Amanda Holly, Ph.D.

Dr. Holly founded The Chicago Cognitive Behavioral Treatment Center in 2010 to merge her research background with her clinical passion, and ultimately live out her mission to administer and disseminate therapies that work.

Dr. Holly graduated from The Chicago Medical School with a doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology in 2006. She completed her residency at University of British Columbia, where she specialized in groundbreaking research and treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder, social anxiety, and eating disorders in both children and adults.  She is particularly keen on therapies that help people focus on living more expansive, values-based lives.  Furthermore, Dr. Holly is dedicated to living and employing Acceptance and Commitment Therapy values as well as compassion-focused and positive psychology interventions. Dr. Holly recognizes the value of physical exercise, nutrition and sleep in maintaining mental health, and encourages positive health behaviors in both the individual and the family. In addition, Dr. Holly places great importance on creating a warm therapeutic environment that encourages anti-perfection and a lot of humor!

The science of therapy is straightforward and effective. The challenge is the art of therapy; being able to create an environment that inspires people to be vulnerable yet brave. In my professional and personal experiences, I have found that the art of facilitating risk-taking includes humor, humility, and compassion.