BERYL NAIKEN
VICTORIA
Summary
Psychotherapy & Counselling: Master (CLINICAL), University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia; Psychotherapy & Counselling: Master (RESEARCH), University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia; Post-Graduate Diploma of Psychology, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Western Australia. Eligible for associate membership of the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and provisional registration as a psychologist. B.A. Degree Psychology, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Western Australia. Broad experience in client case management, crisis intervention, assessment, planning and implementation of interventions. Specific interest in individual and group counseling and rehabilitation therapies.
Caring Behavioral Therapist with 27 years of experience helping clients with social and emotional issues develop techniques to deal with daily challenges. Expert at teaching others to tackle problems constructively through behavior modification. Flexible clinician comfortable administering individual or group therapy sessions.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Principal Psychotherapist – Quality of Life Division
Ministry of Youth Sports & Family
08.2024 - Current
- Lead psychotherapeutic interventions focused on improving community well-being
- Provide therapeutic support to individuals and families as part of the Ministry's Quality of Life programs
- Oversee the Counselling & Psychotherapy Unit, ensuring the effective delivery of mental health services
- Develop and implement mental health initiatives aimed at fostering emotional resilience within the community
- Facilitate the integration of counselling services into the Ministry’s broader wellness and quality of life strategies
Co-Founder
HB Holistics Counselling, Coaching & Consultancy
04.2017 - Current
- Co-founded a private practice and consultancy service providing counselling, psychotherapeutic, and well-being consultancy services
- Deliver holistic counselling and coaching services, tailored to support clients' mental health and emotional well-being
- Develop personalized therapy plans focused on personal growth and emotional resilience
- Offer consultancy on well-being strategies for individuals, families, and organizations
Director General
Ministry of Youth, Sports & Family
04.2021 - 07.2024
- Lead and Manage the Quality of Life Division
- Co-ordinate the development and prioritization of work and activities for the different sections of this Division
- Co-ordinate the implementation, monitor and evaluate of the Division’s work plan activities and programmes
- Conduct structured supervision of the different sections of the division
- Propose recommendations to Government to update and adjust national and sectoral policies, strategies and programme, as may be necessary
- Develop standards to ensure that community wellbeing is established and maintained; Participate in meetings of the Management Committee of the Ministry when required
- Prepare relevant paper for the Principal Secretary and Minister of the Ministry (Speech writing and report writing, editorial duties…)
- Represent the division on national, regional and international committees, as and when may be required
- Establish and maintain close working relationship with local, regional, and international partners
- Advocacy, empowerment and support through development of IEC materials
- Any other duties that may be required by the Division, that falls within the capacity & expertise
Advisor to the Minister
Ministry of Family Affairs
02.2019 - 03.2021
- Provide professional guidance and advice when required to the Minister on matters related to the Ministry of Family Affairs portfolio
- Conduct research on best practices applied to advice and / or propose on possible new way forward
- Assist the Minister with Public consultations and/ or necessary Ministerial visits for assessments
- Represent the Ministry when necessary in other stakeholders’ meetings
- Attend and be involved in Cabinet Committee Meetings alongside the Minister & other Heads of Department
- Attend to Counselling & Psychotherapeutic interventions upon demand by the Minister or departments under the Ministry
- Coordinate the 'Holistic Approach to Community Wellbeing - One-to-One Mentorship Program' whereby I was involved in the Launching (Mahe & Praslin)
- Cabinet paper preparation & presentation
- Training module development & Delivering (Mahe & Praslin)
- Develop Relevant forms needed to effectively materialize the Mentorship program (Family Assessment form; Care plan form; Client consent form; Case management progress note form; Mentor Claim Form; Code of ethics)
- Fortnightly Supervision of Mentors (Mahe & Praslin)
- Streaming of New potential Mentors - Interview of New Potential Mentors
- Matching Clients to Mentors
- Involved in internal personal development & wellbeing training of staff
Chief Executive Officer
Agency for Prevention of Drugs Abuse & Rehabilitation (APDAR)
12.2017 - 01.2019
- Led and managed the strategic direction, operations, and programs of the agency in alignment with the decisions of the board, focusing on the rehabilitation and prevention of drug abuse
- Oversaw the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of comprehensive rehabilitation services and prevention initiatives for individuals suffering from substance abuse
- Coordinated and prioritized the work across various divisions within the agency to ensure execution of programs, including outreach, treatment, rehabilitation, and prevention services
- Engaged with key stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and community partners, to foster collaborative efforts in addressing substance abuse issues at both individual and community levels
