My name is Angela Scuderi and I have worked in the health and community sector as a mental health professional for over 17 years, providing counselling and support for adults, youth, children and families experiencing a range of issues and concerns regarding relationships, parenting, mental health , trauma and abuse, and grief, loss and bereavement. My work with families has inspired me to extend my training specifically with children and I am a credentialed non-directive Child Centered Play Therapist (CCPT) and Sand Play Practitioner. My area of interest is attachment, grief and trauma, and to this end, I am currently completing training in EMDR (an evidence based approach recommended for trauma focused work).

In my years of practice, I have come to believe that we all have the capacity to heal from emotional and psychological distress and trauma and that a therapeutic relationship can facilitate this process. My Person Centered approach enables me to apply a range of techniques that support the individuality and uniqueness of the person and their needs or concerns. I have been told that I have a patient, mindful and gentle presence which helps to build therapeutic relationships and promote healing, wellbeing, self discovery and growth. In my work with children I recognise that families play a significant role in children’s lives and healing, so I work alongside parents as partners through the child’s journey in therapy.

In my work within the community services sector I have held positions as a Specialist Bereavement Counsellor; Bushfire Specialist Bereavement Counsellor; Senior Family Practitioner and Psychiatric Disability social worker. My work has been primarily with families – adults, youth and children. This work has inspired me to extend my training specifically with children and I am a credentialed non-directive Child Centered Play Therapist (CCPT) and Sand Play Practitioner.

Aside from my work with individuals, I have also co-ordinated and co-facilitated groups for young people, children and adults, co-authored a manual for a children’s grief group program and presented at conferences. I am also a qualified educator and I have developed and delivered training for TAFE students in the Mental Health, Community Services and Children’s Services courses.

I am a qualified Social Worker, an accredited Mental Health Social Worker, a certified Grief and Bereavement Counsellor, a credentialed Play Therapist, a Sand Play Practitioner and Educator and I am currently completing my Masters in Counselling and Psychotherapy.

My professional affiliations include:
Member of the Australian Association of Social Workers
Associate Member of Play Therapy Australia
Member of the Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement