Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Registered Play Therapist Certified Theraplay® Practitioner and Trainer, Andrea Bushala, has an undergraduate degree in Psychology from Miami University with an emphasis in Child Development. She obtained her Master of Social Work degree from Loyola University Chicago with a dual specialization in School Social Work and Children and Families. Andrea previously worked at a community mental health clinic focusing on children and young adults experiencing anxiety and depression. Additionally, she has experience in the public school system providing individual and group therapy for children ages 2-6.
In her clinical work, Andrea uses a strength-based perspective, incorporating the learnings from trauma, attachment theory and brain development to help families optimize relationships and their sense of connection. Andrea completed a two-year postgraduate fellowship in Infant Parent Mental Health at the University of Massachusetts/Boston in November 2019. Andrea is a Theraplay® Trainer and Supervisor as well as a Registered Play Therapist. She has held a role on the Illinois Association for Play Therapy Executive Board since 2017.