Dr. Amanda Van Der Westhuizen, HCPC

A client-centred approach focuses on the person rather than a protocol. In practice this means sessions begin with careful listening and pace set by the client, then practical goals are agreed. This style helps with depression, low self-esteem and relationship concerns.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, or EMDR, is used to help process distressing memories. The method involves guided attention and structured steps to reduce the intensity of traumatic memories and related emotions. It is often chosen when trauma memories continue to cause strong reactions.

Trauma-focused therapy concentrates on understanding how past events shape current feelings and behaviour. It helps people make sense of flashbacks, avoidance, dissociation and other trauma responses, and to build safer ways of coping.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Amanda will discuss options and adapt methods to fit a person’s needs, goals and comfort level rather than assuming one single route. She works together with clients to decide whether EMDR, trauma-focused work or a client-centred path is best.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation and non-verbal cues, phone sessions suit lower bandwidth needs, and live chat or messaging can be useful for brief check-ins or when writing helps people express themselves. These formats make it easier to fit therapy around work, family commitments and travel.