Zina Younan Clinical Counsellor PACFA

My counselling practice is committed to the promotion of the client's well-being.

I firmly believe that a therapist's warmth, authenticity, non-judgemental attitude and empathy are essential for working with client's successfully.

I place a high value on the individuals dignity and worth regardless of their gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, physical and mental abilities, religious beliefs and socio economic background.

Working out inner feelings and discovering personal truths are crucial for therapeutic change.  To achieve this I will work in a confidential environment where the client can feel emotionally safe.  The client will have the space and opportunity to disclose in confidence, to develop insight into any issues and tap into your own inner strengths and resources.

• 15 years Counselling Experience
• Clinical Member PACFA
• Educator at the Australian College of Applied Psychology - Diploma Of Counsellin
• Mid Placement Reviewer for the School of Counselling at ACAP 
• Counsellor at Burwood Community Welfare Services 
• Peer Group Facillitator at the Inner West Counselling Service 
• Facilitated a CBT group (Learning Circles) for return to work parents at the Inner West Skills Centre 
• Worked for the Exodus Foundation Ashfield in the Welfare Department as a Counsellor/Community Worker.
• Facilitated a Mentoring Group involving training of clients to be leaders within the community.  
• Developed, Co-Ordinated and Facilitated Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Training Manual and Workshops called ‘Road Map To Change’.  It is a training manual that benefits the participant’s with a better understanding of life skills, self-exploration, positive change techniques, communication, assertiveness, non-assertiveness, aggression, perception, react/respond, positive thinking, congruence, cognitive distortions, thought feeling action cycle, exploring value systems, goal setting, motivation, non-verbal body language, future choices, life’s challenges and opportunities.
• Anger Management Facilitator at the Inner West Skills Centre in Auburn. I compiled and facilitated an Anger Management workshop called ‘Deal with It Differently - Managing Your Anger’.  These sessions were specifically designed to work with children from the Juvenile Justice System.
• Counsellor/Caseworker for the Personal Support Programme at the Inner West Skills Centre in Burwood.  The aim was to help my clients regain control of their lives and overcome their various personal and vocational barriers and issues.  I worked with clients that suffered from severe and multiple barriers. These barriers included mental health illnesses, anger management and mediation between the client and government organisations, conflict resolution, homelessness, addictions as well as a personal barriers and issues.  Goal setting and motivational counselling was practiced to successfully move the client forward either socially or vocationally.  
• Past position - CAPA’s committee as the Professional Development Coordinator.  The position required me to work independently within a group dynamic organising the Professional Development Evenings for CAPA. I was responsible for organising guest speakers and documentation. 
• Past position - Domestic Violence Court Support Counsellor in the Shine Room on Friday’s for female victims of Domestic Violence. This position involved communication skills, conflict resolution skills, mediation and an understanding of how the judicial system works in relation to working with local police, AVO’s and the local court rules and regulations.    
• Solution-Focused Brief Therapy Training
• Centre for Community Welfare Training 
• Executive Member CAPA - Professional Development Officer
• Men’s Issues (working with male clients) Training
• Parents Who Are Substance Users & Risk Assessment
• SAAP Training Unit Department Of Community Services Statement Of Attendance (now known as FACS)
• Completed The Domestic Violence Court Support Workshop
• NSW Clearance for Clinical Placement in NSW Health Facilities

Relevant Skills and Attributes: 

• Communicator
• Mediator
• Empathic
• Organised
• Diligent
• Motivator
• Effective interpersonal skills
• Highly effective conflict resolution skills
• Ability to provide counselling in an empathic and non judgemental manner
• Understanding of the importance of culture within communication & counselling
• Ability to work with integrity and professionalism  

More Information

I work on a sliding scale. If you can not afford the normal session fee then we can negotiate a price that suits your financial situation. 

In-home service is available.  Travelling fees will be dependant on travel time from Strathfield.

Specialties:  Personal, Family/ Relationship Issues, Life Transitions, Stress/Anxiety Management, Self-Esteem Issues, Relaxation Techniques, Goal Setting & Motivation.