SAM BUNNYFIELD, MSW, LCSW, RPT
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Certified Theraplay® Therapist and Trainer
Sam is a registered play therapist with extensive experience working with children and families who have experienced acute and chronic trauma. Sam has worked for the past several years as a Child and Family therapist. Working within the child welfare system in Chicago, providing service for children, teenagers, and adults and has previous experience providing therapeutic services for children ages 0-5 in a preschool setting. Sam utilizes a variety of therapeutic modalities to best meet the client’s needs including Theraplay®, non-directive play therapy, Trauma Focused- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, art therapy and Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy. Sam earned undergraduate degrees in Women’s Studies and History at the University of Kansas and later earned a Masters degree in Social Welfare, also from the University of Kansas. Prior to entering the field of clinical social work, Sam was an early childhood educator for several years.
Sam strives to be an advocate for children and families through her work as a social worker and therapist. She works to create a therapeutic environment in which children, their families, and the important adults in their lives feel free to be themselves, feel empowered to work through their struggles and engage in opportunities to develop healthy attachments.
Speaking Topics:
What is Theraplay®
Positive Discipline
ANDREA BUSHALA, MSW, LCSW, RPT
Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Registered Play Therapist
Certified Theraplay® Therapist and Trainer
Andrea 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 of trauma and attachment theory to help families optimize relationships and their sense of connection. Andrea will also be running social skills groups and mommy and me play groups this summer.
Speaking Topics:
What is Theraplay®
Trauma in the Classroom
Sibling Rivalry
ALLISON LEVINE, MA, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Certified Theraplay® Therapist and Supervisor
Allison is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with nearly 15 years of experience. Allison completed her graduate training at Children’s Memorial Hospital. Following graduate school, Allison worked for several years as the social worker in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and then at The Theraplay Institute as the Clinical Manager and a Child and Family Therapist.
Allison has a deep understanding of the unique aspects of caring for children and families. Allison is certified as a practitioner and supervisor in Theraplay, and trained in Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy, Narrative Therapy, and Yoga-Informed Psychotherapy. Allison’s areas of expertise and interests include anxiety, children and/or parents with extensive medical care, physical and sexual trauma, family transition/separation/divorce, and grief and loss. Allison is passionate about helping families through crisis. Her calming, reassuring nature allows children and parents to feel comfortable and understood, and most of all, hopeful.
Allison earned her Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and her Master of Art in Social Work at the University of Chicago.
Speaker Topics:
The Body’s Response to Trauma
What is Medical Trauma?
Applications of Theraplay for Medical Trauma
Little Bodies and Growing Brains: The effects of trauma in early childhood
Publications:
Both Mommy and Daddy Love You: A coloring book for children whose parents are separating or divorcing
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