I am a dedicated wellness counsellor and client services professional with extensive experience in counselling, coaching, and customer support. I pride myself on building confidential, trusting relationships and using empathetic communication to support my clients through challenges. I have led teams, designed holistic wellness programmes, and delivered mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral interventions to empower individuals and communities. I am passionate about continuous learning and applying evidence-based approaches to improve mental health and wellbeing.

Rukaya Smith

I am a dedicated wellness counsellor and client services professional with extensive experience in counselling, coaching, and customer support. I pride myself on building confidential, trusting relationships and using empathetic communication to support my clients through challenges. I have led teams, designed holistic wellness programmes, and delivered mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral interventions to empower individuals and communities. I am passionate about continuous learning and applying evidence-based approaches to improve mental health and wellbeing.

Available to hire

I am a dedicated wellness counsellor and client services professional with extensive experience in counselling, coaching, and customer support. I pride myself on building confidential, trusting relationships and using empathetic communication to support my clients through challenges.

I have led teams, designed holistic wellness programmes, and delivered mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral interventions to empower individuals and communities. I am passionate about continuous learning and applying evidence-based approaches to improve mental health and wellbeing.

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Experience Level

Language

English
Fluent
Afrikaans
Fluent

Work Experience

Wellness Counselor at Conscious Cove Counselling
October 1, 2024 - October 1, 2025
Provided wellness counselling, developed personalised coaching plans, and facilitated client growth. Monitored progress through follow-ups, adjusted strategies, and employed mindfulness and CBT techniques. Maintained confidential records, delivered mindfulness practices, and contributed to professional development. Collaborated with specialists to build holistic treatment approaches and delivered presentations at events.
Counselor at Rainbow of Hope
February 1, 2024 - July 1, 2025
Provided counselling across multiple modalities (in-person, phone, live chat, Zoom). Conducted initial assessments, developed tailored therapy and recovery plans, and applied CBT and mindfulness-based coping strategies. Facilitated group therapy and workshops, liaised with schools and healthcare providers, and maintained progress records. Delivered crisis intervention and safeguarding when needed.
Chairperson, Student Representative Council at South African College of Applied Psychology
January 1, 2023 - December 1, 2023
Led the SRC, organized meetings, advocated for student rights, and collaborated with college administration on events and initiatives. Managed budget allocations for SRC activities and drove student-centered projects.
Support Administrator / Client Services / Billing at MWEB
January 1, 2008 - December 1, 2023
Handled client communications via telephone, email, social media, and online chat; resolved customer issues and escalations; maintained client portfolios; ensured compliance with specifications and regulations; supported marketing initiatives and cross-functional teams; contributed to customer experience improvements.
Client Services Representative at Vodacom
January 1, 2007 - December 1, 2008
Dealt with customer queries, escalations, invoicing, account reconciliations, and client retention. Provided telephonic support, performed month-end procedures, and ensured accurate invoicing and relationship management.
Chairperson, Student Representative Council at South African College of Applied Psychology (SACAP)
January 1, 2023 - December 31, 2023
Led and managed the Student Representative Council to represent student interests, organized and chaired meetings, advocated for student rights, planned events and projects, and managed budgets for SRC activities.
Support Administrator / Senior Support Administrator / Client Services at MWEB
January 1, 2008 - December 31, 2023
Managed client needs across multiple channels (phone, email, social media, live chat); handled inquiries and escalations, maintained client portfolios and contract information, ensured regulatory compliance, supported marketing initiatives, and demonstrated product knowledge. Built and maintained client relationships and supported billing and financial processes.

Education

Bachelor of Science: Counselling and Psychology (Cum Laude) at South African College of Applied Psychology
January 1, 2021 - January 1, 2024
Honours in Bachelor of Social Sciences (Counselling and Psychology) at South African College of Applied Psychology
January 11, 2030 - February 1, 2026
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Anthropology, Ethics, Language and Communications, Linguistics (Incomplete) at University of the Western Cape
January 1, 2007 - February 1, 2026
Matric with Exemption at Alexander Sinton High School
January 1, 2005 - January 1, 2005
Online Diploma of Higher Education: Education (TEFL) at TEFL.co
January 1, 2023 - January 1, 2023
Bachelor of Science: Counselling and Psychology - Cum Laude at South African College of Applied Psychology
January 1, 2021 - January 1, 2024
Honours in Bachelor of Social Sciences, Major: Counselling and Psychology at South African College of Applied Psychology (SACAP)
January 11, 2030 - February 1, 2026
Bachelor of Arts at University of Western Cape
January 1, 2007 - February 1, 2026
Matric with Exemption at Alexander Sinton High School
January 1, 2005 - February 1, 2026
Diploma of Higher Education: Education (TEFL Certificate) at TEFL.co
January 1, 2023 - January 1, 2023

Qualifications

Wellness Counselor certified
January 11, 2030 - February 1, 2026
ASCHP Licence
January 11, 2030 - February 1, 2026
Counseling and Psychology certified
January 11, 2030 - February 1, 2026
Lecturing and Tutoring certified
January 11, 2030 - February 1, 2026
First Aid Certification
January 11, 2030 - February 1, 2026
Wellness Counselor certified
January 11, 2030 - February 1, 2026
ASCHP Licence
January 11, 2030 - February 1, 2026
Counseling and Psychology certified
January 11, 2030 - February 1, 2026
Lecturing and Tutoring certified
January 11, 2030 - February 1, 2026
First Aid certification
January 11, 2030 - February 1, 2026

Industry Experience

Healthcare, Education, Professional Services, Non-Profit Organization, Other, Media & Entertainment