Amána van Staden

Psychodynamic Psychotherapy & Somatic Experiencing

My personal experiences took me on an extensive journey of self-discovery, ultimately leading to a complete overhaul of my life. I was adamant to break the cycle of generational trauma and to find a better path for myself. Personal psychotherapy was central to understanding and working through my own development and emotional world; also, the experience of ‘being a client’ allowed me to understand the experience of psychotherapy from both perspectives. However, following years of psychotherapy I couldn’t help feeling like something was still missing, and it related to my body, which, up to that point, felt excluded from the therapeutic process. Although talking therapy brought me much understanding and emotional healing, I still suffered from debilitating chronic pain, which I had struggled with from adolescence. I knew instinctively that it was caused by psychological factors and that was when I came across Somatic Experiencing, a body-centred therapy developed by Dr Peter Levine for the healing of trauma (read more on my website). This work was so transformative that I decided to embark on its 3-year training programme to become a qualified SE practitioner. While still in training, I am qualified to trainee practitioner level, meaning I can work with clients using the SE approach. This has illuminated and transformed how I treat and approach trauma work with clients.

In an earlier career, I led an EMEA business function for a global technology company. Working in a corporate environment gave me a first-hand experience of the pressures of corporate culture and the personal and group challenges that can arise. After retraining, I gained an MSc in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy from the University of London. This was a rigorous clinical, experiential, and academic training, during which I had the opportunity to work alongside the counselling team at Kings College, London. Since completing training, I set up a private practice in Bloomsbury, London, where I worked until relocating to East Sussex. The move was borne out of my intimate relationship with nature and its profound effect on my mental health and general wellbeing.

In addition to this, I have over twenty years of experience as a meditation practitioner and teacher. There is the option to incorporate mindfulness practices into therapy work, which some clients find helpful.

My approach is one of deeply listening to what you bring. I offer gentle and caring support coupled with a belief in your inherent ability to heal. I usually incorporate both psychotherapy and Somatic Experiencing to address mental health issues and symptoms because I believe that we cannot effectively treat the mind without including the body.

Practical Details:

I work from the Wellington centre on Mondays and Thursdays. I offer online sessions on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

I usually meet clients once weekly for a 50 minute session. I generally work on a long-term, open-ended way, but I can also see clients on a short-term basis.

If you are interested in working with me please contact me either by e-mail or via my website to arrange an initial telephone conversation.

Email: info@amanamindbody.co.uk

Website: www.amanamindbody.co.uk