Dr Samantha Walker Clinical Psychologist Huddersfield

Dr Samantha Walker Clinical Psychologist Huddersfield: Expertise You Can Trust

Dr Samantha Walker Clinical Psychologist Huddersfield provides specialist psychological support for children, adults, and families. With years of experience in complex presentations, Dr Walker combines research, clinical expertise, and therapeutic skill to make meaningful differences in her clients’ lives. She ensures every session is approachable, practical, and grounded in evidence-based practice.

Children and Families Care by Dr Samantha Walker Clinical Psychologist Huddersfield

Dr Walker focuses on attachment theory and developmental trauma in her work with children and families. She uses Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP) to help families affected by attachment disruption. Additionally, she trains and supervises residential staff and schools in understanding attachment, leaning heavily on the PACE approach.

Her specialist interest in perinatal psychology emphasizes the importance of bonding between carers and infants. This work ensures a strong foundation for both emotional and psychological wellbeing from the earliest stages of life.

Expertise in SMART Assessments

As joint lead clinician for Socrates Multi-Disciplinary Assessment and Review Team (SMART), Dr Walker assesses both children and adults with complex needs. Her experience includes autism, intellectual disability, and brain injury. She uses ADOS, ADIR, and DISCO autism assessments and has extensive experience in differential diagnosis, especially where developmental trauma is involved.

Dr Walker also holds specialist knowledge in Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) and in diagnosing autism in females. Her approach always integrates careful consideration of attachment and developmental history.

Cognitive and Systemic Therapeutic Approaches

Dr Walker delivers therapy using cognitive behavioural techniques and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), incorporating mindfulness where appropriate. She works one-on-one with clients, as well as with families and support teams. Her approach emphasizes proactive strategies, structured interventions, and collaborative problem-solving to reduce distress and improve outcomes.

Legal and Forensic Psychological Work

Dr Walker undertakes legal work in both criminal and child care proceedings. She assesses adults and adolescents in personal injury cases, particularly where learning disabilities or trauma may affect capacity or behaviour. She also works with learning-disabled offenders, focusing on risk assessment and interventions to prevent reoffending.

Committed to Training and Development

Beyond direct therapy, Dr Walker contributes extensively to staff and school training. She equips teams to understand attachment, developmental trauma, and the PACE approach. Her work ensures that carers, educators, and therapists can apply best practice principles confidently.