- Monitored and evaluated the effectiveness of programs to ensure measurable outcomes and provided regular reports and updates to the board on the agency’s progress
- Led the development of policies and standards aimed at improving the quality and accessibility of services for substance abusers, ensuring a holistic approach to recovery and prevention
Part-Time A-Level Psychology Lecturer
Seychelles Institute of Distance and Open Learning
05.2016 - 12.2018
- Prepared and delivered comprehensive lessons in accordance with the Cambridge International AS and A-Level Psychology syllabus, covering five core areas: cognitive, social, physiological, developmental psychology, and individual differences
- Ensured students understood the practical application of psychology in diverse fields, including education, health, organizations, the environment, and abnormal psychology
- Developed and administered assessments to monitor student progress, ensuring alignment with curriculum standards and learning outcomes
Clinical Psychotherapist
Campaign for Awareness, Resilience & Education against substance abuse (CARE)
07.2015 - 11.2017
- Provided counselling and guidance services to individuals affected by drug and alcohol abuse, including children, youth, and adults
- Facilitated the professional development of CARE Club coordinators, Rainbow Project Officers, and Outreach workers to enhance their knowledge of the risks and dangers of substance abuse
- Led training programs aimed at equipping members of CARE Clubs, the Rainbow Project, and Outreach with the skills to promote healthy lifestyle choices in alignment with CARE’s resilience education program
- Developed and implemented training programs for self and professional development, addressing risk factors related to illegal drug use and alcohol abuse, targeted at relevant groups
- Established a Development Program for School Counsellors and CARE Club facilitators, empowering them to effectively implement prevention, intervention, and educational programs within schools
Psychotherapist Intern
ECH Seasiders
01.2014 - 12.2014
- Company Overview: A leading aged care provider in Adelaide, South Australia, specializing in the care of older adults, particularly those with dementia
- Provided psychotherapeutic interventions & support as part of a multidisciplinary team at ECH
- Managed referrals for counselling services for individuals living with dementia and their family members, offering mental health support and guidance
- Assisted in the development and delivery of therapeutic interventions aimed at enhancing the quality of life, mental health, and well-being of elderly residents and their families within the ECH community
- A leading aged care provider in Adelaide, South Australia, specializing in the care of older adults, particularly those with dementia
Provisional Psychologist
Campaign for Awareness, Resilience & Education Against substance abuse (CARE)
03.2012 - 06.2013
- Provided counselling and therapeutic services to individuals affected by substance abuse, including both walk-in clients and referrals
- Actively participated in and facilitated parenting sessions aimed at educating families on healthy lifestyle choices, resilience, and substance abuse prevention
- Developed and delivered educational programs to various target groups, including schools and community organizations, addressing topics such as bullying, self-esteem, peer pressure, and the risks of drug and alcohol abuse
- Led monthly educational talks and workshops in schools across the country, collaborating with educators and community leaders to promote healthy choices and psychological well-being
- Partnered with the Ministry of Health to create and deliver specialized educational content for expectant mothers during post-natal consultations, focusing on the effects of substance use during pregnancy and promoting healthy living practices
Provisional Psychologist
National Council for Children (NCC)
02.2007 - 02.2012
- Conducted intake assessments and developed tailored intervention plans under the supervision of a clinical psychologist, addressing the psychological and emotional needs of children and their families
- Worked as part of a multidisciplinary team alongside other therapists and counsellors
- Played an integral role in advocating for children’s rights and raising public awareness on issues such as child abuse, emotional well-being, and child development
- Collaborated with various government ministries and agencies to deliver coordinated support services for children in need of care and protection
Senior Provisional Psychologist
Seychelles Ministry of Social Affairs
11.2005 - 02.2007
- Led and managed the Psychology Services section within the Ministry of Social Affairs, overseeing case management and program operations, and assigning duties to counsellors and provisional psychologists
- Conducted intake interviews, assessed client needs, and developed relevant intervention programs for clients referred by social services, probation officers, and rehabilitation centers
- Organized and facilitated multidisciplinary case conferences, liaising with professionals from various sectors, including healthcare, education, law enforcement, and rehabilitation, to ensure effective intervention strategies
- Delivered professional training workshops on topics such as stress management and handling difficult clients, aimed at enhancing the capacity of staff across various levels of the organization
- Ensured effective collaboration between social workers, youth workers, nurses, doctors, and legal professionals, fostering a coordinated response to social welfare issues
Provisional Psychologist
School for the Exceptional Child (Ministry of Education Seychelles)
03.2005 - 12.2005
- Provided psychological support to children with disabilities and special needs, addressing their social and emotional challenges through counselling and advocacy
