Amanda Halawa-Mahdi

Amanda Halawa-Mahdi is an Illinois licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with 23 years of professional experience. She works with adults around stress, anxiety, family concerns, low self-esteem, depression and life purpose. She also offers coaching for people questioning work or direction. She uses clear, conversational work in sessions. Amanda listens for what matters most and helps people notice strengths they already have. She draws on coaching skills to sharpen decision-making and increase confidence in practical steps. Her clinical approach includes client-centered methods and cognitive behavioral techniques that look at thoughts, feelings and behaviors. She also uses motivational interviewing to build readiness for change and solution-focused strategies to set short-term goals. These methods are used to address mood issues, workplace problems, body image and caregiver stress. Amanda has significant experience with young people involved in the juvenile justice system and with behavior change around difficult patterns. That background informs how she approaches safety, responsibility and practical planning in sessions. She also brings knowledge of diversity, equity and inclusion to conversations about identity and systemic barriers. In-session work may include skill practice, decision coaching, exploring underlying patterns and creating step-by-step plans. People who are unsure what comes next often find the mix of coaching and therapy helpful for moving from feeling stuck to taking small, concrete actions.

Therapeutic approaches and online sessions

Amanda uses client-centered work that focuses on what the person brings to the room and helps them steer the direction of sessions. This approach supports people who need clarity about values, relationships and what matters next.

She also uses cognitive behavioral therapy, which looks at the links between thoughts, feelings and actions. CBT helps when workplace stress, anxiety or low mood are getting in the way of daily life. Motivational interviewing is another tool she draws on to help people weigh options and find personal reasons to make changes; it is useful for improving motivation and commitment to small steps.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Amanda will collaborate with each person to decide which methods fit their goals and preferences, and she will adapt the plan as things change. The process is practical and paced to what the client can manage.

Session formats are not specified in the biography, so confirm current online options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into busy schedules, allow for shorter check-ins when time is limited, and remove the need to travel to an office. Licensed professionals, including therapists, often use these practical benefits to help clients maintain regular momentum toward their goals.