Laisaa Zulaikha

Dedicated school counsellor with a strong commitment and passion for working with students across all age groups (K-12). Demonstrated expertise in developing a comprehensive whole-school counselling program from the foundational level in a previously counsellor-free environment, showcasing strong change management and cultural sensitivity skills. Firsthand knowledge in collaborating with all stakeholders to advocate for students' well-being and needs, including creating IEPs, maintaining confidentiality, addressing special educational needs, and delivering SEL lessons.

School Counsellor - Crescent Matriculation Higher Secondary School - Chennai

(2024-10)

Pioneered the school's first comprehensive counseling program, overcoming initial management resistance to establish essential mental health support for 1000+ students across KG-Grade 12.

• Established and implemented the school's first comprehensive counselling program, supporting 1000+ students across KG–Grade 12 aligned with the International School Counselor Association's (ISCA) Comprehensive School Counselling Program Model.
• Provided individual counselling, including psychosocial assessment, case history intake, and individualized intervention planning (100+ sessions annually) using an eclectic approach.
• Managed crisis cases including suicide ideation and abuse disclosures, ensuring safety, ethical practice, and Protection of Children From Sexual Offence (POCSO) compliance.
• Developed and delivered Social Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum and facilitated biblioguidance book clubs for 15+ students for emotional development.
• Collaborated with teachers, parents, and external mental health professionals to support student well-being and intervention planning.
• Conducted classroom observations, identified at-risk students, and provided consultation, career guidance, and preventive mental health support.
• Served as sole school counsellor, independently managing caseload, crisis response, and whole-school mental health initiatives.
• Upheld ethical counselling standards through regular supervision, particularly critical given sole counselor status.

Home Baker (Bread Products) - Self-Employed - Chennai

(2023-12 - 2024-09)

Managed production, customer orders, and sales of homemade bread while maintaining quality and hygiene standards.

Counsellor – Trainee - Multiple Institutions - Bangalore, Chennai

(2021-03 - 2023-10)

Clinical & School-Based Training Across Multiple Settings. Training Institutions: Montfort Counselling Centre (Bangalore), SJR Kengeri Public School (Bangalore), Nightingales Day Care Centre (Bangalore), Asian Institute of Design (Bangalore), Adarsh Student Counselling Centre (Chennai).

• Delivered individual and group counselling under supervision across school, college, and geriatric settings
• Conducted case history intake, mental status examinations (MSE), and case conceptualizations
• Assisted in treatment planning and intervention strategies for children, adolescents, and young adults
• Provided counselling support to school students (Grades 6–8) addressing emotional, behavioral, and academic concerns
• Worked with elderly clients diagnosed with dementia and Alzheimer's disease, offering tailored emotional and behavioral support (Nightingales Day Care Centre)
• Collaborated with parents, teachers, school leadership, and clinical supervisors to support client well-being
• Observed senior practitioners, documented case studies, and contributed to psychoeducational content development

Master of Science (M.Sc.) - Counselling Psychology - Montfort College, affiliated to Bangalore North University (BNU) (2023-11)

Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) - Psychology - Women's Christian College (WCC), affiliated to University of Madras (2020-09)