Mrs Vanessa Fernandez (She/her)Social Worker

Vanessa is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker and Family Therapist with over 15 years of experience working across a range of clinical settings. Over the past five years, she has specialised in public mental health, supporting the recovery of children, adolescents, and young people aged 0–25. She offers a warm, compassionate, and non-judgemental approach, creating a safe and inclusive space where clients feel supported and understood. Vanessa has extensive experience working with children, young people, and families presenting with a wide range of complex developmental and psychosocial concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, eating disorders, and relational difficulties. Vanessa is trained in Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy and works with adults, children, and adolescents to support recovery from trauma and distressing life experiences. She also has a strong interest in supporting individuals with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and neurodivergent presentations, helping clients and families better understand their unique profiles, build on strengths, and develop practical strategies for everyday functioning. She is passionate about working with diverse populations, including Aboriginal families, individuals with substance use histories, gender diverse clients, and LGBTIQA+ communities. She is also highly invested in supporting families, parents, and couples impacted by mental health challenges, helping them strengthen relationships and build meaningful change.