A Little Bit About Me....
Andrea Watkins, MSW, LCSW
Therapist
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in children with mood/behavioral issues, as well as with parents on various parenting struggles, teenagers with self-esteem, bullying and school/peer related stress issues. I strive to create a comfortable, non-judgmental, yet, casual and friendly environment. I have a special interest in Mindfulness and Meditation, incorporating guided imagery, breathing and even yoga stretches with traditional therapy techniques. I am in the process of becoming certified in Mindfulness for Children and cannot wait to share my new skills!
Now, I am not your typical therapist. I like to get creative with interventions, not just worksheets and talk therapy. I incorporate movement, music, art and games into my sessions. I frequently use humor and make my clients laugh, because laughter is therapy in itself! It is not uncommon to see me on the floor coloring or doing art projects with my little clients, gossiping about the latest Hollywood saga with my teens, and chatting comfortably or even sharing some of my own personal stories with my clients. It is important for me to show you that I am human too!
I am a firm believer in solution-focused and strength-based approaches in my sessions. I believe that everyone has an "inner good," something to be proud of, and I want you to let that shine! I also incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), experiential therapy, talk therapy and exposure therapy elements into sessions. I am extremely flexible and will work with the individual needs of my clients and families to promote a happy, healthy and fulfilled life.
Here's a little about my history. I have worked in a variety of settings that have given me a wealth of experience, including working for DCFS in a Transitional Living Program for pregnant adolescent girls, as well as being a SASS Therapist working with children during crisis, acute hospitalizations and providing linkage to mental health services in the Northwest suburbs. I have also worked in a school setting both as a school social worker and a School Mental Health Clinician, providing education, referrals, extra clinical support and consulting for school staff, students and parents. Since 2011, I have settled into the role as a Clinical Social Worker specifically working as an Outpatient Therapist--and I love it! Recently, I have also signed on to the role of Adjunct Professor and Clinical Field Liaison for future social work students finishing their degrees at Loyola University Chicago. I am so happy and excited to be a mentor!
When I'm not busy working, I'm chasing around my goofy and beautiful daughter, reading a murder/mystery book, going to pilates classes, checking out new and interesting recipes (I'm a slow cooker enthusiast and a gluten free family!) and browsing the wonderful online world of Etsy or Pinterest.
Therapist
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in children with mood/behavioral issues, as well as with parents on various parenting struggles, teenagers with self-esteem, bullying and school/peer related stress issues. I strive to create a comfortable, non-judgmental, yet, casual and friendly environment. I have a special interest in Mindfulness and Meditation, incorporating guided imagery, breathing and even yoga stretches with traditional therapy techniques. I am in the process of becoming certified in Mindfulness for Children and cannot wait to share my new skills!
Now, I am not your typical therapist. I like to get creative with interventions, not just worksheets and talk therapy. I incorporate movement, music, art and games into my sessions. I frequently use humor and make my clients laugh, because laughter is therapy in itself! It is not uncommon to see me on the floor coloring or doing art projects with my little clients, gossiping about the latest Hollywood saga with my teens, and chatting comfortably or even sharing some of my own personal stories with my clients. It is important for me to show you that I am human too!
I am a firm believer in solution-focused and strength-based approaches in my sessions. I believe that everyone has an "inner good," something to be proud of, and I want you to let that shine! I also incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), experiential therapy, talk therapy and exposure therapy elements into sessions. I am extremely flexible and will work with the individual needs of my clients and families to promote a happy, healthy and fulfilled life.
Here's a little about my history. I have worked in a variety of settings that have given me a wealth of experience, including working for DCFS in a Transitional Living Program for pregnant adolescent girls, as well as being a SASS Therapist working with children during crisis, acute hospitalizations and providing linkage to mental health services in the Northwest suburbs. I have also worked in a school setting both as a school social worker and a School Mental Health Clinician, providing education, referrals, extra clinical support and consulting for school staff, students and parents. Since 2011, I have settled into the role as a Clinical Social Worker specifically working as an Outpatient Therapist--and I love it! Recently, I have also signed on to the role of Adjunct Professor and Clinical Field Liaison for future social work students finishing their degrees at Loyola University Chicago. I am so happy and excited to be a mentor!
When I'm not busy working, I'm chasing around my goofy and beautiful daughter, reading a murder/mystery book, going to pilates classes, checking out new and interesting recipes (I'm a slow cooker enthusiast and a gluten free family!) and browsing the wonderful online world of Etsy or Pinterest.
Education
Loyola University Chicago, Chicago IL
Masters in Social Work
School and Clinical Track
Marquette University, Milwaukee WI
Bachelors in Social Welfare and Justice
Minor in Family Studies, Criminology and Sociology
Masters in Social Work
School and Clinical Track
Marquette University, Milwaukee WI
Bachelors in Social Welfare and Justice
Minor in Family Studies, Criminology and Sociology
Certifications
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Illinois
Type 73- Endorsement for School Social Work
Licensed Direct Child Welfare Worker Illinois
Certification in Mindfulness for Children (work in progress)
Affiliations
National Association of Social Workers - Illinois (NASW)
-special endorsement in Child ad Adolescent Therapy
Collaborations
Fox and Trove's "Camp Kindness" www.foxandtrove.com
-Provided clinical consultation for their school program syllabus regarding teaching empathy, bravery and kindness for 3-6 year olds.
Mini Mindfulness Camp 2019
- Created and implemented a fun and fast paced mindfulness course outdoors with children 7-12 years old.