- Client-Centred approach
- EMDR for memories
- Trauma-Focused work
About Amanda
Dr Amanda Van Der Westhuizen is a HCPC-registered clinician working in the United Kingdom with 17 years of professional experience. She helps people facing stress, anxiety, depression, relationship strain and trauma. Her work also covers anger, addictions, self-esteem and identity concerns. Sessions can be conducted in English or Afrikaans and she accepts international clients.
She often supports people with complex or co-occurring difficulties, including neurodiversity and multiple mental health concerns. That includes work on attachment, abandonment, codependency and control issues. She also helps with grief, chronic pain and the effects of domestic violence.
Her approach draws on client-centred work to shape the conversation around the person in front of her. She uses Trauma-Focused Therapy when past events are central to current problems. Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing, or EMDR, is part of her toolkit for processing distressing memories.
In sessions she listens for practical patterns - what makes anger or anxiety rise, what keeps low mood in place, and what helps someone feel steadier. She works at a pace the client is comfortable with and adapts dialogue and plans as needs change. This is practical therapy rather than quick fixes.
Her background includes long-term clinical work across a range of settings over nearly two decades. That experience informs how she frames interventions and supports people through life changes, career problems and intimacy-related issues. Referral and therapy options are discussed at the first meeting.
To begin, clients complete a short matching questionnaire and then schedule an initial session. Fees vary with location and sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
How her approaches translate to online sessions
Client-Centred Therapy focuses on listening and following the client’s lead. In practice this means the therapist reflects what the client says, checks understanding and helps people find their own solutions. It is useful for ongoing difficulties like anger, relationship strain and low self-worth.Trauma-Focused Therapy concentrates on the effects of past events that still affect daily life. The therapist helps identify trauma responses and works through them in manageable steps to reduce their impact. This approach is aimed at problems such as flashbacks, avoidance and heightened reactivity.
EMDR, Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing, involves guided processing of distressing memories. It is used when specific traumatic memories keep causing strong emotional or physical reactions. In sessions the therapist guides the process and integrates changes into day-to-day coping.
Choosing the right approach is collaborative. The therapist will discuss goals, history and preferences, then agree a plan that fits the person’s needs. They may use one method or combine elements depending on what helps.
Confirm the available session formats before booking, as the biography does not list specific formats. Online work can make scheduling easier and help fit therapy into busy weeks. It can also allow shorter check-ins, sitting out of view of the camera when needed, or avoiding travel time so sessions fit around work and family commitments.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
17+ years
Listed in
United Kingdom
Languages
English, Afrikaans
Frequently asked questions
Which concerns does she work with?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship problems, anger and related issues such as self-esteem, addictions and grief.
What is her therapy style like?
Her style is client-centred and practical. She adapts the conversation and plan to the person and their pace.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has 17 years of professional experience working in a variety of clinical settings.
What credential does she hold and where is she based?
She is registered with the HCPC and practises in the United Kingdom.
Which languages are supported in sessions?
Sessions are offered in English and Afrikaans.
Can people outside the UK work with her?
She accepts international clients.
How are fees and payments handled?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I start working with her?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.