About Andrea Watkins
Andrea is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with extensive experience supporting children, teens, young adults, and families through life’s challenges and transitions. She believes therapy should be a safe, welcoming space where clients feel heard, accepted, and comfortable being themselves. Andrea brings warmth, humor, creativity, and genuine connection into her work.
Education & Background
Andrea earned her BA in Social Welfare and Justice/Criminology from Marquette University in 2006 and her Master of Social Work from Loyola University Chicago in 2008. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Direct Child Welfare Employee.
Her experience includes child welfare (DCFS), pediatric crisis intervention, school-based counseling, community mental health, and outpatient counseling. Andrea also serves as an Adjunct Professor at Loyola University Chicago, mentoring future social workers.
Areas of Focus
Andrea works with children, teens, young adults, and families experiencing:
- Anxiety and depression
- Trauma and life transitions
- Child and Adult OCD
- Stress management
- Anger Management
- Self-injury and suicidal behaviors
- Family conflict
- Parenting Support
Therapeutic Approach
Andrea takes a strengths-based, solution-focused approach and incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness into her work. She also loves using creativity, movement, games, and humor to make therapy engaging. With younger clients, therapy might include crafts, playing games or simply talking about what is going on in the world. With teens, Andrea believes in meeting them where they are– which may include the occasional gossip.
Most importantly, Andrea takes the time to build trust and create a therapeutic relationship that feels comfortable, genuine, and compassionate, while gently challenging the client to be the best version of themselves.
More About Andrea
Outside of work, Andrea enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband, daughter, and energetic Vizsla, Rosie. She loves gardening, reading, baking, crafting, and all things spooky. Halloween is her favorite holiday!