Rate Dominique Caesar

Hello, I’m Dominique Caesar (they/them). I’m a passionate and experienced social worker who is committed to empowering people and fostering positive change. With a focus on empathy, empowerment, and justice, I offer a safe, inclusive and collaborative space to explore your thoughts, feelings and experiences, no matter how challenging they may be. I’m here to listen without judgement, offer empathy, and provide practical guidance and support.

Why see a social worker?

As a social worker, I’m a tertiary qualified professional who specialises in helping people navigate life's challenges. I’m trained to work collaboratively with you, to identify problems, develop solutions, and implement strategies to achieve positive outcomes. Whether you're facing personal, family, or community issues, social workers can provide the support and guidance you need. We're here to listen, understand, advocate and empower, to support you to achieve your goals.

As a social worker, I provide a:

• Holistic Approach: I consider all aspects of your life, including your physical, emotional, and social wellbeing. I love to get a sense of the bigger picture.

• Problem-Solving Skills: I’m an expert at breaking down complex problems into manageable steps. I focus on the practical as well as the emotional aspects of care.

• Advocacy and Support: I’ll advocate for your rights and connect you with the resources you need. I also support people to develop self-advocacy skills.

• Empathy and Understanding: I listen without judgment and provide a safe space to share your feelings.

• Social Justice Focus: I’m committed to building stronger communities and advocating for systemic change.

Services Offered:

• Counselling and Coaching:

o Personalised support for a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, relationship issues, neurodivergence, grief, LGBTIQA+ identity, gender diversity, and life transitions.

o A non-judgmental space to process emotions, explore experiences, and to deepen your personal understanding.

o Collaborative goal-setting and practical strategies to foster positive change.

• Advocacy and Support:

o Assistance with navigating complex systems like the NDIS, Centrelink, housing, and the justice system.

o Empowerment through self-advocacy skills, and support in requesting reasonable adjustments (for example, at work or at school).

o Advocacy for your rights and needs.

• Life Transitions Support:

o Guidance through significant life changes, such as starting a new job, attending school or university, relationship transitions, and grief.

o A supportive space to process emotions and develop coping strategies.

About Me:

As an autistic, queer social worker, I bring a unique perspective and deep understanding of diverse experiences. My approach is grounded in anti-oppressive, neuroaffirming, and relational principles. I am committed to creating a space where you feel heard, valued, and supported. I’ve been described as supportive, thoughtful and honest, a weirdo with an independent streak, non-judgmental, reliable, and attuned to details that other people miss.

Key areas of expertise include:

• Neurodivergence (including autism and ADHD)

• Trauma and complex trauma

• LGBTQIA+ issues

• Supporting diverse and non-normative identities

• Social justice and supporting activists

• Peer support

• Burnout recovery

• Complex mental health concerns

• Crisis/risk management

Some of my therapeutic approaches include:

• Relational Social Work: Building strong therapeutic relationships and fostering connection.

• Intentional Peer Support: Leveraging the power of peer connection and shared experience.

• Narrative Therapy: Empowering people to reframe their stories and construct positive narratives.

• Recovery Oriented Practice: Supporting you to live a good life in the presence or absence of symptoms.

• Solution-Focused Brief Therapy: Focusing on strengths, goals, and positive change.

• Harm Reduction: Promoting safer and healthier choices.

My qualifications and professional memberships:

• Bachelor of Arts (Honours)

• Graduate Diploma of Education (Secondary)

• Master of Social Work (with Distinction)

• Accredited Member of the Australian Association of Social Workers