With over two decades of experience across education, counselling, and community services, Michael Isikli brings a wealth of academic expertise, practical insight, and genuine empathy to his role as a Trainer & Assessor at Hader Institute of Education. His career reflects a lifelong commitment to helping individuals grow, learn, and transform through understanding, support, and self-development.
Michael’s professional background spans more than 11 years in counselling, psychotherapy, and mental health education, alongside a rich career in training and lecturing across multiple disciplines. He has facilitated programs from Certificate IV through to Bachelor level in Counselling, Community Services, Mental Health, Youth Work, and Social Sciences. His teaching approach bridges theory with lived experience, providing learners with the tools to apply knowledge confidently in real-world settings.
Before joining Hader, Michael lectured in Counselling, Psychology, and Community Services at Stanley College and Endeavour College of Natural Health, where he developed and delivered academic programs that integrated neuroscience, wellbeing, and trauma-informed practices. He has also contributed extensively to curriculum development, learning resource design, and assessment validation in alignment with VET and higher education standards.
Michael holds a Graduate Degree in Counselling from Edith Cowan University and is currently completing a Master of Mental Health and Neuroscience at the University of the Sunshine Coast. His qualifications also include multiple Diplomas in Counselling, Psychotherapy, and Applied Psychology, a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, and credentials as a Neuro-Linguistic Programming Practitioner.
Outside of teaching, Michael continues to provide counselling and psychotherapy in partnership with NK Psychology, supporting individuals and groups experiencing trauma, anxiety, and reintegration challenges. His work is deeply rooted in empathy, neuroscience, and evidence-based practice, an approach that not only guides his clients but also shapes the way he teaches and mentors his students.
Michael’s vision is clear. To empower learners to become compassionate, capable professionals who bring understanding and resilience to the communities they serve, through education grounded in wellbeing, inclusion, and self-awareness.
Educational Background:
- Master of Mental Health and Neuroscience (in progress), University of the Sunshine Coast
- Graduate Degree of Counselling, Edith Cowan University
- Diploma of Counselling, TrainSmart Australia
- Diploma of Modern Applied Psychology, The Academy of M.A.P.
- Diploma of Professional Psychotherapy, Kew Training Academy
- Diploma of Professional Sports Psychology, Kew Training Academy
- Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAE40116), Chisholm Institute
- Neuro-Linguistic Programming Practitioner, NLP Institute
Join Michael as he continues to inspire learners to approach mental health and community work with knowledge, compassion, and a drive to make a difference.