Dr. Amanda Van Der Westhuizen , HCPC

Dr. Amanda Van Der Westhuizen is an HCPC-registered therapist who brings 17 years of professional experience to her clinical work. Licensed in both the United Kingdom and South Africa, she combines extensive training with an inclusive, empathetic approach to support people across the lifespan. HCPC refers to the Health and Care Professions Council, the UK regulator for certain health and care professions.

She welcomes clients from diverse backgrounds and values the complexity that neurodiversity and co-occurring mental health conditions can bring to therapy. Her practice focuses on helping people navigate trauma, depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, and challenges related to identity and self-esteem. Dr. Van Der Westhuizen also addresses areas such as addiction, grief, career concerns, ADHD, and a broad range of interpersonal and attachment issues.

Known for respectful, sensitive, and compassionate care, she adapts conversations and treatment plans to fit each person’s unique circumstances and preferred pace. Dr. Van Der Westhuizen supports clients through collaborative goal-setting and step-by-step planning, walking alongside them as they work toward a more fulfilling and satisfying life. Her approach emphasizes practical, person-centered support tailored to each individual’s needs.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Dr. Amanda Van Der Westhuizen integrates client-centered therapy and trauma-focused methods into her online practice. Client-centered therapy emphasizes empathy and collaboration - it focuses on the client’s own goals and experience and helps build self-understanding and confidence. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, or EMDR, is a structured approach that addresses distress linked to traumatic memories and can help reduce the emotional intensity of those memories over time. Trauma-focused therapy concentrates directly on the impact of traumatic experiences and offers strategies for processing emotions and regaining a sense of safety and stability.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process and is handled collaboratively. Dr. Van Der Westhuizen works with clients and other licensed professionals as needed to identify the best fit based on presenting needs, personal goals, and treatment preferences, adjusting methods as work progresses.

Online therapy offers flexibility and accessibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. These options make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules, access care from different locations, and continue consistent work during life transitions, while still engaging in meaningful therapeutic work with a trained therapist.