Sofia Fernandez
LCSW
Child Therapist
I began my career after graduating from my bachelors in social work in 2018. I spent 2 years working in a substance abuse facility providing intakes for potential residents interested in the next steps to make a change. I also worked in a senior living home working primarily in the dementia unit providing quality care for individuals and their families. In 2020 I realized it was time to pursue a goal of mine that I've had since the beginning of starting my career, mental health therapy. I went on to get a Master's Degree in Social Work in 2021. I went on to work as a mental health therapist for youth at Oak Park Township for 5 years and quickly realized this was the population I was meant to work with. It became a passion to provide youth and their families with the tools needed for healthy emotional growth.
As a child, I've had personal experience with therapy that I felt really impacted my life in a positive way. I've had my own struggles with trauma and major life adjustments. When introduced to therapy, I was relieved to be provided a judgement-free safe space where I can be myself and process my own thoughts and emotions. This later inspired me to become a therapist myself and pay it forward to those children who may need that safe space to be able to express and learn more about themselves.
I specialize working with children and adolescents dealing with issues such as anxiety, depression, life transitions, grief, behavior issues, self-esteem, ADHD.
Depending on the child's needs and development; CBT, DBT, play therapy, providing psychoeducation to parents.
Top Specialties
Child
Anxiety
Depression
Expertise
ADHD
Anxiety
Behavioral Issues
Self Esteem
Depression
Life transitions
Grief
If someone was to ask you what they should know before going - what would you tell them?
Come into it with curiosity and an open mind. It can feel uncomfortable to be vulnerable with a complete stranger, but it can also feel very rewarding once you do! Think of this as your safe space where you can show up as you are, without judgement. It is definitely a team effort between the therapist, the child, and the caregivers, so know you're not alone in this!
Fun Fact
I have a big umbrella cockatoo bird named Marshmallow! He's 6 years old and can speak in both Spanish and English!
If you were an emoji (or series of emoji's), which one(s)?
✨🏖️🦜📚✈️