This week we are introducing you to Ms Oula Mattar, one of our College Counsellors. Ms Mattar works out of our Care Centre, and has a Masters in Psychology and four years of training in Psychotherapy.
1. Tell us a bit about yourself - your background, experience and training?
I began my career overseas, working with children with Autism. I then moved to a School Psychologist role, supporting children from Kindergarten to Year 12 through socio-emotional, educational, and behavioural challenges. At the same time, I was enjoying my private practice as a psychotherapist; teaching Psychology to students studying for their Special Education Diploma, and providing therapeutic intervention to Syrian refugees in Lebanon.
When I moved to Australia, I worked with children and families going through different life challenges, before accepting the Counsellor role here at Australian Christian College in January 2023.
Outside of work, I enjoy being a mother to my 16 year old daughter and exploring the amazing beaches in New South Wales over the weekends.
2. Why are you passionate about your role as College Counsellor here at ACC?
Growing up, God put in my heart a burning desire to make others feel seen and heard. Long before I formally studied Psychology, I realised that feeling connected to a safe and loving adult is essential for children to thrive, and reach all that God created them to be.
In this role, I feel blessed to have the opportunity to walk alongside students and be there for them when they most need it - to hear them, see them, connect with them, and help them overcome some of the challenges that sometimes block them from reaching their full potential.
I feel excited every day when I see the strong courage of a Secondary School student who reached out asking for counselling; with a willingness to dive within themselves to find answers, try new strategies, and make changes. I feel excited when I see a Primary student’s eyes lighting up as they feel loved, cared for, and heard.
3. What is the focus and approach of the Care Centre team and program?
As a Care Centre Team, we work collaboratively in the same space with our School Nurse and our Ministry Leaders to ensure that holistic interventions are provided and tailored to the student’s needs. Practically, when a student comes to the Care Center we aim to ensure that all their physical, socio-emotional, and spiritual needs have been identified and met. Our hope is to help students calm and regulate their physical and emotional brain so they can go back to their classroom and access their thinking brain for a better learning experience.
4. If parents have any questions, what's the best way for them to reach out to you and the Care Centre team?
Parents can reach out to me through my email: oulamattar@acc.edu.au.
If they would like to reach out to the team, they can send an email to carecentremp@acc.edu.au or complete a Care Centre referral via the following link. We always want to hear from you!