About me
My name is Amanda and I am a psychologist working with adults in an independent private practice.
I work from a psychodynamic and existential perspective. My work with clients is informed by how people make sense of themselves, their relationships and their place in the world. I hold 10 years of experience and have had the privilege of holding space for many clients with their own unique histories, experiences and challenges.
I trained and gained clinical experience in South Africa, working in environments with a complex intersection of cultural contexts, lived experience and access to resources. It has shaped how I approach my work with clients who come from all over the world. Since 2019 I have been working from my practice space in Amsterdam, offering both in person and online sessions.
In my free time I enjoy reading, PC gaming, art and convincing my two feral cats that I am not the enemy.
About therapy
My approach includes gaining a clearer understanding of the patterns that shape your experience, the ways of coping that have been effective in the past, and how they may have become effortful, unsustainable or even damaging.
Therapy is a relational process. Patterns that are difficult to see or shift on your own, tend to emerge more clearly when they are experienced in relation to another person, in this case a therapist. Over time the focus is on fostering an understanding and appreciation of your unique experience and finding ways of relating to yourself and others that are less effortful, more flexible and sustainable.
Particular areas of specialization and interest:
- Neurodiversity (Autism and ADHD)
- Identity, meaning and existential questions
- Life transitions, loss and grief
- Depression and persistent low mood
- Navigating difference, belonging and cultural identity
Cost and structure
Sessions take place online or in-person (Amsterdam), depending on availability.
My current session rate is €140.00 per 50-minute session. I do offer a limited number of reduced rate sessions for students or those with financial constraints.
An important note, since I work in private practice, sessions are not reimbursed by Dutch health insurance. Some international insurers may be able to reimburse.
MA Clinical Psychologist
The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)- PYL043923
Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA)- PS0137928
Nederlandse Instituut van Psychologen- 231145
Kamer van Koophandel- 75798166
Qualifications and Registrations
Available online or in person at Spuistraat 249-II, 1012VP, Amsterdam
Some common questions
What difficulties do people generally see you for?
My training and experience as a clinical psychologist equipped me to work with a variety of complex difficulty and diagnoses. Within my private practice I generally work with the following:
- Neurodiverse experiences including ADHD and Autism
- Depression and existential questions
- Relationship difficulties
- Anxiety, OCD, Disordered eating
- Trauma (both PTSD and CPTSD)
- Work-related stress and burnout
- Emotional dysregulation
Although these categories are useful in broadly describing difficulties a person may present with, it can make it seem like human psychology is a group of symptoms. And although we may at times use labels in a thoughtful way, hardly ever will your experience fit perfectly into any one description. Humans can't be reduced to diagnostic labels.
Why are you not registered with the Dutch healthcare system/insurance?
I am a trained and qualified Clinical Psychologist, registered in South Africa (HPCSA) and the United Kingdom (HCPC). In the Netherlands there are different language and registration requirements, and so I work as a psychologist in private practice, but not as part of the Dutch healthcare system. In this capacity I work with clients on exploring and treating difficulties or symptoms, and will at times suggest that formal diagnoses be made with the assistance of either your GP or a referral to appropriate services.
Working independently can however ensure increased confidentiality, flexibility in ways of working with clients, and more client autonomy, allowing you to decide what kind of therapist you want to see and for how long. This does add a cost burden, which is important to keep in mind and discuss in sessions.
Do I need a referral from my GP?
No referral is needed to work with me.
Are there any difficulties you don't work with?
As I run a small private practice, there are unfortunately difficulties I am not best suited to work with as they may require specialized care or more support than individual therapy can provide. This includes:
- Acute psychotic disorders
- Psychiatric emergencies
I also currently only work with individuals over the age of 18.
Where can I go if I need more immediate/emergency help?
As an independent healthcare worker, I am not able to offer emergency services. In cases where you are in need of emergency mental health care, please contact your nearest hospital or your GP emergency line to be referred appropriately.
What is your policy on AI?
Recently AI has become a helpful tool in many areas and a common way for therapists to record and transcribe sessions and complete other administrative tasks. However, for the time being I have decided to not use any AI transcribing in sessions, to enable the space to remain confidential and human. AI tools may be used for the purposes of editing documentation, but in these cases GDPR confidentiality and responsible use and storage of information will be adhered to. If my use of AI changes, I will be sure to inform and obtain consent from you.
How long will I be in therapy for?
I work in an open-ended, depth-oriented way which means therapy is not typically structured as a fixed number of sessions. Some people come for a shorter period focused on a specific difficulty, while others work more long-term. We can discuss what feels appropriate for you.
Although I work in a relatively flexible way, I do value maintaining some consistency in the therapy space. Sessions are typically scheduled weekly or biweekly, allowing some room to adapt to changing circumstances, while supporting the continuity in the work. I offer a limited number of sessions per week in order to maintain a high level of attention and consistency in my work with clients.
Do you work with couples?
Unfortunately I don't work with couples, however I am able to recommend a few really wonderful therapists who specialise working with couples.