Zoe Pournaras

I currently attend the University of South Carolina where I will complete my studies in Clinical Mental Health with a specialization in play therapy. I naturally gravitate to the younger generations due to their resilience, creativity, and profound curiosity. I have been an advocate for children for seven years in many different capacities. Beginning as a developmental and achievement coach at Brain Balance, I was exposed to young people with diverse diagnosis ranging from OCD, ODD, ASD, ADHD, depression, anxiety, as well as trauma. I worked there for five years and grew in my ability to lead, have sensitive conversations with my team and parents, and document and maintain progress for each child.

My engagement within the community reflects my desire to help children reach developmental milestones and advocate for their needs. I interned at Prisma Hospital in Greenville as a play therapist during Covid and helped children who had lost limbs using art and music therapy. In Columbia, I have worked alongside Unumb Center for Neurodevelopment and the Research Center for Child Well-Being to continue to positively impact family systems.

At CFWC, I collaborated with families experiencing major transitions in regards to grief, divorce, stress, and trauma. I learned skills such as family sculpting, empty chair, boundary setting, and re-framing narratives in order to help promote healthy communication and strengthen the family alliance. The ability to repair relationships and meet families where they are at is an incredible honor. 

I look forward to the opportunity to learn more about your team and how you are looking to engage in the community. Thank you for your consideration.

My current position is with Columbia's Counseling Center and Associates. There, I work as a relational therapist and restore ruptures in relationships between parent and child. I utilize play, art, and music therapy to develop the therapeutic alliance, diagnose, and help teach coping mechanisms aligning with the treatment plan. I also meet with the caregivers individually in order to provide full support and awareness of the conflict occurring. I strive to have both in session once a month to mediate and translate both narratives to where the other can digest and respond appropriately. I have worked here for 3 months and at Carolina Family Wellness Collaborative for 6 months with Taylor Davis, a suicide and DBT specialist and Dr. Cooper-Haber. CFWC is a family-oriented practice that has prioritized family work as their main source of support and service. This position has challenged my understanding of addiction and sexuality. It has encouraged me to take USC's addictions and sexuality class in order to take responsibility for my own educational and professional growth. Through these positions, I have grown tremendously in my interpersonal skills, compassion, and ability to communicate sensitive topics. 

My undergraduate degree in Psychology and Neuroscience is from Furman University. In May, I graduate with my degree in Clinical Mental Health with an emphasis in play and relational therapy. I currently am in the process of receiving my TF-CBT certification from the Medical University of South Carolina.