It is very common for young people to strive to be something that others want them to be or what may be perceived as ‘what other’s want them to be’. In this way, many adolescents , lose their identity and are unclear about who they really are and who they really want to become. Seeking (and receiving) approval from adults and peers can dictate a young person’s perception of themselves.
Young people yearn for protection, love, understanding and safe boundaries even though this may often appear the last thing they desire! In many cases this yearn can be hugely contradicted by young people’s external behaviours. This can potentially make being a parent even harder as parents’ may feel isolated as well as confused, believing they understood the needs of their child, yet the child’s behaviour suggests otherwise.
Talking to a therapist can offer young people a relationship that can help them to get to know the ‘real’ them. The authenticity of each human being, their reality and their life experiences are validated by the therapist. This allows them to find their own answers and identity whilst gaining self-confidence and belief.
Being able to offer young people the additional support of 1-to-1 or group therapy can potentially give them the support network they need. Being understood, heard and supported can help both the child and the family realise they are not alone, different or abnormal and that a potentially healthier future can be achieved.
- Depression, anxiety and behavioural disorders are among the leading causes of illness and disability among adolescents.
- Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among 15-19 year-olds.
- The consequences of failing to address adolescent mental health conditions extend to adulthood, impairing both physical and mental health and limiting opportunities to lead fulfilling lives as adults.
Our childhood and adolescent mental well being team consists of a psychiatrist, 2 clinical psychologists, and a child/adolescent behavioural therapist .
How can we help you today?
Your Specialists
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Dr Javier Quintero
Consultant Psychiatrist (Adult and Child/Adolescence)
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Dr Karen Surridge NNEB; BSc(Hons); PGCert; ClinPsyD; MBPsS, CPsychol
Chartered Clinical Psychologist / Doctor of Clinical Psychology
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Dr Louise Barber, BSc (hons), PhD, DClinPsy
Consultant Clinical Psychologist
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Demelza Wall
Behaviour Specialist
Dr Javier Quintero
Consultant Psychiatrist (Adult and Child/Adolescence)
Areas of expertise
-Anxiety - Bipolar affective disorder (Maniac and Depressive episode) - Cyclothymia - Depression - Eating disorder - Grief & Bereavement - Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) - Panic attacks & panic disorder - Personality disorders (Cluster A, B and C) - Phobias - Post natal depression - Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Trauma - Schizophrenia and other psychosis - Seasonal affective disorder - Self Harm - Stress - Adaptive Disorders - Behavioral disorders secondary to neurological pathologies (Alzheimer's disease, Huntington etc.) - Sleep disorders - Substance abuse or dependence - Treatment resistant depression - Parenting difficulties Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist: - Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD) - Autistic Spectrum Disorder - Emotional Disorder (oppositional defiant disorder, learning and conduct disorder) - Phobias - Affective Disorder (Depression and Bipolar) - Neurodevelopmental Disorders (learning disability, intellectual disability) - Anxiety - Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) - Tourette’s Syndrome - Low self-esteem - Relationship difficulties, sleep disorders, substance abuse or dependence , bullying
Education and professional training
Hospital Reina Sofia de Cordoba ( Spain). Consultant Psychiatrist.
Professional Qualifications, Associations & Accomplishments
Master propio in Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist. UKCMC & GMRB Registered C.E.U. University San Pablo. Spain University Expert Cognitive behavioral therapy in childhood and adolescence problems U.N.E.D Psychiatrist Trainee (Consultant)
Professional experience
I have a very wide experience in Adult and CAMHS in the U.K and Spain.
Languages spoken
English and Spanish
Interests
Sport, fishing and music
When we give ourselves the time and space to listen to our hearts, without judgement, then we have our answers and we know what needs to be done. When we feel understood, then we are no longer alone and we find the power to do it. It's good to talk."
Dr Karen Surridge NNEB; BSc(Hons); PGCert; ClinPsyD; MBPsS, CPsychol
Chartered Clinical Psychologist / Doctor of Clinical Psychology
Areas of expertise
Therapy: Generalised anxiety, panic, obsessions and compulsions (OCD), phobias, depression, suicidal thoughts, reactions to trauma, hoarding issues, attachment/relationship difficulties, behavior problems, and others. Integrates ideas, approaches and techniques from different therapies tailoring the treatment to suit each individual client. (Cognitive Behavioral (CBT); Rational Emotive (REBT); Mindfulness; Psychodynamic; Narrative; Systemic; Solihull Approach; Meriden Project, Pre-Therapy work and others). Offers training at different levels: for healthcare professionals, teachers, general public, teams etc.
