ANGELIQUE FERNANDES

I am a passionate and dedicated Accredited Mental Health Social Worker & Certified Play Therapist.

I have more than 20 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:

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  • child protection worker,

  • family caseworker,

  • parent educator,

  • child and family therapist, and

  • school counsellor.

I have received Advanced Clinical Training in Play Therapy.  I ensure that my practice is current and effective by having regular supervision.

Traumatic and overwhelming experiences are often stored in the body, influencing emotions, behaviors, regulation and relationships. It if for this reason that I completed Level 1 Sensorimotor Psychotherapy for Trauma Themes and Smart Moves Approach. These approaches integrate mind and body to promote healing, emotional resilience and wellbeing.

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

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

I feel passionate about supporting parents and carers and sharing evidence based ideas. I am an accredited clinician in Tuning In To Kids, Circle of Security, Filial Therapy/Child Parent Relationship Therapy and Autplay Therapy.

My work with children and families is informed by child development theory, attachment theory, interpersonal neurobiology, grief and loss, somatic and trauma theory.

 

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



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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.

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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.

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

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.