Counsellor profile
Dr. Amanda Van Der Westhuizen, HCPC
HCPC registered counsellor - family and parenting concerns
Continue with AmandaAbout
- Trauma-focused work
- Client-centred approach
- EMDR offered
About Amanda
Dr Amanda Van Der Westhuizen is registered with the HCPC and has 17 years of professional experience in practice across the United Kingdom and South Africa. She works with adults dealing with problems such as trauma, depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties and issues around identity and self‑esteem. Her background includes supporting people with multiple or complex difficulties and neurodiversity alongside co‑occurring mental health conditions.
She uses a client-centred approach that keeps conversations focused on what matters to the individual. That means the therapist listens for priorities, then helps shape practical steps and small goals. Sessions often involve talking through recent events, noticing patterns in thinking and behaviour, and trying out new ways of responding in everyday life.
Dr Van Der Westhuizen also uses trauma-focused work and EMDR where appropriate. These approaches are offered to address symptoms that follow distressing or overwhelming experiences, and to help reduce the way those memories affect day-to-day functioning. She adapts the pace to each person and checks in about how techniques are landing.
People who come to her for help often bring issues linked to family, grief, intimacy, addiction, or work stress. She can also support concerns such as ADHD, burnout and compassion fatigue, chronic illness, attachment and abandonment experiences. Conversations include practical coping strategies alongside exploring how past events continue to shape present life.
Sessions are carried out in English and Afrikaans. International clients are accepted; please confirm current session options when arranging a first appointment.
How sessions work
How her approaches translate to online work
Dr Van Der Westhuizen commonly draws on client-centred work to keep sessions grounded in the individual's priorities. That approach means conversations focus on what feels most urgent, with the therapist helping set small practical goals and checking progress each time.She also uses Trauma-Focused Therapy for people affected by distressing events. This involves careful, paced work to reduce symptoms and improve daily functioning. Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is another option she offers; it aims to reduce the emotional charge of disturbing memories and can be integrated when past events continue to cause difficulties.
Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will discuss options and agree on techniques that fit the client's needs, goals and preferences. That decision is collaborative and can change as therapy progresses.
Please confirm which session formats are currently offered before booking, as they are not listed here. Online sessions can make fitting therapy into busy family and work routines easier by removing travel time and allowing appointments during work breaks or evenings. They also allow for shorter check-ins when needed and options that do not require being on camera every time.
Areas of focus
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
17+ years
Listed in
United Kingdom
Languages
English, Afrikaans
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does she help with?
She supports adults with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and relationship difficulties, plus issues around identity, self-esteem and grief.
How would she approach therapy?
Her style is client-centred, focusing conversations on the person's priorities and practical steps. She may introduce trauma-focused techniques or EMDR when appropriate.
How much experience does she have?
She has 17 years of professional experience working with adults in the UK and South Africa.
What credential does she hold and where is she based?
She is registered with the HCPC and practises in the United Kingdom.
Can she work in languages other than English?
Sessions are offered in English and Afrikaans.
Does she accept clients from outside the UK?
She accepts international clients; check the booking information to confirm session options and times.
How are sessions scheduled and how much do they cost?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Use the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule your first session.
Details come from information the counsellor supplied to BetterHelp. A registration can be checked with the body that issued it.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If anyone is in danger, use the crisis numbers.