Education and professional training
West Kent College, Tonbridge, NNEB (Childcare and Education) University of Kent at Canterbury, BSc(Hons) Newman University College, Birmingham, PGCert (Clinical Applications of Psychology) University of Birmingham, Birmingham, ClinPsyD (Doctorate in Clinical Psychology)
Professional Qualifications, Associations & Accomplishments
UK Registration with Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) Gibraltar Registration with Gibraltar Medical Registration Board (GMRB) Member of the British Psychological Society Chartered status with the British Psychological Society Publications range from papers in academic journals and articles published by the Department Of Health (UK), to articles disseminated at conferences, and magazine articles. Research and publications have resulted in achievements such as discussion in BBC Radio 4 interview; team nomination and shortlisting for a number of service awards and named as winner of NHS Care Trust Award. Member of the Division of Clinical Psychology
Professional experience
Initial training as a Nursery Nurse prior to studying psychology. First Assistant Psychologist post in the GHA, followed by three Assistant Psychologist posts in the NHS in UK before completing the doctorate. Since 2013, Dr Surridge has worked for the GHA and the Specialist Medical Clinic, also offering her expertise upon request to various Government departments, charities, organisations and companies.
Languages spoken
Fluent English, understands Spanish
Interests
Spending time with family, Helping others, Learning
Dr Louise Barber, BSc (hons), PhD, DClinPsy
Consultant Clinical Psychologist
Areas of expertise
Mood disorders (including, depression, suicidal ideation, bi-polar disorder and self harm) Anxiety disorders (including obsessive compulsive disorders, intrusive thoughts, panic disorder) Anger management Addictions Physical Health Conditions (including CFS/ME, Oncology, COPD, Renal, Dermatology) Weight Management and Bariatric Eating Disorders Gender identity Self Esteem Stress and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Personality Disorders Rape & sexual abuse Bereavement & loss Relationship Difficulties Clinical Supervision
Education and professional training
Sheffield Hallam University University of Wales, Bangor NHS, Open University
Professional Qualifications, Associations & Accomplishments
Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy) Qualified Mindfulness Practitioner Qualified Yoga Teacher NHS Leadership and Management Qualifications Advanced Clinical Supervision training Member of BPS & HCPC
Professional experience
Having initially trained as a nursery nurse in 1998 and working with children with special needs, in various schools in Yorkshire, I trained as a counsellor in 2001 and worked in a drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre whilst at university studying to become a clinical psychologist. After qualifying n 2004 I worked in the North Wales adult mental health services for number of years before moving to Salford Royal Hospital NHS Trust in Manchester in 2011 where I was employed to develop a psychological oncology service. As a consultant psychologist, my role extended beyond the original brief and I became responsible for leading psychological services in dermatology, oncology, CFS/ME and weight management / bariatric surgery. I specialized in individual group work combined with cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness. As a team we provided an on-call service for a range of physical health conditions for the hospitals in-patients. Over the years I have been honored to have been invited to teach on a number of post graduate psychology doctorate programs at the Universities of Sheffield, Manchester, Wrexham and Bangor (Wales). I have published several academic papers and presented at numerous academic conferences. I left the UK in 2018 to take up a position at the Ocean Views mental health facility in Gibraltar. Whilst there I set up a gender identity service. This contract ended in 2021 and since then I have been working as a consultant clinical psychologist for an NHS London Trust providing a mood and personality service via on-line consultations.
Languages spoken
English
Interests
In my spare time I love cycling, skiing, dancing, hiking, badminton, swimming and reading. I also really enjoy learning Spanish and spending as much time as I can with my 3 grandsons.
All behavior is an indicator of a need, it is my job to remain curious and understand the communication"
Demelza Wall
Behaviour Specialist
Areas of expertise
Addressing a wide range of challenges including self-esteem, anxiety ADHD, learning difficulties, behavioral issues, autism, PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) trauma, attachment disorders and many more. Catering to the unique needs of each child and their family, supporting parents and professionals and implementing tailored strategies to help a child or young person to thrive.
Professional Qualifications, Associations & Accomplishments
MCMA Member, Licensed Thrive Practitioner and Family Course Leader, Certified Theraplay Practitioner, Youth Mental Health First Aider, Mindfulness Wellbeing and Resilience, Diploma in Advanced Level Functional Massage for Children with Additional Needs. Support Teaching and Learning in Schools. ADHD Support Group lead for Bath and North East Somerset.
Languages spoken
English and Basic Spanish
Interests
Beach walks with the dog, fitness, well-being, nutrition, meditation, mindfulness and cherishing valuable moments with her family of four children.
