Andrea Watkins, MSW, LCSW
Andrea Watkins, MSW, LCSW
Clinical Social Worker | Therapist
Hello! Thanks for visiting my profile. I am a Clinical Social Worker specializing in children with mood/behavioral issues, as well as with the parents on various parenting struggles, teenagers with self-esteem, bullying and school/peer related stress issues. I also work with couples and relationship struggles. I strive to create a comfortable, non-judgemental, 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.
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 even yoga 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 CBT, experiential therapy, talk therapy and exposure therapy elements into sessions. I am extremely flexible and will work with each individual needs of my clients to promote a happy, healthy and fulfilled life.
Education/Training
I received my Bachelors of Arts in Social Welfare and Justice from Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI. I continued my studies at Loyola University Chicago and obtained my Masters in Social Work, specializing in clinical social work and school social work.
Bio
Here's a little about my history. I have worked a plethora of jobs that have gained me a wealth of knowledge, 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 the 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. I have settled myself into the role as a Clinical Social Worker specifically working as an Outpatient Therapist... and I love it!
I know it is hard to pick out a therapist, or even come to the conclusion that you need some extra help through a hard time. You can do it! So if you are searching for a therapist who has energy, new ideas and a big heart, feel free to contact me by email or phone!
Memberships
National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
Payments Accepted
Cash, check, credit cards, most major insurances, EAP services
Hours:INAM CURRENTLY NOT ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS
Helpful Links
 Free meditation/relaxation scripts. I love these and often use them with my clients:
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Wonderful youtube video about antibullying:
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I've taken the pledge. I am an ally. IT GETS BETTER:
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Practice Areas/Issues Treated
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Therapy
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Grief and Loss
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Adolescents
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Life Transitions
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Adoption
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Loneliness
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Anger Management
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Marriage & Family Therapy
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Anxiety and Panic
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Marriage Counseling
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Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
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Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
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Body Image Issues
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Online / Teletherapy
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Caregiver Issues
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Play Therapy
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Children's Counseling
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Pre and Postpartum Mental Health
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Chronic Illness
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Premarital Counseling
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Couples
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Relationship Issues
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Depression
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Self-Esteem Issues
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Divorce
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Seniors and Elder Care Issues
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Domestic Violence
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Stress Management
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Eating Disorders
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Trauma and PTSD
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Gay or Lesbian Issues
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Women's Issues
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Gender Identity / Transgenderism
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Work and Career Issues
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Licenses/Certifications
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Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
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Master's Degree in Social Work (MSW)
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