Dr. Maddy Fernando

“The curious paradox is that when I accept myself as I am, then I can change." - Carl Rodgers

Maddy is a registered clinical psychologist with clinical experience working extensively across public, private and community mental health sectors. She has completed a doctorate in clinical psychology and a Bachelor of Arts degree with honours in psychology.

Maddy’s approach is compassionate, collaborative, client-centred and holistic. Her main therapeutic approaches include Compassion-focussed Therapy (CFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and positive psychology-based approaches. Maddy has also developed skills in clinical assessment, formulation, diagnosis, and risk assessment.

Maddy has demonstrated ability in fostering strong therapeutic relationships with a varied range of client groups, but she particularly enjoys working with children, young people, and their families. Maddy helps families connect and communicate more effectively through challenging circumstances. Her approach with children is calm, kind, and playful, and she has developed creative ways of effectively teaching children complex skills such as mindfulness of self and others.

Maddy supports clients across all life stages, including children of all ages, adolescents, adults, and families.

As Team Leader in our Neuro-affirming Assessment Team, Maddy brings the wisdom and clarity of the unique talents that every individual has to offer our world. Her approach transforms how we engage family's, individuals, schools and workplaces to expand in ways that can embrace and benefit from understanding how our brains work.