Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Zeynep Babali-Cicek

Saint Paul,MN

Summary

Passionate Mental Health Professional and Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor, holding a Master's degree in Counseling and Psychological Services. Experienced in addressing severe mental illnesses, addiction issues, and in aiding domestic violence survivors. Skilled in assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, leading group sessions, and individual therapy with a focus on trauma-informed care and cultural sensitivity. An advocate for collaborative work environments, continuous professional development, and evidence-based interventions. Committed to a holistic, resilience-based approach to recovery, aiming to improve the well-being of individuals and communities in a dynamic counseling capacity.

Overview

11
11
years of professional experience

Work History

LPCC & LADC Practicum Student

Reed Behavioral Health
Edina, MN
01.2022 - 09.2023
  • Specialized in treating adults with co-occurring disorders, including mental health, substance use, and eating disorders in an outpatient setting.
  • Conducted individual therapy, group facilitation, case management, and comprehensive treatment planning.
  • Ensured accurate and timely 245G documentation in compliance with program requirements.
  • Developed and implemented mental health group material in the IOP.
  • Collaborated effectively with colleagues and multidisciplinary teams to enhance patient care.
  • Regularly consulted with supervisory staff on client treatment strategies, particularly concerning mental health, addiction, and eating disorder issues.
  • Employed motivational interviewing techniques to engage clients and promote active participation in their treatment plans.

ARMHS Practitioner

Open Cities Health Center
Saint Paul, MN
02.2021 - 06.2022
  • Delivered skill-based services to individuals with serious and persistent mental illnesses.
  • Facilitated weekly ARMHS group sessions specifically tailored for adult males on the spectrum.
  • Conducted comprehensive client assessments including Functional Assessments, Individual Treatment Plans, and LOCUS evaluations.
  • Actively participated in weekly all-staff meetings within the behavioral health department, contributing to case presentations and discussions.
  • Engaged in continuous professional development through weekly ARMHS group supervision and individual supervision sessions.
  • Organized and led field trips as part of the ARMHS program, enhancing client engagement and practical skill application.

Counselor

Istanbul Development Agency
Istanbul, Turkey
11.2015 - 11.2016
  • Counseled in a project for 100 disadvantaged children aged 7-14, funded by the Istanbul Development Agency, in collaboration with Uskudar Municipality and Fatih Sultan Mehmet University, focusing on at-risk youth facing challenges like street involvement, criminal activities, and substance abuse.
  • Developed and implemented intervention strategies to reduce youth substance use and smoking; facilitated psychodrama group activities for emotional and psychological well-being; and taught personal hygiene and independent living skills.
  • Provided individual counseling to children and their families, addressing their unique needs; conducted home visits for direct support and family relationship strengthening; and coordinated with local entities for engaging social activities.
  • Established collaborative relationships with school counselors and led weekly group sessions for mothers, enhancing the support network.
  • Diligently completed detailed reports and documentation for progress tracking, continually evaluated project effectiveness, and contributed to writing and compiling a comprehensive project report.

Assistant Counselor

Maya Vakfi- The Project Lift
Istanbul, Turkey
11.2014 - 04.2015
  • Actively participated as an assistant in the Project Lift “Hold My Hand” by conducting art therapy, music therapy, and dance therapy sessions, contributing to the mental and emotional well-being of both Turkish locals and Syrian refugees.
  • Coordinated and organized lunch arrangements for participating children, ensuring their comfort and well-being during sessions.
  • Engaged in ongoing professional development, attending comprehensive training sessions focused on trauma, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), and innovative creative therapy techniques.

Psychiatry Clinical Intern

Haydarpaşa Numune Training and Research Hospital
Istanbul, Turkey
06.2014 - 08.2014
  • Conducted patient care and safety monitoring through detailed observation and data collection, ensuring high standards of healthcare delivery.
  • Actively participated in daily meetings with the psychiatry unit staff, contributing to the discussion of patient care strategies and treatment plans.
  • Collaborated closely with care providers, assisting and supporting clients and their caregivers in their treatment journey.
  • Administered brief therapeutic interventions to patients, tailored to their specific needs and treatment goals.
  • Spearheaded the organization of volunteer-led art workshops (focusing on marbling techniques) in the psychiatry unit, enhancing patient engagement and therapeutic outcomes.
  • Engaged in therapy sessions alongside clients, providing supportive presence and assistance as needed.
  • Regularly participated in group supervisions with the psychiatric team, gaining insights into various psychiatric treatment methods and patient care techniques.

Volunteer

Uskudar Municipality Women’s Shelter
Istanbul, Turkey
09.2012 - 08.2014
  • Led the organization and facilitation of self-care and personal hygiene workshops for women seeking refuge from domestic violence, focusing on empowering them with essential life skills and self-care practices.
  • Coordinated and managed a diverse range of workshops, effectively overseeing volunteer teams to ensure smooth and impactful delivery of services.
  • Offered personalized one-on-one assistance to women, aiding them in various activities of daily living and contributing to their journey towards self-reliance and empowerment.
  • Provided dedicated peer support to younger women, creating a supportive and nurturing environment conducive to their healing and personal growth.

Volunteer

Hayat Foundation
Istanbul, Turkey
11.2012 - 11.2013
  • Served as a mentor, offering guidance and emotional support to children from disadvantaged backgrounds, fostering their development and well-being.
  • Actively participated in and organized events for the foundation's volunteers, contributing to the overall effectiveness and coordination of volunteer efforts.
  • Participated in a 6-day psycho-social support program, providing critical aid to Syrian refugees residing in refugee camps across Turkey.
  • Volunteered in various workshops within refugee camps, delivering essential skills and support to refugees, aiding in their psychosocial rehabilitation and adaptation.

Education

Master of Arts - , Counseling And Psychological Services

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
Winona, MN
01.2022

Certificate - Addiction Studies

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
Winona, MN
01.2022

Bachelor of Arts - Psychology

Istanbul Sehir University
Istanbul, Turkey
09.2015

Skills

  • Severe and Persistent Mental Illness (SPMI) Experience
  • Individual Therapy
  • Addiction Treatment
  • Independent Work
  • Responsible Team Player
  • Trauma Resiliency Model
  • Assessment and Diagnosis
  • Treatment Planning
  • Cultural Sensitivity
  • Case Management
  • Group Facilitation Experience

Languages

English
Full Professional
Turkish
Native/ Bilingual

Timeline

LPCC & LADC Practicum Student

Reed Behavioral Health
01.2022 - 09.2023

ARMHS Practitioner

Open Cities Health Center
02.2021 - 06.2022

Counselor

Istanbul Development Agency
11.2015 - 11.2016

Assistant Counselor

Maya Vakfi- The Project Lift
11.2014 - 04.2015

Psychiatry Clinical Intern

Haydarpaşa Numune Training and Research Hospital
06.2014 - 08.2014

Volunteer

Hayat Foundation
11.2012 - 11.2013

Volunteer

Uskudar Municipality Women’s Shelter
09.2012 - 08.2014

Master of Arts - , Counseling And Psychological Services

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

Certificate - Addiction Studies

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

Bachelor of Arts - Psychology

Istanbul Sehir University
Zeynep Babali-Cicek