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, Somatic Experiencing, 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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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 from trauma, attachment theory and brain development to help families optimize relationships and their sense of connection.
Andrea has just 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 IL Association for Play Therapy Executive Board since 2017.
Speaking Topics:
What is Theraplay®
Trauma in the Classroom
Sibling Rivalry