Qualifications
Andrea received her BA in Social Welfare and Justice/Criminology in 2006 from Marquette University in Milwaukee. She also obtained her Master’s in Social Work in 2008 from Loyola University Chicago. Andrea is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and also a Licensed Direct Child Welfare Employee. Before working for Cutting Edge Counseling of the North Shore, Andrea worked at several different areas of social work, including child welfare (DCFS), pediatric crisis intervention, school-based counseling, community mental health and outpatient counseling. Andrea is also an Adjunct Professor for Loyola University Chicago, mentoring the rising social workers during their studies.
Specialties
Andrea has extensive experience with children, teens, young adults and their families, focusing on depression, anxiety, trauma and life transitions. Andrea has extensive training and experience with pediatric and adult Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), suicidal behaviors/self injury, stress management, anger management and behavioral struggles.
Therapy Techniques
While receiving counseling services with Andrea, she uses Solution-Focused, Strength-Based approaches, and loves to use creative arts and movement in practice as well. With her kiddos, it is not uncommon to see her on the ground drawing or playing games while in session, or talking current gossip with her teens. She is a big supporter of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness and incorporates these techniques often within therapeutic interventions. Creating a safe and welcoming environment is of upmost important to Andrea, and moves at the pace needed to create this therapeutic alliance with her clients. She also brings humor into practice too!
More About Andrea
During her free time, Andrea likes to hang out or travel with her husband, daughter and energetic vizsla, Rosie. She has a green thumb and gardens year-round and also enjoys reading, baking, and all things spooky (Halloween is her favorite holiday!)