Andra Hersey

Counseled students studying for a short term or long term living abroad in Israel. Developed educational materials and conducted group learning for cultural awareness and sensitivity for a safe and successful learning experience. Managed psychological and medical crisis, including psychotic episodes, anxiety, traumatic events, medical evacuation. Collaborated with faculty and local police and therapists when necessary. Supported staff and students in challenging relational dynamics and conflict resolution. contributed to a peaceful and harmonious environment for a very diverse group of faculty, students and friends from all over the world, with many different faiths and religions.

• Established trusting therapeutic alliances with students and staff through empathetic listening, validation of experience, and unconditional positive regard.
• Led educational groups to empower students and inform them of cultural differences, and how to reconcile them with their own personal experiences and bias.
• Provided crisis intervention services to individuals experiencing acute distress or dangerous situations.
• Maintained accurate documentation of client interactions, assessments, and progress notes for effective case management.
• Educated clients on available community resources, fostering a sense of empowerment and self sufficiency.
• Guided staff and students in developing skills and strategies for dealing with problems.
• Created safe and supported environment for staff and students to discuss issues.
• Assessed and determined students' risk of self-harm or other dangerous behaviors.

• Established safe and supportive environments for clients, fostering open communication and trust during therapy sessions.
• Built strong rapport with clients through active listening skills and empathic understanding of their experiences, fostering lasting therapeutic relationships.
• Developed personalized treatment plans to address each client''s specific needs, leading to improved mental health outcomes.
• Evaluated client progress regularly, adjusting treatment plans as necessary based on changing needs or circumstances.
• Collaborated with healthcare professionals in coordinating care for clients with co-occurring mental health and physical health concerns, ensuring a holistic approach to treatment.
• Documented client progress in confidential files.
• Counseled individuals, groups or families to help understand problems, deal with crisis situations and develop realistic action plans.
• Engaged in continuous professional development to stay abreast of latest psychotherapy techniques and theories.
• Collaborated with medical professionals to integrate psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy, enhancing overall treatment effectiveness.
• Provided crisis intervention services when needed, effectively addressing acute emotional distress and preventing harm to self or others.

• Collaborated with about 30 teachers and 4-6 administrators to develop intervention strategies for students in need of additional support.
• Created a safe space for students experiencing crises by providing immediate support and appropriate referrals.
• Implemented evidence-based programs aimed at improving school climate and promoting positive behavior among students.
• Maintained compliance with standards relating to child protection, client confidentiality, risk assessment and reporting.
• Observed student behavior and developed behavioral interventions.
• Enhanced student well-being by providing individual and group counseling sessions addressing various social, emotional, and behavioral issues.
• Provided crisis intervention services and collaborated with school staff to create safety plans for students at risk of self-harm or violence.
• Developed and implemented professional development workshops for school staff on topics related to social-emotional learning and mental health awareness, mean behavior and bullying and mandated reporting.
• Supported students, teachers and families during crisis situations.
• Monitored students for signs of trauma, abuse and neglect.
• Implemented peer mediation programs to promote conflict resolution skills among students, reducing instances of bullying and aggression.
• Developed comprehensive anti-drug program, leading to decrease in substance abuse among students.
• Intervened in crisis situations and counseled children experiencing emergencies and disruptive incidents.