
Services
Registered Counsellor
Zakiya Mitanis
Languages Spoken:
- English
- Arabic
- Hebrew
I am a dedicated clinical counsellor with over 17 years of experience in counselling, mental health, and education. My professional journey has spanned multiple sectors, allowing me to develop expertise in working with diverse populations across various therapeutic settings.
I hold a Master’s in Counselling from Victoria University, Melbourne, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology (2012). Currently, I am completing my Master’s in Social Work at RMIT University. I am also a qualified trainer and assessor with a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAE) and a Clinical Member (Level IV) of the Australian Counselling Association (ACA).
Throughout my career, I have worked as a
- Children’s Counsellor, Family Counsellor, and Drug & Alcohol Counsellor
- Forensic Counsellor and Multilingual Counsellor at organisations such as Beyond Blue, Quitline NSW, and 1800 RESPECT
- Peace Mediator at the Holocaust Museum in Israel
- Subcontractor Counsellor for Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) in private practice for two years with Acacia
Additionally, I have extensive experience in lecturing and teaching counselling and mental health at institutions such as ACAP, Kangan TAFE, Lonsdale Institute, and Cambridge College.
Being multilingual in Arabic, Hebrew, and English, I have a deep understanding of transcultural issues and cultural diversity, shaped by both my lived and professional experiences in Israel, Jordan, and Australia. Growing up in a multicultural environment, I developed a strong awareness of how cultural identity, migration experiences, and social structures influence an individual's mental health and well-being.
My lived experience, combined with my extensive counselling background, has enabled me to adapt various therapeutic models and interventions to meet the unique needs of diverse clients. I have worked with individuals from different ethnic, religious, and socio-economic backgrounds, including refugees, asylum seekers, and trauma survivors, which has strengthened my ability to apply culturally sensitive and trauma-informed care.
In my practice, I integrate trauma-informed and culturally responsive approaches, ensuring that clients receive compassionate, effective, and holistic support. I tailor interventions to align with clients' values, traditions, and lived experiences, incorporating narrative therapy, strengths-based approaches, and mindfulness techniques to foster empowerment and healing. Additionally, my ability to communicate fluently in three languages allows me to build trust and rapport with clients, breaking down language barriers and ensuring they feel understood, validated, and supported in their journey toward mental well-being.
I am committed to fostering positive working relationships, adapting to challenging environments, and continuously enhancing my skills to support individuals and communities.
Qualifications
Join the Australian Counselling Association
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