Meet Andrea Buckley | Mental Health Therapist & Wellness Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Andrea Buckley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Andrea, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most important factor behind the success of my brand is authenticity. When people think of the Drea Inspires brand, I want them to think of the word “human.” I invite people to be vulnerable and take off the mask that we learned we must wear in order to survive. As a result, I must do the same. I do not pretend to have it all together. I do, however, have the courage to show up allowing the full range of my humanity to be seen. People connect with authenticity and the world is hungry for it.

What should our readers know about your business?
Drea Inspires creates therapeutic spaces for those who desire to heal and grow 1:1 or in community. Our mission is to inspire all women, with a heartfelt focus on Black women, to reclaim their worth, well-being, and authenticity by nurturing a healthy relationship with Self.

I’m dedicated to supporting those navigating challenges like perfectionism, imposter syndrome, anxiety, depression, demands of motherhood, and corporate burnout. Whether through 1:1 mental health therapy or my transformative course As You Love Yourself, I’m here to guide you on a personal journey of self-intimacy and healing! I invite all humans to embark on a journey to reimagine the relationship with themselves.

Our vision is to create a world where…

women are inspired to embody courage, be seen in authentic community, experience profound healing, and embrace self-intimacy, in order to realize their intrinsic worth.

Our core values are courage, authenticity, community, and healing.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love attending a good open mic, love Mexican food, and enjoy spending time in nature!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people, organizations, books, and groups I would like to shout out. Here’s an non exhaustive list:

My parents (my father, my mother, and my bonus mom!)

My siblings (my younger brother and sister who are my literal heart)

My Saginaw roots. I was born in Saginaw and truly am a small town girl at heart. Saginaw is full of amazing talent and leaders. While SE MI is now my home, many of my values stem from my upbringing in a small town.

My sorority, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. I truly grew and thrived as a leader as a result of many amazing women who saw something in me and encouraged me to cultivate it. This organization gave me the opportunity to serve in leadership roles at the local, regional, and national level.

Central Michigan University. I received my bachelors degree here and this university graduates leaders. I am grateful for all the support and mentorship received here. My love for social work started here.

University of Michigan, I received my masters degree here and appreciate the amazing teaching staff that challenged me and introduce me to the world of therapy. I also went back to UM and worked briefly in the counseling center where I learned how to prioritize myself and made the leap to launch Drea Inspires

Marquan Jackson. Family Empowerment Program. Here, I was given the full freedom to designed a women’s group for black women struggling with depression and this experience was a pivotal moment in my career.

Eastern Michigan University, Bright Futures Program was my first job outside of graduate school and the mentorship I received here was unmatched. I am grateful for the amount of wisdom and training I received. Shout out to my supervisor Will Spots, and special shout out to the Neutral Zone’s Restorative Practice training and and the Weikeirt Center’s YPQA Methods training received while employed here.

Betsy Stoelt, my supervisor and the woman who encouraged me to take the leap and start my own private practice. I will never forget her saying, “you are delaying the inevitable.” I’m grateful to be developed under her supervision.

Zion Well, yoga studio where I practice and am currently enrolled in their yoga teacher training. I’m grateful for this community and the impact yoga has had on my nervous system.

The many therapists who have held space for me as I struggled with anxiety, depression, trauma, and just being human.

Circle of Reclamation and my Sister Squad: This year I have met most weeks with a group of women each week, from all over the globe, centering our healing, and digesting coaching content offered by the Circle of Reclamation. I appreciate being held in this space and it decolonial focus.

My As YOU Love Yourself community: I am grateful for every human who has participate in my course and coaching community. You hold me accountable to my relationship to myself and have encouraged me in ways you do not know.

Operations School by Racheal Allen. My two degrees did not prepare me to be a business owner, but Operations School filled in the gaps. I am grateful for this community and to be enrolled in both courses offered.

Monica Marie Jones Coaching: I have benefiting from many of Monica’s coaching events and even got tor travel to Morocco with her for her transformative international retreat.

My friends who love me and give me permission to be human and supported me through my highs and low.

Books:
Gifts of Imperfection Brene Brown
Untamed Glennon Doyle
How We Heal and After the Rain Alexandra Elle
The Year of Yes Shonda Rhimes
Finding Viola Davia
Becoming by Michelle Obama
All About Love Bell Hooks
Poems by Arielle Estoria, Nikita Gill, Cleo Wade, Morgan Harper Nichols, Maya Angelou, Nikki Giovani, and the list goes on and on

I do not have enough space to thank everyone and everything that has supported my growth and healing throughout my career. Here is simply a start.

Website: www.dreainspires.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/drea.inspires

Facebook: Facebook.com/dreainspires