Clinical Psychology for Teenagers
The teenage years can be challenging enough without the addition of anxiety, trauma or emotional difficulties. Adolescence is a period of enormous change — socially, emotionally, psychologically and neurologically — and many young people can begin to struggle during this time. Teenagers today also face increasing pressures including academic stress, social media exposure, online comparison, uncertainty about the future and difficulties disconnecting from technology. These pressures can contribute to rising levels of anxiety, overwhelm and emotional distress in young people.
Dr Anouk Houdijk is a Clinical Psychologist with specialist experience in adolescent mental health and extensive experience working within Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). She provides compassionate, evidence-based support for teenagers experiencing a range of emotional and psychological difficulties.Support may be helpful for teenagers struggling with:
- anxiety and excessive worry,
- school anxiety,
- panic attacks,
- OCD and repetitive behaviours,
- stress and overwhelm,
- trauma and PTSD,
- emotional regulation difficulties,
- low self-esteem,
- friendship or relationship difficulties,
- behavioural changes,
- or the lasting effects of difficult early experiences.
Her approach draws on a range of evidence-based therapies including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Trauma-Focused CBT and EMDR.
Alongside supporting teenagers directly, Dr Houdijk also works closely with parents to help them better understand their teenager’s emotional world, strengthen connection and develop practical ways to support their child through difficult periods.
Therapy is tailored to the individual needs of each young person and family.
Appointment times: Tuesdays 3:20, 4:30 and 5:40pm / Wednesdays 3:20, 4:30 and 5:40pm
What other parents say about working with Dr Houdijk
"I am truly beyond grateful for your amazing care today. Your gentle, clear understanding of {her} and explanation of why she’s feeling like this was incredibly liberating for her. For us both, huge weight lifted tonight thank you."
Mum of a 15 year old
"Thanks so much! [She] is so much better after the session..... Really quite a big relief - you seem to have unlocked something quite major! Thank you!"
Mum of 13 year old
"You created a very warm and open environment and she felt able to pour out all of her worries and concerns. We think you addressed her in a very friendly and non clinical way which really helped her to chat and not feel questioned. She is coping really well now ..... I think you helped her to see her anxieties in a different light and not to let worries build up and consume her. She still uses your practical coping tools and hopefully these will stay with her."
Mum of a 16 year old
Common Questions
Does my teenager need therapy?
Many teenagers experience periods of stress or emotional difficulty. Therapy may be helpful if anxiety, low mood, emotional distress or behavioural changes are significantly impacting daily life, school, relationships or wellbeing.
Can parents be involved in therapy?
Yes. Parent involvement is often an important part of supporting teenagers and strengthening communication and understanding within the family.
What age range do you work with?
Dr Houdijk works with teenagers (13+) and adolescents experiencing a range of emotional and mental health difficulties.
What Can I expect?
Visit the "what to expect" page for more information.
Want to do some work on your own?
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If you're teen is not ready for 1:1 therapy for their anxiety just yet, but is open to making some changes, try Dr Anouk Houdijk's Understanding and Unravelling Anxiety online course for teens in the "Resilience Room" at Dr Anouk Online.
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