Dr Russell Woodhead

BA (Hons) MSc CPsychol AFBPsS

I founded Thriving Teen in 2021 and aim to provide friendly, high-quality support to young people and their families. Whatever the difficulties you or your child are facing, I will work with you to move things forward.

I've been working with teenagers for about 14 years, in education before I became a clinical psychologist. During my training and after qualifying I worked variously in community CAMHS teams, learning disability services, a young offenders institution and inpatient care. I chose to leave the NHS in 2023 as I felt that I was able to see more young people and work for longer periods with them outside of this context. However, I still work closely with NHS services and social care where this is needed, and I undertake publicly funded work as an independent practitioner. I’m also passionate about sharing psychological knowledge and am a regular contributor to the Let’s All Talk Mental Health series of expert seminars on the topics of self harm and emotional dysregulation.

I am trained in a variety of therapeutic approaches, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and others that are recommended by national guidelines for the treatment of common mental health problems. These guidelines are based on what works for many people, not all, and the benefit of being a clinical psychologist is that I can develop an approach specific to the young person I'm working with based on evidence, theory and my clinical experience. My passion is for understanding how our early experiences, especially those in relationships, shape our view of the world, and how this is reflected at the level of the brain (this is often called attachment science or interpersonal neurobiology). My developing specialism is in the field of trauma, although I continue to work with young people struggling with a wide range of difficulties.

I am a chartered member and associate fellow of the British Psychological Society (BPS) and a member of the Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health (ACAMH). My HCPC registration status is available to check online, and I am happy to provide my latest DBS disclosure certificate on request.

Dr Russell Woodhead, Clinical Psychologist

Dr Russell Woodhead

The Thriving Teen office in Tunbridge Wells

  • “Meeting with Russell was an absolute breakthrough and pivotal in [our daughter] finding her self-belief, confidence and zest for life again. We couldn't recommend Russell more highly and our family will be forever grateful for the time he spent allowing her the safe space to be listened to. Our daughter speaks about Russell with such positivity and how she did not feel judged and could speak freely.”

  • “Russell helped my son to understand some of the anxieties he was experiencing. Together, they developed strategies and practiced different tools for coping. As a result, my son overcame a specific fear and gained confidence through the experience. Russell has equipped my son with important life skills to use in many different situations.”

  • “Russell was excellent in encouraging our daughter to open up and understand her emotions and negative thoughts. He helped identify areas that were positive and those which were having a detrimental effect – teaching her strategies and coping mechanisms she continues to use now.”

  • “Russell treated my son with care, respect, sensitivity and the most incredible professionalism. My son felt heard, validated and with the help of Russell, was able to not just come away from crisis, but emerge stronger, better equipped to cope with his condition and with a greater understanding of himself which will support him going forwards.”

  • “I am incredibly grateful that Russell helped me in a way that never felt intrusive or overbearing. He has a good balance of friendly and professional and became a safe space separate from my parents and what was going on in my life, because I felt like I could share anything and be free of judgment.”

  • "When I look back and remember how he felt last summer, there is an amazing difference. He is much more relaxed, confident and definitely enjoys life more. All in all, I'd like to say a big thank you for all the work you did with him. He couldn't be doing what he is now without your support."