Dania Pillai

Licensed and Registered Counsellor with strong clinical training across individual, group, and community-based mental health settings. Experienced in working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families, with presenting concerns including anxiety, emotional regulation, self-esteem, life transitions, relationship difficulties, and career development. Brings in an empathetic therapeutic style grounded in ethical practice, reflective supervision, and evidence-informed interventions.

Possesses additional strengths in special needs education, behavioural management, and multidisciplinary collaboration.

Mental Health Practitioner at Skybi (2025-11 – Present)

Provide mental health support services to children, adolescents, and adults, addressing emotional, behavioural, and developmental concerns.

• Provide mental health support services to children, adolescents, and adults, addressing emotional, behavioural, and developmental concerns
• Conduct intake assessments, ongoing evaluations, and structured intervention planning aligned with client needs
• Deliver individualised interventions using counselling-informed and developmentally appropriate approaches
• Maintain accurate, confidential documentation including session notes, progress tracking, and reports
• Collaborate with parents, educators, and multidisciplinary professionals to ensure holistic and consistent care
• Uphold ethical practice, safeguarding standards, and professional boundaries in all client interactions

Lead Teacher at Guild School Kuala Lumpur (2025-07 – Present)

Lead classroom planning, implementation, and daily operations within an inclusive and structured learning environment.

• Lead classroom planning, implementation, and daily operations within an inclusive and structured learning environment
• Plan and deliver engaging, meaningful lessons across academic, social-emotional, and life skills (ADL) domains to support holistic student development with visual support
• Develop, implement, and review Individualised Education Plans (IEPs) with ongoing assessment and progress tracking
• Facilitate group-based and functional activities to enhance independence, participation, and daily living skills
• Manage daily administrative tasks (e.g. track attendance, collect forms, update families/caregivers)

Trainee Counsellor (Intern) at Mental Illness Awareness and Support Association (MIASA) (2024-08 – 2024-11)

Conducted supervised individual counselling sessions with children, adolescents, and adults. Addressed emotional, behavioural, relational, and adjustment-related concerns.

• Conducted supervised individual counselling sessions with children, adolescents, and adults
• Addressed emotional, behavioural, relational, and adjustment-related concerns
• Performed intake assessments and developed individualised intervention plans
• Maintained accurate, confidential case notes, treatment plans, and progress reports
• Provided crisis helpline support, including emotional containment, suicide risk assessment, and crisis intervention
• Participated in regular clinical supervision and professional development workshops
• Engaged in community outreach initiatives, mental health screenings, and stigma-reduction programmes

Trainee Counsellor (Intern) at Soul Space Therapy (2024-01 – 2024-07)

Provided counselling support using evidence-informed therapeutic techniques.

• Provided counselling support using evidence-informed therapeutic techniques
• Maintained detailed clinical documentation, including session notes and treatment plans
• Attended ongoing supervision and professional training to enhance clinical competence
• Practised ethical decision-making in line with professional counselling standards

Trainee Counsellor (Intern) at Centre for Psychological and Counselling Services (HELP Subang 2) (2023-08 – 2023-12)

Completed 65 hours of individual counselling sessions and facilitated group counselling.

• Completed 65 hours of individual counselling sessions
• Facilitated 30 hours of group counselling focused on self-confidence and goal setting
• Administered psychological screenings including DASS-21 across diverse populations
• Conducted career assessments using the RIASEC model during Open Days and Education Expos
• Delivered a mental health talk on bullying awareness at UCSI University, promoting help-seeking behaviours among students

Principal & Special Needs Educator at RISE Intervention (2022-01 – Present)

Lead and oversee intensive intervention programmes for children with special needs aged 2–14.

• Lead and oversee intensive intervention programmes for children with special needs aged 2–14
• Design and implement individualised intervention plans targeting cognitive, behavioural, emotional, and fine motor development
• Conduct ongoing assessments, monitor progress, and adjust intervention strategies based on each child's needs
• Manage challenging behaviours and implement crisis interventions in accordance with Individualised Education Plans (IEPs) and safety guidelines
• Collaborate closely with parents to modify home and learning environments to support behavioural regulation and emotional well-being
• Provide professional guidance to educators and therapists to ensure consistency in intervention approaches
• Maintain accurate documentation, progress reports, and communication records in line with ethical and professional standards

Head of Intensive Programme & Special Needs Educator at RISE Intervention (2020-04 – 2021-12)

Led the planning, coordination, and delivery of intensive intervention programmes.

• Led the planning, coordination, and delivery of intensive intervention programmes
• Collaborated with parents and multidisciplinary teams to develop and review Individualised Education Plans (IEPs)
• Maintained comprehensive physical and digital records, including reports, assessments, and progress tracking
• Conducted parent consultations and case discussions to ensure continuity of care and goal alignment
• Trained and supervised new staff on programme structure, classroom management, and child-centred practices
• Demonstrated strong understanding of diverse learning styles and developmental needs

Master in Counselling – HELP University (2022-01 – 2024-11)

Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Psychology (Dual Award of Lancaster University) – Sunway University (2017-01 – 2019-12)

Australian Matriculation – Sunway College (2016-03 – 2016-12)