Heedaya Issa

I am a second-year master’s student in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Old Dominion University, where I also earned my Bachelor of Science in Psychology. I'm passionate about supporting clients through life’s challenges with empathy, cultural awareness, and a strengths-based approach.

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Before beginning my graduate studies, I worked as a medical assistant in a variety of specialty offices, including a pediatric practice that specialized in working with children on the autism spectrum. These experiences gave me a strong foundation in patient care, communication, and multidisciplinary collaboration. While I valued my experience in physical healthcare, I felt called to dedicate more work to the mental and emotional well-being of others.

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As a Palestinian American, my values include honoring each client’s cultural identity, personal experiences, and unique strengths throughout the counseling process. While a beginner counselor-in-training, I am committed to strengthening my knowledge and expertise in a variety of counseling areas. During my internship at Artemis Therapeutic Center, my focus is on developing my clinical skills through direct client work, active listening, and evidence-based interventions, while upholding the highest ethical standards. My professional interests include anxiety management, depression, life transitions, and the intersection of cultural identity and mental health.