- Trauma-aware care
- Focus on identity
- Supports neurodiversity
About Amanda
Dr. Amanda Van Der Westhuizen is a counsellor with 17 years of experience. She practises in the United Kingdom and also holds registration in South Africa, and works with people from a wide range of backgrounds. She focuses on supporting those facing trauma, anxiety, depression and relationship strain, and pays attention to neurodiversity and co-occurring mental health needs.
Amanda prefers a compassionate and respectful way of working. She adapts conversations and plans to each person, moving at a pace that feels manageable. The aim is to help people build clearer identity, steadier self-esteem and healthier ways of relating to others.
Clients can expect practical, down-to-earth dialogue. Sessions look at immediate concerns and longer-term patterns such as attachment or codependency. Amanda also brings experience supporting people with grief, anger, addictions and chronic illness challenges.
Her approach combines listening with active techniques for processing difficult memories and for handling stress day to day. She will explain options and work with people to choose what fits best for their goals. The collaborative emphasis is on small, achievable steps towards a more fulfilling life.
Amanda speaks English and Afrikaans. She accepts international clients and encourages people to start by completing a short matching questionnaire so sessions can be scheduled according to what's most suitable.
Approaches and what online therapy can offer
Client-Centred Therapy focuses on listening and building a trusting working relationship. It helps people clarify their goals, feel heard and gain confidence to make changes. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, often called EMDR, involves structured processing of distressing memories and can be helpful for trauma symptoms and difficult past events. Trauma-Focused Therapy works directly with the impact of traumatic experiences to reduce their hold on day-to-day life and improve coping.Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will talk through options and tailor methods to fit the client's needs, goals and comfort level. Together they will review what feels most helpful and adapt as therapy progresses.
Sessions can be arranged to fit around work, family and daily routines, making it easier to keep continuity. Because the exact session formats are not listed here, please confirm current online and remote options before booking. Many people find online sessions useful for reducing travel time, keeping appointments during busy weeks and allowing shorter check-ins when that works better with life commitments.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
17+ years
Credentials
Listed on profile
Languages
English, Afrikaans
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does Amanda help with?
She supports people with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and relationship difficulties, along with concerns such as self-esteem, addictions and codependency.
How would she describe her therapeutic style?
Amanda works in a compassionate, person-centred way and adapts pace and language to each client. She combines listening with practical techniques to address current problems and longer-term patterns.
What is her professional background?
She has 17 years of professional experience and has worked with people across a wide range of difficulties, including neurodiversity and co-occurring conditions.
What credentials and region are listed?
She is registered with the HCPC and practises in the United Kingdom, with additional registration in South Africa noted in her background.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English and Afrikaans to accommodate speakers of both languages.
Can I work with her from outside the UK?
International clients are accepted; please confirm the practical details and session arrangements before booking.
How does payment and cost work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be cancelled at any time.
What should I do to begin sessions?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.
Profile details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. Credential and registration rules differ between the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia.