Abarna Lavanya Raju

School Counsellor

Abarna Lavanya Raju is a school counsellor and psychologist with more than two decades of work in student wellbeing, social-emotional learning and inclusive education. She holds a master’s degree in applied psychology and a PhD in psychology, with specialized training in cognitive behavioural therapy, certification as a career analyst and CACHE Level 3 training in special educational needs coordination. She has worked with students from the early years to adolescence, supporting emotional regulation, behaviour management, learning differences and career development, and she designs practical social-emotional learning programs, teacher workshops and parent partnerships that bridge theory with classroom reality. Based in Dammam, she continues to develop through international certifications, advocacy and awareness initiatives that highlight the role of school counsellors and special educational needs support systems, guided by the belief that meaningful change happens when children feel understood, supported and empowered.