- Assisted teachers with classroom management and individual student concerns, ensuring that the needs of each child were met through coordinated services and follow-up
- Conducted professional development workshops for educators on topics such as child development, classroom strategies, and supporting children with disabilities
- Led assessments to identify the specific needs of students, working closely with relevant organizations and professionals to ensure that appropriate support systems were in place
- Established and facilitated a parent support system, providing counselling, educational sessions, and ongoing support for families of children with special needs
School Counsellor
Seychelles Ministry of Education
01.1997 - 12.2000
- Provided comprehensive counselling services to primary and secondary school students, focusing on identifying at-risk individuals, conducting assessments, and developing intervention plans
- Collaborated closely with teachers, parents, and social workers to ensure a supportive environment for students, addressing issues such as child protection, mental health, and substance abuse
- Delivered preventive education programs on topics such as bullying, learning difficulties, and managing challenging behaviors, fostering a positive school climate
- Coordinated internal and external support services, including working with social services and probation officers, to provide comprehensive care for students in need
- Facilitated case management meetings and professional development workshops for staff, aimed at improving student outcomes and enhancing school support systems
Education
Master of Psychotherapy & Counselling -
University of Adelaide
07.2015
Post Graduate Diploma of Psychology -
Edith Cowan University
12.2004
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology & Children and Family Studies
Edith Cowan University
01.2003
Skills
- Continuous Professional Development
- Leadership
- Administration
- Effective Communication Skills
- Client Service
- Crisis Intervention
- Therapeutic approaches
- Solution-Focused Therapy
- Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
- Family & Relationship Therapy
- Expressive Therapy
- Therapy for Grief and Loss
- Mindfulness-Based Therapy
- Narrative Therapy
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Hypnosis
- Research skills
- Data gathering
- Data analysis
- Report writing
Skillsandachievements
Illicit drugs in Europe: demand, supply and public policies – European Drugs Summer School Portugal, 2018, Gender based Violence & Women’s Health Care Diploma – San Antonio Texas, 2023, Experience leading the Agency for the Prevention of Drug Abuse and Rehabilitation (APDAR) and the Quality of Life Division., Skilled communicator and therapist, adept at engaging with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds., Ability to build rapport rapidly with clients and effectively assess and deal with their presenting problems., Solution-Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Family & Relationship Therapy, Expressive Therapy, Therapy for Grief and Loss, Mindfulness-Based Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Hypnosis, Equipped with robust research skills, enabling both qualitative and quantitative research.
Publishedworks
- Mindfulness Practice for Children: A Practical Guide for Getting Children Focused and Staying Calm, Author
- God's DNA Decoded: How to Be What You Were Really Meant to Be, Co-Author, http://www.godsdnadecoded.us
- Human Influential Engineering (Amazon #1 Bestseller 2014), Co-Author, http://www.amazon.com/Human-Influential-Engineering-Ultimate-Influence-ebook
- Executive Endurance: Holistic Approaches to Maximizing Performance, Co-Author, http://www.amazon.com/Executive-Endurance-Performance-Holistic-Approach-ebook/dp/B01E26XE50
Languageability - Languages
- English, Fluent
- Creole, Reasonably fluent
- French, Reasonably fluent
Hobbies and Interests
- Hypnosis
- Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP)
- Body language
- Microexpressions
- Arts and creative design
Professionaloverview - Summary
Broad experience in client case management, crisis intervention, assessment, planning and implementation of interventions. Specific interest in individual and group counselling and rehabilitation therapies.
Languages
CREOLE, English, French
Native language
Timeline
Principal Psychotherapist – Quality of Life Division
Ministry of Youth Sports & Family
08.2024 - Current
Director General
Ministry of Youth, Sports & Family
04.2021 - 07.2024
Advisor to the Minister
Ministry of Family Affairs
02.2019 - 03.2021
Chief Executive Officer
Agency for Prevention of Drugs Abuse & Rehabilitation (APDAR)
12.2017 - 01.2019
Co-Founder
HB Holistics Counselling, Coaching & Consultancy
04.2017 - Current
Part-Time A-Level Psychology Lecturer
Seychelles Institute of Distance and Open Learning
05.2016 - 12.2018
Clinical Psychotherapist
Campaign for Awareness, Resilience & Education against substance abuse (CARE)
07.2015 - 11.2017
Psychotherapist Intern
ECH Seasiders
01.2014 - 12.2014
Provisional Psychologist
Campaign for Awareness, Resilience & Education Against substance abuse (CARE)
03.2012 - 06.2013
Provisional Psychologist
National Council for Children (NCC)
02.2007 - 02.2012
Senior Provisional Psychologist
Seychelles Ministry of Social Affairs
11.2005 - 02.2007
Provisional Psychologist
School for the Exceptional Child (Ministry of Education Seychelles)
03.2005 - 12.2005
School Counsellor
Seychelles Ministry of Education
01.1997 - 12.2000
Post Graduate Diploma of Psychology -
Edith Cowan University
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology & Children and Family Studies
Edith Cowan University
Master of Psychotherapy & Counselling -
University of Adelaide
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