Hoi Yiu So
Oldham,Manchester
Summary
Qualified Counsellor with an MSc in Counselling and BSc (Hons) in Psychology, experienced in providing emotional support through one-to-one and group sessions for clients from diverse backgrounds. Skilled in an integrated therapeutic approach, combining person-centred counselling, CBT, and psychodynamic to meet individual client needs. Adept at helpline-based support, crisis management, and monitoring client progress. Fluent in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese, committed to delivering empathetic, culturally sensitive counselling services in both hybrid and remote environments.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Trainee Counsellor & Volunteer Committee Member
WEB Merseyside – Wirral, UK
07.2024 - 11.2025
- Facilitate weekly Young Boys Group (YBG) sessions for boys aged 9–15 with complex needs, focusing on confidence, self-esteem, and empowerment through crafts, games, grounding techniques, and group affirmations.
- Build strong, trusting relationships with children from diverse backgrounds, strengthening communication and behavioural awareness.
- Volunteer at Men’s Too Welcome Sessions, introducing counselling services to male clients aged 18+, answering questions, and providing appropriate referrals.
- Serve on the Men’s Too Committee, helping to promote men's mental health, emotional wellbeing, social inclusion, and personal development.
- Support the organisation's mission through various administrative tasks, including data entry, correspondence, and promotional materials for services and events.
Volunteer Counsellor
Arcus LGBT CIC, UK
07.2024 - 11.2025
- Facilitate one-on-one sessions within a safe, inclusive environment.
- Employ active listening and multicultural sensitivity to address client needs
- Uphold stringent confidentiality and professionalism standards
- Used attentive listening and excellent problem solving throughout patient therapy sessions.
- Applied person-centred therapy approaches, valuing clients' perspectives and working collaboratively towards solutions.
- Maintained excellent client relationships by providing a helpful, supportive, friendly and proactive approach.
Store Assistant
Oriental Grocery Food Store, Bangor, UK
12.2020 - 06.2024
- Provided exceptional face-to-face customer service
- Oversaw cashier operations, conducted stock assessments, and coordinated deliveries.
- Assisted multicultural clientele by providing product guidance
- Maintained a tidy and organised store environment, adhering to company cleanliness standards.
- Greeted customers upon entry, offering assistance and guidance to improve shopping experience.
Social Media & Admin Assistant
Oxford International Education Group, HK
06.2021 - 08.2021
- Created content for marketing campaigns
- Handled client queries and maintained organized records
- Supported team operations in a fast-paced office
- Created customer awareness of goods, services and special promotions with creative advertising strategies.
Marketing Assistant (Internship)
Oxford International Education Group, HK
06.2020 - 08.2020
- Promoted UK universities to prospective students
- Assisted in interviews and managed agency communications
- Maintained comprehensive filing systems, both digital and paper-based, for easy retrieval of documents.
- Supported campaigns and client communications, developing interpersonal, administrative, and organisational skills.
Education
Master of Science - MSc Counselling
Bangor University
Bangor 09.2023 - 07.2025
Degree - BSc (Hons) Psychology
Bangor University
Bangor 09.2020 - 07.2023
Foundation Degree in Science - Psychology
Bangor University
Bangor 09.2019 - 07.2020
Skills
- Integrated counselling approach
- Active listening
- Helpline-based emotional support
- Client progress tracking and documentation
- Crisis intervention and de-escalation skills
- Client engagement
- Group facilitation
- Excellent interpersonal & communication skills
- Multilingual: English (fluent), Mandarin (native), Cantonese (native)
- Strong stress management
Skills
- Empathetic & service-driven personality
- Team-oriented, adaptable & punctual
- Customer complaint handling & problem-solving
- Front-line retail & administrative experience
Education
other,other
Languages
Cantonese
Native language
English
Fluent
Chinese (Mandarin)
Fluent
Chinese (Cantonese)
Native
Timeline
Trainee Counsellor & Volunteer Committee Member
WEB Merseyside – Wirral, UK
07.2024 - 11.2025
Volunteer Counsellor
Arcus LGBT CIC, UK
07.2024 - 11.2025
Master of Science - MSc Counselling
Bangor University
09.2023 - 07.2025
Social Media & Admin Assistant
Oxford International Education Group, HK
06.2021 - 08.2021
Store Assistant
Oriental Grocery Food Store, Bangor, UK
12.2020 - 06.2024
Degree - BSc (Hons) Psychology
Bangor University
09.2020 - 07.2023
Marketing Assistant (Internship)
Oxford International Education Group, HK
06.2020 - 08.2020
Foundation Degree in Science - Psychology
Bangor University
09.2019 - 07.2020