Dr. Amanda Van Der Westhuizen, HCPC

Dr. Amanda Van Der Westhuizen is a HCPC-registered counsellor with 17 years of clinical experience. She offers calm, straightforward support for people facing worry, low mood, relationship strain and trauma. Sessions are presented in a warm, respectful way that aims to make difficult conversations easier to manage.

She has a long history of working with complex difficulties and co-occurring conditions. That includes supporting people who are neurodivergent and those living with chronic health problems. Amanda helps people talk through painful experiences, process loss, and rebuild a sense of self and confidence.

Her work is practical and paced to each person. She listens first and then helps set small, achievable steps. Treatment plans are shaped around what feels manageable and relevant for the individual rather than a fixed programme.

Amanda uses approaches that focus on the person and on processing traumatic memories when needed. She combines conversational therapy with evidence-based methods to reduce distress and improve day-to-day functioning. Sessions aim to leave people with clearer coping tools and a better sense of direction.

People can expect straightforward language and a non-judgemental tone. She values respect, sensitivity and compassion in every session. Amanda supports people as they take steps toward a life that feels more fulfilling and steady.

Sessions are available in English and Afrikaans and are offered to people in the United Kingdom and internationally. Practical arrangements such as video calls, phone sessions, live chat or text-based messaging can be used depending on preference.

Therapeutic approaches and how they work online

Client-Centred Therapy focuses on the person's own goals and strengths. The therapist listens closely, reflects what is said, and helps the individual decide the pace and direction of work. This approach is helpful for building self-esteem, making life changes, and improving relationships.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a method used to process distressing memories and reduce their emotional intensity. In practice, it involves guided attention and structured steps to help the brain reprocess traumatic material so it feels less overwhelming, which can aid recovery from past abuse or traumatic events.

Trauma-Focused Therapy targets how traumatic experiences affect thinking, feelings and behaviour. It combines careful discussion of the events with techniques to calm intense reactions and develop safer coping strategies for daily life.

Choosing the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences and any worries, then recommend options and adjust methods over time. This collaborative process helps match techniques to what feels most helpful for each person.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility. Video calls allow face-to-face interaction when a fuller conversation is needed. Phone sessions suit people who prefer not to use video or need a lower-bandwidth option. Live chat and text-based messaging provide brief check-ins, day-to-day coaching and a way to stay connected between longer sessions. These options make it easier to fit therapy around work, caregiving or travel commitments while keeping treatment consistent.