Andrea Cennington
MSW, LCSW, LCSW-C, LICSW, CYT, EMDR, ABD
Presenter's Bio:
Andrea Cennington is a dynamic and accomplished Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with extensive expertise in trauma-focused therapy, generational healing, and mental health advocacy. With over two decades of experience, Andrea has dedicated her career to empowering individuals and communities to overcome barriers and thrive.
As a veteran of the U.S. Army and a former special education teacher, Andrea brings a unique perspective to her work, deeply informed by her own lived experiences. She is the founder of Bloomed Within, a mental health practice that offers a range of innovative services, including EMDR therapy, neurofeedback, and yoga-based interventions. Andrea specializes in addressing the intersection of trauma, mental health, and cultural identity, particularly within marginalized communities.
Andrea has also completed her PhD studies, including the Comprehensive Examination, and is in the process of finalizing her dissertation. Her academic achievements underscore her deep commitment to advancing the field of mental health through research, education, and innovative practice.
Andrea’s work extends beyond her practice. She is a passionate educator, having served as an adjunct professor for Master’s level social work students, and a published author. Her upcoming book, Three Girls, The Daughters of Fatback and the Okra Thief, Alchemizing Trauma, reflects on her personal journey and explores the profound impact of generational trauma and systemic racism.
Andrea’s mission is to create safe, affirming spaces for healing and growth while challenging stigmas surrounding mental health. Her approach is both practical and deeply compassionate, blending evidence-based practices like Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) with holistic modalities.
Driven by a desire to make a global impact, Andrea seeks to foster meaningful connections and share her insights through workshops, speaking engagements, and collaborations. She is a powerful storyteller and advocate who inspires others to embrace their own resilience and discover the freedom to thrive.
When not working, Andrea enjoys training for half-marathons, riding her bike, playing with her dogs, and creating content for her podcast, Someone Has to Be Brave.
Normalizing the Challenge: A Survivor's Story of Confronting Systemic Oppression and Toxic Pathologies in Mental Health
Course Summary:
This session will explore the intersections of systemic oppression and toxic pathologies within the context of mental health. It will focus on understanding the roots of generational trauma, internalized oppression, and societal disparities while emphasizing culturally affirming care and advocacy for structural change. The discussion will equip mental health practitioners with tools to decolonize practices, foster resilience, and empower clients through culturally sensitive and trauma-informed approaches. Call to Action: Join us to deepen your understanding of how systemic oppression impacts mental health and gain actionable strategies to transform your practice. Together, we can challenge oppressive systems, foster healing, and create equitable mental health care that empowers individuals and communities. Be a part of the movement to normalize these conversations and advocate for meaningful change!
