Dr. Amanda Van Der Westhuizen

Dr. Amanda Van Der Westhuizen is a UK-based counsellor with 17 years of experience. She holds HCPC registration and works with people facing a wide range of concerns. She aims to offer respectful, sensitive support and meets each person where they are. She often helps people with anxiety, depression and trauma-related difficulties. She also supports those dealing with relationship strain, low self-esteem, grief, anger and addiction. Her practice includes work with neurodiversity and co-occurring mental health challenges. Amanda adapts conversations and plans to the needs of each person. She moves at a pace that feels manageable and practical steps are agreed together. The focus is on building a life that feels more fulfilling and on improving everyday coping. Her background includes trauma-focused work and approaches that centre the client’s experience. She uses eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing alongside trauma-focused therapy when suitable, and draws on client-centred principles to keep sessions grounded in the person’s priorities. People who appreciate a collaborative, steady style may find her helpful. She aims to be compassionate and down-to-earth while supporting people through change. Taking the first step can feel hard, and she offers calm, structured support along the way.

How her approaches translate to online care

Client-Centred Therapy places the person’s needs and goals at the heart of sessions. The therapist listens closely, uses those priorities to guide conversation, and helps people set practical, achievable steps for change. This approach suits everyday concerns like low self-esteem, relationship strain and stress.

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing, often shortened to EMDR, is a trauma-focused method that works with distressing memories to reduce their impact. It is usually structured and can help people who carry intense reactions from past events. Trauma-Focused Therapy concentrates directly on the effects of traumatic experiences and on building coping strategies to manage symptoms and triggers.

Choosing an approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will work together with the person to decide which methods fit their history, goals and comfort level. Plans are reviewed over time and adjusted if something isn’t working.

Practical benefits of online therapy include easier scheduling and fitting sessions into a busy week. Online work can reduce travel time and make it simpler to continue therapy during life transitions. Confirm current session options before booking so arrangements match your needs.