Open to opportunities

John Paul Otieno

@johnpaulotieno

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Experienced counsellor and trainer with a passion for mental health.

Kenya

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What I'm looking for

I am looking for a role that fosters mental health awareness and provides opportunities for professional growth.

I am an experienced counsellor and trainer with over 8 years of progressive experience in counselling individuals, couples, and groups. My approach to work is characterized by energy and a positive, constructive attitude. I possess strong organizational abilities and am adept at providing leadership and relevant training in various settings.

Throughout my career, I have successfully trained numerous organizations, including the Kenya Red Cross and AMREF University, in psychological first aid and mental health awareness. My role at Amani Counselling Centre and Training Institute has allowed me to manage psychological assessments and provide administrative support while facilitating experiential growth groups and offering psychosocial support during crises.

My commitment to mental health advocacy is evident through my involvement in various training programs and workshops aimed at enhancing the skills of healthcare workers and peer counsellors. I am dedicated to creating a supportive environment for individuals facing mental health challenges and am continuously seeking opportunities to expand my knowledge and impact in this field.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Counselor and Trainer

Current

Amani Counselling Centre and Training Institute

Feb 2018 - Present (7 years 4 months)

Managed psychological assessments and provided administrative support to counsellors and facilitators. Trained different units and offered psychosocial support, including facilitating experiential/growth groups.

Training Psychological Support Facilitation

In-house Counsellor / Trainer

Sama Source Limited

Jan 2016 - Dec 2020 (4 years 11 months)

Provided in-house counselling and training services. Conducted various training sessions, including Psychological First Aid for Kenya Red Cross Malindi Branch and debriefing sessions for International Medical Corps (IMC) in Mogadishu.

Counselling Training

Part-time Counsellor/Trainer

Amani Counselling Centre and Training Institute

Sep 2016 - Jan 2018 (1 year 4 months)

Performed psychological assessments for new clients and allocated them to appropriate counsellors. Assisted in writing monthly reports and offered psychological counselling to clients, including responding to crises.

Client Allocation Counselling

Intern

Amani Counseling Centre and Training Institute

Aug 2015 - Aug 2016 (1 year)

Conducted psychological assessments for new clients and assisted in their allocation to counsellors. Contributed to monthly reports and provided psychological counselling, including crisis response and group facilitation.

Client Allocation Counselling Crisis Response Facilitation

Field Manager

Youth Alive Africa Kenya

Jan 2006 - Jun 2011 (5 years 5 months)

Coordinated and implemented program activities, including training and facilitation of Behavior Change and Life Skills development programs. Conducted planning, follow-ups, monitoring, evaluation, and community mobilization.

Training Research Advocacy

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Africa Nazarene University

Bachelor of Arts, Counseling Psychology

Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Counseling Psychology. This program focuses on advanced theories and practices in psychological counseling.

Amani Counseling Centre and Training Institute

Diploma, Counseling Psychology

Completed a Diploma in Counseling Psychology, gaining foundational knowledge and practical skills in various counseling techniques and client support.