Trainee Counsellor, combining strong interpersonal and communication skills with background in psychology. Adept in active listening and problem-solving, fostering supportive client relationships. Committed to promoting mental well-being and facilitating personal growth.

Trainee counsellor at Base Hospital (2016-10 – 2018-01)

Provided counselling and mental health support in a hospital setting

• Advocated for clients' rights within healthcare and social service settings
• Conducted research to stay current with counselling trends and evidence-based practices
• Worked with mental health professionals for coordinated care and optimal client outcomes
• Diagnosed mental health, emotional and substance abuse disorders
• Conducted outreach to increase mental health service access in underserved communities
• Created safe environment for conversations about sensitive topics such as trauma or abuse
• Engaged in regular supervision meetings to ensure optimal client outcomes
• Enhanced client self-understanding for increased wellness and healing
• Assessed clients' mental health needs using appropriate diagnostic tools
• Contributed constructively in team meetings, sharing insights from individual case work
• Managed emotionally charged situations, providing immediate therapeutic support

Trainee counsellor at As - Siraj College (2016-10 – 2017-10)

Provided counselling services in an educational setting

• Created safe environment for conversations about sensitive topics such as trauma or abuse
• Engaged in regular supervision meetings to ensure optimal client outcomes
• Enhanced client self-understanding for increased wellness and healing
• Assessed clients' mental health needs using appropriate diagnostic tools
• Contributed constructively in team meetings, sharing insights from individual case work
• Managed emotionally charged situations, providing immediate therapeutic support

Teacher in a primary school at Ilma International Girls' School (2011-04 – 2012-04)

Primary school teacher providing education and student support

• Managed classroom behaviour effectively, ensuring an optimal learning environment for all students
• Fulfilled curriculum requirements by planning and delivering engaging lessons
• Integrated digital tools into lessons, facilitating interactive learning experiences for pupils
• Improved student literacy skills through reading comprehension exercises
• Organised school trips as a means of enhancing experiential learning opportunities for pupils
• Participated in continuous professional development workshops staying abreast of latest teaching methodologies
• Took part in parent-teacher meetings discussing pupil progress and potential areas for improvement
• Led after-school clubs, facilitated students' participation in extracurricular activities
• Collaborated with special education professionals to cater for needs of differently-abled pupils in regular classrooms
• Tailored homework assignments according to individual student ability level, increased understanding of complex concepts
• Organised school events such as sports day or concerts showcasing student talents beyond academics
• Fostered strong relationships with students by displaying genuine interest in their personal growth and achievements
• Integrated technology into lessons to make subjects more appealing to today's tech-savvy students
• Created inclusive classroom setting to ensure all students felt accepted and valued
• Developed engaging lesson plans by applying knowledge of educational theories and methods
• Worked closely with colleagues for implementing cross-curricular projects that engaged students in comprehensive learning experiences
• Prepared stimulating classroom displays, encouraged student creativity and interest in subject matter

Teacher at Vidura College (2008-05 – 2011-01)

Secondary school teacher providing education and student support

• Took part in parent-teacher meetings discussing pupil progress and potential areas for improvement
• Led after-school clubs, facilitated students' participation in extracurricular activities
• Collaborated with special education professionals to cater for needs of differently-abled pupils in regular classrooms
• Tailored homework assignments according to individual student ability level, increased understanding of complex concepts
• Organised school events such as sports day or concerts showcasing student talents beyond academics
• Fostered strong relationships with students by displaying genuine interest in their personal growth and achievements
• Integrated technology into lessons to make subjects more appealing to today's tech-savvy students
• Created inclusive classroom setting to ensure all students felt accepted and valued
• Developed engaging lesson plans by applying knowledge of educational theories and methods
• Worked closely with colleagues for implementing cross-curricular projects that engaged students in comprehensive learning experiences
• Prepared stimulating classroom displays, encouraged student creativity and interest in subject matter

Certificate of Higher Education in Safeguarding for children and vulnerable adults – Learn Direct - Online (2025-03 – 2025-03)

Certificate of Higher Education in Awareness of Bullying for children and adolescents – Learn Direct - Online (2024-05 – 2024-05)

Certificate of Higher Education in Counselling – Institute of Mental Health (2014-05 – 2014-05)

Certificate of Higher Education in Psychology – American College of Higher Education (2013-08 – 2013-08)

A-Levels in Greek and Roman Civilisation, English, French – Pushpadana Girls' College (2006-07 – 2006-07)

GCSEs in English Literature, English Language, Health Science, Social Science, French, Mathematics, Science – Government Science College (2003-12 – 2003-12)