ANGELIQUE FERNANDES

I am a passionate and dedicated social worker, play therapist and child- parent relationship therapist.

Alongside my private practice, I also work as a primary school counsellor in Sydney’s western suburbs.

I have more than 18 years of experience working with children and families.

Since 2001 I have worked in a range of settings including primary and secondary schools, non-government and government agencies and health services as a:

• child protection worker,

• family caseworker,

• grief counsellor,

• parent educator,

• child and family therapist, and

• school counsellor.

I have received Advanced Clinical Training in Play Therapy through Play Therapy Australia.  I ensure that my practice is current and effective by having regular supervision with  Dr. William Nordling, a Professor and Clinical Psychologist based in the USA.  Bill is well-known world-wide for his work and contribution to developing the Child Centred Play Therapy modality.  He has published widely in this area.

In addition to my Play Therapy experience and qualifications I have experience providing a range of therapies for children including: cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), acceptance commitment therapy (ACT) , strength-based practice, narrative therapy and psycho-education.

I am also trained in group programs that support children experiencing anxiety, these include: the Cool Kids Anxiety Program developed by Macquarie University Emotional Health Clinic, Tuning Into Kids developed by the Mindful Centre at Melbourne University and ProACTive developed by Westmead Children’s Hospital Department of Psychological Medicine.

My work with children and families is informed by child development theory, and attachment and trauma research.

VALUES AND BELIEFS

I understand that families come in many shapes and sizes. I value and respect each family for their unique strengths and challenges.

Every child and family contains an inherent wisdom. I work to develop a caring, safe, empathic, and non-judgemental relationship with each child and family so they can develop their unique capacity for healing and growth.

I have a deep experience working with families from a range of cultural backgrounds and I’m committed to working in a culturally sensitive way.

I am passionate about working with children. Their insights, understanding, and ability to adapt to an adult-centric world never cease to amaze me. There is so much to learn from children. They are often my best teachers.

I understand that children are part of a community. Their experiences take place within the context of a network of relationships. I work collaboratively with parents, caregivers, school personnel, and other professionals.

My hope is to help kids move towards growth and healing. I want to help them find their voice so those who love them most may understand them better and discover new ways to support them.

I embrace inclusion and diversity regarding ethnicity, lifestyle choice, faith, sexual orientation and gender identity, with a commitment to creating a safe environment for all people

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

I am a member of the Australian Social Workers Association and I abide by their professional code of ethics in all my work.