Emma Rusden

Emma is a dedicated and versatile professional whose journey is a testament to her remarkable qualities. Her educational voyage began earning a Bachelor of Health, Physical Education, and English in 2019, Building on this foundation, Emma obtained a Certificate IV in Disability, a Graduate Certificate in Youth Mental Health, and a Graduate Diploma of Counselling, further honing her expertise.

In her role as a Full-Time Secondary Teacher, Emma plays a pivotal role in shaping the lives of students aged 11 to 17, enhancing students overall wellbeing. Emma’s dedication shines through as she diligently identifies, addresses, and communicates students’ needs and concerns.

Prior to her current position, Emma served as a wellbeing Secondary Teacher and ‘Learning For Life’ Curriculum Developer in Geelong. Emma determined students’ wellbeing needs, offering invaluable one-on-one support to at-risk and vulnerable students, empowering them through a strength-based approach. This was marked by a dedicated focus on the development and delivery of wellbeing modules tailored to secondary-aged students. Emma monitored overall wellbeing and provided scheduled one-on-one counselling to students facing mental health challenges and conditions such as ADHD and Asperger’s.

In her capacity as a Disability Support Worker, Emma established rapid rapport with clients while maintaining productive relationships. Her commitment to facilitating independence and providing tailored assistance helped individuals achieve personal goals, and she exhibited a keen ability to assess and monitor clients’ psychological wellbeing. Emma offered vital one-on-one support to those grappling with anxiety and depression resulting from acquired injuries or disabilities.

In 2023, Emma’s commitment to personal and professional growth led her to complete a Preservice Counsellor Placement at Ballarat Community Health. Emma worked with individuals grappling with diverse symptomatology, addressing issues such as depression, anxiety, substance use/abuse, addictions, and relationship turbulence. She provided at-home support through the government initiative/service, ‘Head to Health,’ and skilfully assigned homework to clients using both Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) models to guide intended outcomes.

In sum, Emma’s journey exemplifies her unwavering dedication to education, well-being, and mental health. Her diverse experiences, from teaching and curriculum development to disability support and counselling, are a testament to her versatility and compassion. Emma’s commitment to personal and professional growth positions her as a compassionate and capable professional in the field of counselling and education.