Dr. Amanda Van Der Westhuizen, HCPC

Dr. Amanda Van Der Westhuizen has practised for 17 years in the UK and South Africa and brings that experience to people seeking help with complex emotional and life challenges. She is registered with the HCPC and works with a wide range of concerns, including trauma, anxiety, depression and relationship difficulties. Amanda aims to create a respectful and compassionate space for every person who comes to therapy.

She often supports people facing co-occurring difficulties and neurodiversity, and helps with issues such as low self-esteem, identity, grief and coping with health challenges. Amanda also works with people dealing with addiction, anger, compassion fatigue and career stress. Her additional focus areas include attachment and abandonment concerns, chronic pain and illness, and first responder-related stress.

Amanda uses a tailored approach rather than a one-size-fits-all method. She adapts the pace and focus of sessions to what feels comfortable and useful for each person. The work often involves talking through difficult memories, building practical coping strategies and strengthening relationships with self and others.

She describes the therapeutic relationship as a collaborative walk alongside the client. Sessions aim to identify achievable steps toward change and to restore a sense of agency. For people who want practical tools, Amanda weaves coaching elements into therapy when helpful.

English and Afrikaans are available for sessions. International clients are accepted. Before booking, readers should check current session options and scheduling details to make sure they meet personal needs.

How Amanda’s approaches translate to online therapy

Client-Centred Therapy focuses on creating a respectful, non-judgemental space where the person's own goals guide the work. It helps when someone wants to be heard, to clarify values, and to build self-understanding. EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing, involves structured steps to reduce the intensity of distressing memories and reactions and is often used for trauma-related symptoms. Trauma-Focused Therapy concentrates on understanding the impact of traumatic events and learning practical ways to manage triggers and build safety in daily life.

Finding the right approach is part of the process. Amanda works collaboratively with each person to decide which methods fit their needs, goals and comfort level. She will discuss options, try approaches gently, and adjust plans as progress is made.

Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life by removing travel time and allowing appointments from different locations. Some people prefer shorter check-ins by phone when bandwidth or camera use is difficult, while others choose longer video conversations for deeper work; please confirm the current session options before booking. The focus remains on practical tools and steady progress rather than quick fixes, and online sessions aim to support making therapy part of everyday routines.