Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Linnebach.
Andrea, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Kids have always been at the heart of my life. In my first career as an elementary school teacher, my favorite moments were watching children’s faces light up when they learned something new—especially when they sounded out words and realized they could read on their own. During my time in the classroom, however, I began to notice how many students and their families were struggling with mental health challenges. My own daughters experienced anxiety and ADHD, and I saw firsthand how overwhelming it could be to get the support they needed. School counselors and social workers worked tirelessly, but with so many students, it was nearly impossible for them to reach everyone who needed help. That realization inspired me to shift my path and find a way to make a deeper impact. I returned to school and became a Licensed Professional Counselor, focusing my career on supporting children and families. Because working with kids is truly my passion, I pursued advanced training in Play Therapy and earned certification as a Play Therapist. Wanting to meet the diverse needs of all children, including those who are neurodivergent, I also became a Certified AutPlay Therapy Provider.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
One of the biggest challenges along my journey came during the Covid-19 pandemic. At the time, I was in the process of becoming a Registered Play Therapist. I had already completed all the necessary coursework and was simply working towards the required client hours within a set timeframe. However, when the world shut down, everything came to a halt. Unfortunately, I was unable to meet with enough clients within the allotted timeframe. This meant that the Association for Play Therapy, the organization that registers play therapists, deemed my completed coursework “expired,” meaning I would have had to retake all of the same classes and spend thousands of dollars to start the process over again. Rather than repeat the training, I chose to remain a Certified Play Therapist instead of pursuing the “Registered” title. In the grand scheme of things, it hasn’t limited my ability to help children in meaningful ways—and ultimately, that’s what matters most to me.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Beyond Tomorrow Counseling ?
At Beyond Tomorrow Counseling, the belief is simple yet powerful: every child deserves to feel safe, connected, loved, understood, and empowered. Play therapy provides children with a developmentally appropriate way to process big emotions, build coping skills, and regain a sense of control over their world.
Children live in rich, imaginative inner worlds, and through play, they often express thoughts and feelings that may be too complex to put into words. Emotions like anxiety, sadness, anger, or grief often surface as they build, create, and imagine. In those moments, the play therapist steps in with warmth and understanding, helping the child make sense of their experiences and discover healthier ways to cope. Together, the therapist and child work to build confidence, emotional regulation, and resilience; all through the healing power of play.
For teens, the landscape looks different but can feel just as overwhelming. Between social media pressures, academic expectations, identity exploration, and the desire to fit in, today’s adolescents face unique challenges. Teen therapy at Beyond Tomorrow Counseling offers a safe, judgment-free space where teens can talk openly, explore who they are, and learn strategies to manage stress, relationships, and emotions. Whether struggling with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, or the ups and downs of daily life, therapy helps teens feel seen, supported, and empowered to grow.
Families also face seasons of change; and sometimes, those transitions can be difficult. Whether a family member is coping with mental health concerns, a child is struggling with behavioral or developmental challenges, or the family is navigating divorce, remarriage, or relocation, everyone feels the impact. Family therapy provides a space for each member’s voice to be heard while strengthening communication, reducing conflict, and rebuilding connection. With the right tools and guidance, families can emerge from challenges stronger and more united.
What truly sets Beyond Tomorrow Counseling apart is the depth of experience and specialization behind the practice. With more than 25 years of experience supporting children, teens, and families in both school and private practice settings, I bring a deep understanding of child development, family systems, and the realities kids face today. I specialize in working with both neurodiverse and neurotypical children and teens, helping them manage intense emotions, behavioral challenges, anxiety, low self-esteem, and depression. My additional training and certification in AutPlay Therapy, an approach designed specifically for neurodivergent children, further enhances my ability to meet each client where they are and help them thrive.
At Beyond Tomorrow Counseling, every session is guided by compassion, creativity, and the belief that every child and family has the potential to grow beyond today — and build a brighter tomorrow.
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