Introduction
Amanda O’Malley is a counseling intern working towards her Master of Arts in Counseling at
Northwestern University, a CACREP-accredited program. Upon graduation, she plans to pursue
licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Amanda has a background working as a
Milieu Therapist in a pediatric partial hospitalization program, where she supported children navigating acute mental health challenges. She is also a member of the American Counseling Association, staying engaged with the latest research and best practices in the field.
Therapy Approach
Amanda takes a collaborative and empowering approach to therapy, emphasizing the
therapeutic alliance as the foundation for meaningful change. She believes people do not exist
in a vacuum but are shaped by their environments, relationships, and experiences. This
perspective informs her dynamic, person-centered care, which prioritizes wellness and personal
growth over a purely medicalized model. Amanda is committed to creating a safe and validating
space where clients can explore their emotions, build resilience, and foster self-awareness.
Specializations
Amanda has experience working with individuals navigating:
● Anxiety
● Depression
● ADHD
● Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
● Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
● Trauma-related concerns
● Attachment disorders
Currently Working With:
While Amanda has experience working with all types of ages, her passion lies in working with children and adolescents. Her background in pediatric mental health has solidified her commitment to supporting young clients in navigating emotional and behavioral challenges.
Theoretical Lens
Amanda approaches therapy from a holistic and psychodynamic framework, integrating Psychodynamic therapy, Person-Centered Thearpy, Attachment-Based Therapy, and Trauma-Focused Cognitivie Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). She believes in tailoring interventions to each client’s unique needs, fostering insight into how past experiences shape present challenges, and empowering clients to cultivate healthier patterns in their lives.
