CBTTherapistsUSA

The therapist listings are provided by BetterHelp and we will earn a commission if you use our link - at no cost to you.

AH Portrait of Amanda Halawa-Mahdi

Amanda Halawa-Mahdi

Practical therapy focused on strengths and change

LCSW Illinois

Experience
23 years in practice
Focus areas
Stress, Anxiety, Family, Self esteem
Approaches
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Client-Centered Therapy
Languages
English
Continue with Amanda

About Amanda

Amanda Halawa-Mahdi is an Illinois-licensed LCSW with 23 years of professional experience who focuses on helping people manage stress, anxiety, family challenges, self-esteem concerns, depression, and personal coaching goals. She combines clinical therapy and coaching skills to support clients in building confidence, clarifying values, and improving decision-making.

Background and approach

Her work emphasizes clients' strengths and self-knowledge as the foundation for lasting change. Amanda draws on a range of therapeutic approaches, including cognitive behavioral techniques and client-centered skills, to tailor sessions to each person's needs.

She integrates motivational interviewing to boost readiness for change and solution-focused methods to set practical, achievable goals. Her practice also reflects training in psychodynamic ideas and an active commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, helping clients examine personal and systemic influences on their lives.

Clients who choose Amanda can expect an empowering, collaborative process that honors their expertise about their own story while offering structured tools for behavior change and emotional growth. She offers multiple online formats to fit different schedules and communication styles, meeting people where they are in pursuit of clearer purpose, improved relationships, and greater self-compassion.

Approaches That Translate to Online Care



Amanda uses cognitive behavioral techniques to help clients identify and shift unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors, which can be effective for anxiety, mood concerns, and stress management. She also brings a client-centered stance that emphasizes reflective listening and empathy to create a collaborative space where clients feel heard and supported. Motivational interviewing is another tool she employs to explore ambivalence and strengthen motivation for change in practical, goal-oriented ways.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Amanda works collaboratively with clients to determine what combination of methods fits their goals, preferences, and life context. She tailors interventions as therapy progresses and invites ongoing feedback so the plan reflects each person’s evolving needs.

Online sessions are offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide flexibility for different schedules and communication styles. These options make it easier to maintain consistency, access care from home or work, and choose the format that best supports progress and engagement.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Amanda commonly address?
Amanda works with stress, anxiety, family issues, self-esteem, depression, and coaching goals. Additional focuses include body image, caregiver stress, communication problems, forgiveness, guilt and shame, isolation, life purpose, mood disorders, self-love, and workplace issues.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
Her style blends client-centered listening with structured techniques such as cognitive behavioral strategies and motivational interviewing to set goals and support behavior change. The approach is collaborative and tailored to each person's needs.
What background and experience does she bring?
She brings 23 years of professional experience and training that includes coaching and work addressing trauma, behavior change, and leadership development. Her practice emphasizes empowerment and practical skills.
Where is Amanda licensed and practicing?
She is licensed in Illinois as an LCSW with licence number IL LCSW 149010179 and provides services to clients located in that state.
In which language are sessions offered?
Sessions are offered in English only, and she is not accepting international clients at this time.
What session formats are available?
She offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to accommodate different preferences and schedules.
How does pricing and payment work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. Exact pricing depends on the client’s location and the current availability of the therapist.
What steps are involved in beginning therapy?
To begin, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to the therapist’s availability. The process is designed to match needs and preferences before the first session.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepressionCoaching

Additional focus areas

Body imageCaregiver issues and stressCommunication problemsForgivenessGuilt and shameIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMood disordersSelf-loveWorkplace issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Motivational InterviewingPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

23+ years

Licensed

Illinois

Languages

English