ALTHEA FERNANDES, mc, rp, ccc

The “Tell me about yourself” question. I, like many therapists, am not used to talking about myself…after all, my job is to listen to you. But before you make a decision if I am someone you would feel comfortable enough to open up and share your story with, it is only fair that you know a little about me.

Honestly, being a therapist was not part of my “plan”. I knew I wanted to help people and so, I decided that I would do that as a medical professional. I trained to become a Paramedic (one of the most physically, emotionally and mentally challenging yet rewarding experiences in my academic career) and then, applied to medical school. Multiple interviews and wait-lists later, I did not get an offer of admission but I learned more about myself, others and the world than any program could ever teach. I learned about my vulnerabilities and my strengths, about my sources of support and most of all, discovered what I was meant to do.

It took “digging down deep” and encouragement by mentors who not only recognized my strong ability to connect with and empathize with people but recommended a career in counselling, a decision that has changed the whole trajectory of my life. I savoured every day of my Masters in Counselling Psychology program and could not wait to apply the knowledge and skills I learned to support my clients. And now, as I work as a therapist, my greatest joy is helping my clients, whether they are students or young professionals or anyone experiencing changes that feel overwhelming, discover their vulnerabilities and their strengths, their sources of support and most of all, who they are and who they are meant to be.