Zainab Ilyas

A compassionate and dedicated Mental Health Counsellor with a Master of Professional Counselling from Monash University. Trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and experienced in supporting clients presenting with a range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, grief and loss, eating disorders, ADHD, stress, relationship difficulties, OCD and other mental health challenges. I am committed to providing ethical, evidence-based, and client-centred care while fostering a safe and supportive environment for clients to achieve their therapeutic goals.

Trainee Counsellor at Taylor's University (2025-09 – 2025-04)

• Conduct one-on-one counselling sessions with university students on academic, personal, and emotional challenges.
• Develop tailored support plans and apply evidence-based counselling techniques.
• Maintain confidential case notes and monitor student progress.

Trainee Counsellor at PPK Destiny (2025-07 – 2026-01)

• Facilitate group counselling sessions for refugee children aged 7–16, focusing on emotional regulation, life skills and coping.
• Develop and adapt age-appropriate therapeutic activities to support children from diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Provide a safe and supportive environment to address trauma, adjustment challenges, and peer relationships.

Practicum Counsellor at Monash University (2024-11 – 2025-05)

• Conducted individual counselling sessions under supervision, applying CBT techniques
• Worked with clients presenting issues such as academic stress, depression, anxiety, anger, ADHD, motivation, low self-esteem, Grief, and family issues.
• Maintained accurate SOAP notes and developed tailored treatment plans.
• Successfully conducted group counselling sessions on academic stress.

Talent Acquisition Intern at Hexamatics (2023-07 – 2023-12)

• Responsible for recruitment to find suitable candidates based on Job Descriptions shared by clients.
• Understanding the clients' requirements and providing competent candidates.
• Sourcing for suitable candidates from databases, job portals, and social media.
• Coordinating interview arrangements, conducting screening interviews and administering testing procedures.

Master of Professional Counselling in Counselling – Monash University (2024-02 – 2026-06)

Bachelor of Psychological Science and Business in Psychological Science and Business – Monash University (2020-07 – 2023-06)