About me
Amanda Swan — Integrative Psychotherapeutic Counsellor
I’m Amanda, a psychotherapeutically trained counsellor in private practice with over 20 years’ experience working with people in mental health and emotional supportive roles. I hold a BSc Psychology (University of Kent, 2012; BPS‑accredited), an MA Criminology (University of Kent, 2012), and an Advanced Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling (Chrysalis Courses, 2021). I trained with Cruse Bereavement Care and with the Youth Offending Team and Kent County Council as a restorative justice panel member. I am a British Psychological Society Graduate Member, hold an enhanced DBS, and am a neurodivergent therapist.
I understand how difficult it can be to look for the right counsellor or psychotherapist — which one is right for me. It is important to have someone you trust, who does not judge, who supports you with the issues you bring to each session. Being heard and understood can make such a difference, especially if this has not been your experience in the past. Having experienced therapy myself as part of my training and ongoing development, I appreciate what a big step seeking a therapist can be.
I am here to listen with empathy, and I do this by using an integrative and flexible approach. Working integratively means I draw on a number of therapeutic skills, theoretical models and life experience to support you. You are most welcome to ask me questions about these methods.
I specialise in trauma (PTSD/complex PTSD), bereavement, anxiety and panic, and neurodiversity (ADHD/ASD). I am a hypnobirthing practitioner (clinical hypnotherapy in counselling skills — Chrysalis Courses, 2018) and use approaches informed by psychophysiological research. My research and practice interests include stress, psychophysiological functioning, psychoeducation and altered states of consciousness. I have an active application to a professional doctorate examining the phenomenological experience of changing levels of consciousness.
I offer individual counselling, clinical hypnotherapy, hypnobirthing, creative group therapy and consultancy (including work with the University of Kent and the University of Essex). Group work includes creatively expressing and processing emotion in an "Artists Book" format, providing space for creative experimentation and personal reflection. All sessions and online platforms are safe and GDPR‑compliant — I am registered with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) and am an accredited registrant of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society. Sessions are available face‑to‑face, by video, telephone, text and email. I accept EAP referrals.
I am in the rural village of Chartham, on the St Augustine site, near Canterbury. It is a quiet and very peaceful location and I also work from the Thanington Neighbourhood Resource Centre. Both are equally safe, completely confidential, and a neutral space where therapy can take place. I often work at home in the mornings, and at the Thanington Centre in the afternoons/evenings. Face to face, phone and Zoom sessions are available. Please let me know your preference.
If you’re considering therapy but unsure where to start, I offer a brief, no‑obligation introductory call so we can discuss your needs and see whether we’re a good fit. Contact me at amandaswantherapy@gmail.com or 07407 240095 — I’d be glad to hear from you and support you to take the next step.
Training, qualifications & experience
- July 2024 - Research: How hypnosis influences emotional regulation. PhD application in progress.
- May to July 2024 - University of Kent & University of Essex Research Collaboration on Artists Books as a Therapeutic Tool: Consultant Counsellor & Psychotherapist.
- Student Mentor at the University of Kent
- February 2024 CHBP - Certified Hypnotic Birthing Practitioner
- 2021 Ad. Dip. Psy. C - Advanced Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling
- 2019-2021 - Bereavement & Loss Support Worker with Cruse Bereavement Care
- 2018 - Working Directly with Trauma
- 2015 - Lecturer in Psychology at Canterbury College
- 2017 Cert Hyp CS in Hypnotherapy & Counselling Skills
- Associate Lecturer in Psychology at Canterbury Christchurch University
- 2012 - MA in Criminology - University of Kent
- 2016 - TA with SEN children in an SEN school
- 2011 - Restorative Justice Conferencing
- 2009 BSc in Psychology (Accredited by the British Psychological Society) - University of Kent
- 2007 COSA (Circles of Support and Accountability) - Adult Offending
- Youth Offending Panel Support Worker with Kent County Council
Member organisations
school Registered / Accredited
Being registered/accredited with a professional body means an individual must have achieved a substantial level of training and experience approved by their member organisation.
The National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society This Not For Profit association of counsellors and psychotherapists aim to support the counselling profession, members and training organisations. In 2013 the NCS register was accredited by the Professional Standards Authority under the Accredited Voluntary Register Scheme. Accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.
Accredited register membership
The Accredited Register Scheme was set up in 2013 by the Department of Health (DoH) as a way to recognise organisations that hold voluntary registers which meet certain standards. These standards are set by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).
This therapist has indicated that they belong to an Accredited Register.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Other areas of counselling I deal with
- Holistic approach
- Hypnotherapy/hypnosis
- Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy (REBT)
- Attachment-based therapy
- Sandplay therapy
- Relaxation and working with the physical body as well as the mind
- Breathing techniques including mindfulness and meditation
- Bereavement and loss
- Small group bereavement work (please enquire about groups coming up).
Therapies offered
Photos & videos
Fees
£70.00 per session
Concessions offered for
Health Insurance/EAP
Additional information
Free Introductory Call
Accepting Bupa Patients
Counselling/Psychotherapy Session: £75 for 50 minutes.
Couples Psychotherapeutic Counselling Session: £110 per session for 60 minutes.
Psychotherapeutic Hypnotherapy: £130 for a 60 minute session
Young People/Adolescents (13 yrs+) Psychotherapeutic Counselling Session: £65 for 50 minutes.
Clinical Supervision £65 for 1.5 hours
Reduction for student counsellors - contact me directly
Bookings can be made online on the following link: https://clientportal.uk.zandahealth.com/clientportal/swantherapywellbeing
When I work
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Further information
I offer a safe, calm and welcoming environment for therapeutic change. I work within a person‑centred, humanistic framework with an integrative approach, guided by professional ethics. Trauma‑informed and evidence‑based, I draw on psychoanalytic methods when helpful (e.g., childhood adversity, family breakdown, couples work) and use clinical hypnosis informed by Polyvagal Theory to calm the nervous system and promote parasympathetic regulation. I provide Level 6 clinical supervision using the Seven‑Eyed Model, adhering to the BACP Code of Ethics. See my supervision profile and contact me to arrange an introductory call.
My practice provides a quiet, non‑judgemental space where you can feel heard and supported. I work ethically within a person‑centred, humanistic framework while integrating a range of therapeutic models to meet your needs. For complex developmental or relational issues I may use psychoanalytic approaches alongside trauma‑informed care, ensuring safety and pacing throughout. I also use clinical hypnosis and techniques informed by Polyvagal Theory to reduce sympathetic arousal and encourage parasympathetic activation, grounded in evidence and strengths‑based practice. I work with many mental health and relationship issues - anxiety, panic attacks, depression, EUPD, BPD, PTSD, CPTSD, FND, couple separation/divorce, teen anxiety and depression, family issues, low self-esteem, bereavement, suicide, trauma, self-harm, stress.
In addition to client work, I offer Level 6 clinical supervision using the Seven‑Eyed Model, delivered in line with the BACP Code of Ethics. See my supervision profile for full details, and contact me for more information or to arrange a free introductory call — amandaswantherapy@gmail.com | 07407 240095.
