Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Luyanda Masango

Penelope
Nelspruit

Summary

Compassionate, results-focused counsellor with expertise in crisis intervention and client advocacy. Successfully improved student emotional well‑being and reduced bullying incidents by 30% through proactive conflict‑resolution programs and targeted psycho education. Skilled at building trusting relationships, empowering clients with practical coping strategies, and delivering measurable outcomes in partnership with multidisciplinary teams.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience
4
4
Languages

Work History

Volunteer Counselor

The Counselling Hub
Cape Town
07.2020 - 12.2022

Utilise motivational interviewing techniques to encourage positive change in clients'' lives.

  • Improved client satisfaction through consistent communication, empathy, and understanding of their unique challenges.
  • Guided clients in developing skills and strategies for dealing with problems.
  • Maintained accurate documentation of client interactions, assessments, and progress notes for effective case management.
  • Educated clients on available community resources and fostering a sense of empowerment.
  • Developed individualise counseling plans for clients to incorporate short-term and long-term goals.
  • Implemented behavioral modification strategies to help clients develop healthier coping mechanisms.
  • Provided crisis intervention services to individuals experiencing acute distress or dangerous situations.
  • Used cognitive behavior therapy to assist clients in recognising and redirecting poor habits.
  • Established trusting therapeutic alliances with clients through empathetic listening, validation, and unconditional positive regard.
  • Fostered supportive environment, enabling clients to openly discuss their feelings and experiences.
  • Improved client self-esteem and communication skills through targeted therapeutic techniques.
  • Adapted counseling techniques to best suit individual needs of each client.
  • Assisted clients in exploring feelings and understanding behaviors.

School Counselor

Life Matters: Counseling And Psychological Services
Cape Town
01.2020 - 10.2020
  • Enhanced student emotional well-being by providing individual and group counseling sessions.
  • Promoted mental health awareness among staff members through training programs on topics such as stress management, self-care, and recognizing warning signs in students.
  • Empowered parents/guardians involvement in their children''s education via organizing educational workshops and providing resources on academic, career, and personal/social development.
  • Provided crisis intervention in response to emergencies, employing existing trust, and rapport to deescalate situations.
  • Coordinated efforts with community organizations to provide additional resources for students facing various challenges.
  • Developed a safe and supportive school environment by promoting positive behavior and addressing issues such as bullying and harassment.
  • Contributed to development of effective school policies that addressed issues such as attendance, discipline, and substance abuse prevention.
  • Collaborated with teachers and administrators to address the social, emotional, and academic needs of all students.
  • Reduced incidents of bullying through proactive conflict resolution training and mediation services.

Graduate Intern Counselor

Life Matters: Counseling And Psychological Services
Cape Town
05.2017 - 01.2020
  • Collaborated with faculty members to identify at-risk students and develop targeted intervention strategies.
  • Conducted individual and group counseling sessions to address students'' personal, social, and emotional needs.
  • Served as a liaison between faculty advisors and internship coordinators to ensure alignment between coursework objectives and practical experiences gained during internships.
  • Coordinated with outside agencies to provide additional support services for students facing significant challenges or obstacles in their academic journey.
  • Enhanced student engagement by incorporating hands-on activities and multimedia resources into counseling sessions.
  • Supported the establishment of student-led support groups discussing various topics such as mental health, addiction recovery, and grief management.
  • Listened to clients' concerns and provided encouragement and support.
  • Designed safe and supportive environment for clients to discuss issues.
  • Educated clients on dangers of substance abuse and prevention techniques.
  • Supported individuals dealing with mental health and emotional issues.
  • Facilitated group counseling sessions to support and encourage client growth.
  • Adapted counseling techniques to best suit individual needs of each client.
  • Assisted clients in exploring feelings and understanding behaviors.

Part Time Receptionist and Personal Assistant

Siphelele Guest House
Cape Town
04.2011 - 01.2013
  • Greeted incoming visitors and customers professionally and provided friendly, knowledgeable assistance.
  • Responded to inquiries from callers seeking information.
  • Resolved customer problems and complaints.
  • Confirmed appointments, communicated with clients, and updated client records.
  • Maintained a well-organized reception area with updated materials, contributing to a welcoming environment for visitors.
  • Handled cash transactions and maintained sales and payments records accurately.
  • Supported office efficiency by performing clerical tasks such as data entry, photocopying, scanning, and faxing documents.
  • Demonstrated strong multitasking abilities while managing numerous tasks simultaneously under tight deadlines.
  • Provided administrative support to staff members by handling correspondence, filing documents, and managing office supplies inventory.
  • Maintained visitor log for entering and leaving facility for security purposes.
  • Cultivated positive relationships with clients through professional demeanor and excellent interpersonal skills.
  • Increased customer satisfaction by warmly greeting visitors and promptly addressing their needs.
  • Handled assignments independently with good judgement and critical thinking skills.

Education

Advanced Certificate - Family Law Mediation

Mediation Academy
Cape Town, South Africa
04.2001 -

Diploma - Counselling And Communication

South African College of Applied Psychology
Cape Town, South Africa
04.2001 -

Skills

Crisis intervention and client advocacy

Conflict resolution, de‑escalation, and restorative practices

Psycho education and group facilitation to promote emotional resilience

Program design, project management, and outcome evaluation

Strong active‑listening, empathy, and communication skills

Reliable, adaptable, with excellent time management and problem‑solving ability

Collaborative team player committed to continuous learning and organisational impact

Computer literacy

Timeline

Volunteer Counselor

The Counselling Hub
07.2020 - 12.2022

School Counselor

Life Matters: Counseling And Psychological Services
01.2020 - 10.2020

Graduate Intern Counselor

Life Matters: Counseling And Psychological Services
05.2017 - 01.2020

Part Time Receptionist and Personal Assistant

Siphelele Guest House
04.2011 - 01.2013

Advanced Certificate - Family Law Mediation

Mediation Academy
04.2001 -

Diploma - Counselling And Communication

South African College of Applied Psychology
04.2001 -
Luyanda MasangoPenelope