Suranga Amarakoon
Veyangoda
Summary
Diligent counselor exercising competency in broad subject-matter counseling therapies, including substance abuse, grief, and domestic violence. Knowledgeable in youth and adolescent development, including social, behavioral, emotional and cognitive strategies. Focused on facilitating the exploration of issues and developing individualized plans and communication skills. To seek and maintain full-time position that offers professional challenges utilizing interpersonal skills, excellent time management and problem-solving skills.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Psychological Counselor
Damrivi Foundation
10.2008 - 09.2011
- Kept abreast of new and developing information in the mental health field by regularly attending professional conferences and workshops.
- Developed and implemented treatment plans with a success rate of 80% and modified them when needed.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
Head of Counseling Division
Damrivi Foundation
09.2011 - 10.2015
- Lead 10 weekly educational seminars and lectures at local community mental health centers to expand awareness of mental health symptoms and issues, improving patients' participation by 95%.
- Work with prescribing professionals to get patients the necessary counsel and medications.
- Use cognitive behavior therapy to assist youth in recognizing and redirecting poor habits.
General Manager Cum Head of Counseling
Damrivi Foundation
10.2015 - 09.2019
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
- Partnered in the design of five wellness psycho-education group series.
- Involved the client's family members in planning social service programs.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
Director Cum Consultant in Counseling
Sithwila Institute Of Psychological Counseling And
10.2019 - Current
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Buddhist Philosophy
University of Kelaniya
Kelaniya, Sri Lanka01.2003
Master of Arts - Buddhist Studies
University of Kelaniya
Kelaniya, Sri Lanka01.2005
Ph.D. - Buddhist Counseling
University of Colombo
Colombo, Sri Lanka05.2018
No Degree -
Sri Lanka Mental Health Foundation
Colombo, Sri Lanka01.2004
Skills
- Case management proficiency
- Communications theory
- Learning disability awareness
- Mental health support
- Skilled in intake interviewing
- Intervention planning
- Adept at conflict resolution
- Counseling Techniques
- Couples Counseling
- Individual Counseling
- Crisis Counseling
- Group Counseling
- Psychological Counseling
- Relationship Counseling
- Psychiatric Counseling
Additional Information
RESEARCH
2018 - Co Contribution to Validate the Psychometric Test of the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) in Sri Lanka with Prof. Asanga Tilakaratne, Dr. Soma de silva and Dr.D.P.D. Wijesingha.
PUBLICATIONS
2003 The Author of “Buddhist & Psychological Aspect of Mental Health”
(Buddhism & Psychology) -.(Sinhala medium)
COMMUNITY-BASED PROGRAMMES AND PUBLIC MEDIA
Motivational Speaker /Writer about Psycho-social well-being for many institutions and Television , Radio and Newspapers
MEMBERSHIP OF PROFESSIONAL BODIES
2008 - Up-to-date Member, Damrivi Counselors’ Association. Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Timeline
Director Cum Consultant in Counseling
Sithwila Institute Of Psychological Counseling And
10.2019 - Current
General Manager Cum Head of Counseling
Damrivi Foundation
10.2015 - 09.2019
Head of Counseling Division
Damrivi Foundation
09.2011 - 10.2015
Senior Psychological Counselor
Damrivi Foundation
10.2008 - 09.2011
Bachelor of Arts - Buddhist Philosophy
University of Kelaniya
Master of Arts - Buddhist Studies
University of Kelaniya
Ph.D. - Buddhist Counseling
University of Colombo
No Degree -
Sri Lanka Mental Health Foundation
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