Amanda Cross, LCSW
Practical, story-based therapy for stress and change
Details
| Name | Amanda Cross |
|---|---|
| Credentials | LCSW |
| Based in | California |
| Licensed in | California |
| Session format | Online |
| Languages | English |
| Years in practice | 20 |
About Amanda
Amanda Cross is a licensed clinical social worker in California who helps people manage stress and anxiety. She also supports those coping with grief, life changes, and low self-esteem. Amanda speaks plainly and focuses on small, doable steps people can use right away.
She sees each person as the expert on their own life story. Amanda listens for the patterns and meanings that shape how people feel. She helps clients name those stories and try new ways of responding to old problems.
Background and approach
Her work blends practical strategies and reflective conversation. Amanda uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to identify unhelpful thoughts and to build new coping skills. She pairs that with Narrative approaches that help people rewrite how they understand hard experiences.
Mindfulness and Client-Centered methods also appear in her sessions. These help people stay present, notice strong emotions, and follow goals that matter to them. She emphasizes steady progress over quick fixes.
Over two decades of practice have included helping caregivers, people with chronic illness or pain, and those facing divorce or major life shifts. Amanda also supports people dealing with isolation, questions of life purpose, veteran-related issues, pregnancy and childbirth concerns, and compassion fatigue. She focuses on compassionate, direct help that fits each person’s needs.
What this therapist works with
Her listing names Stress, Anxiety, Grief, Self esteem among the things Amanda works with, alongside the areas below.
- Stress, Anxiety
- Grief
- Self esteem
- Coping with life changes
- Compassion fatigue
- Caregiver issues and stress
- Chronic pain, illness, and disability
- Divorce and separation
- Family of origin issues
- Isolation / loneliness
- Life purpose
- Veteran and Armed Forces Issues
- Post-traumatic stress
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- Self-love
- Women's issues
- Young adult issues
Approaches listed
- Narrative Therapy: Named in her listing among her approaches.
- Client-Centered Therapy: Listed by Amanda among the ways she works.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Listed by Amanda among the ways she works.
- Existential Therapy: Listed by Amanda among the ways she works.
- Mindfulness Therapy: Listed by Amanda among the ways she works.
- Motivational Interviewing: Listed by Amanda among the ways she works.
- Training stated: This directory copies the approaches a therapist names and does not check training records. Ask Amanda directly how much of the work is narrative and what a session usually looks like.
Narrative Therapy in this listing
Narrative Therapy appears in this therapist's own list of approaches. That tells you it is part of how she works. It does not tell you how much of a session it shapes, and this directory does not check or rate training.
If a narrative approach is what you are looking for, it is worth asking Amanda directly how she uses it and what a session usually looks like.
Online session options
Narrative and Practical Approaches for Online Care
Amanda uses Narrative Therapy to help people see the stories they tell about themselves and their struggles. That approach is useful for grief, identity questions, life purpose, and situations where old patterns repeat. She also uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to spot and change thinking patterns that keep stress and anxiety active in day-to-day life. CBT offers concrete tools people can practice between sessions.Finding the right approach is part of the work together. Amanda treats the choice of methods as collaborative. She will listen to your goals and try options that fit your rhythm and needs, adjusting over time based on what helps most.
Online sessions are offered by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to increase flexibility. Video calls let people work face-to-face from different locations. Phone sessions use less bandwidth and can be easier on busy days. Live chat or text messaging allow shorter check-ins or ongoing support between scheduled sessions. These formats make it easier to fit therapy around work, caregiving, or medical needs while keeping the focus on practical change and clearer life stories.
Common questions about this listing
What kinds of issues does Amanda help with?
Amanda works with stress, anxiety, grief, low self-esteem, and coping with life changes. She also focuses on caregiver stress, chronic illness and pain, divorce, isolation, and related concerns.
How would you describe her approach in sessions?
She combines practical skills with story work. Sessions often include thought work from CBT, mindful awareness, and looking at the stories that shape how people experience problems.
What experience does she bring?
She has 20 years of professional experience in behavioral health. That background includes helping people through major life transitions and long-term stress.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW, licensed in California. Her practice is based in California.
Can non-English speakers work with her?
Sessions are offered in English.
Are international clients accepted?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
What formats are available for sessions?
Sessions are available by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Different formats can fit different schedules and needs.
How does pricing and starting therapy work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability and uses a subscription that can be canceled at any time. To begin, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.
Contacting this therapist
Sessions with Amanda are arranged through our partner platform. It asks a few questions about what you are looking for, then shows you the therapists available to you, including Amanda where she has space. Ask about fees, and whether she holds a licence or registration where you live.
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