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For young people growing up between two languages and two cultures
Adolescent Psychologist: Turkish-Language Online Teen Therapy
Teenagers of Turkish descent growing up in the Netherlands continuously learn to exist in two worlds at once: autonomy in Dutch at school, belonging in Turkish at home. For most young people this balance works well; sometimes it leads to getting stuck.
Working with teenagers runs along two lines: individual sessions with the young person themselves (anxiety, school stress, identity, friendships, withdrawal) and parallel guidance for the parents. Dr. Doğan is SKJ-registered (120002821) and active within the Dutch youth care system; he can build a bridge with the school and the wider system.
The teenage brain: not a problem, but a construction site
During adolescence the emotional system (limbic structures) matures early, while the braking system (the prefrontal cortex) only fully develops much later. Risky decisions, sudden mood swings and the feeling that 'the child of yesterday has disappeared' are the natural result of this asymmetry. This framework is essential for parents: the majority of behaviour is not pathology, but development. The first step in therapy is therefore to distinguish what is developmental from what requires clinical attention.
When is professional help advisable?
It is not individual behaviours that are the signal, but their duration and the loss of functioning: weeks of withdrawal, reluctance that turns into school refusal, clearly disturbed sleep or eating patterns, complete withdrawal from friends, intense anxiety or angry outbursts that spread to home and school, or signs of self-harm. Each of these patterns justifies an exploratory conversation; what is noticed early resolves before it takes hold.
Identity between two cultures
The experience of 'Turkish at home, Dutch at school' is not in itself a problem; research shows that young people who manage to integrate both cultures are in fact psychologically the most resilient. Getting stuck only begins when both worlds demand conflicting loyalty from the young person: the question 'do you belong to us or to them'. In therapy, space is created to shift this dilemma from 'either-or' to 'both-and', using Turkish and, where needed, Dutch concepts side by side.
The role of the parent and parallel guidance
The effect of teen therapy remains limited if the home situation does not move along; that is why the process often runs parallel to parental guidance: breaking conflict patterns, the balance between autonomy and trust, digital boundaries, communication with the school. The boundary around confidentiality is made clear in advance: what the young person shares remains confidential; in case of a safety risk the parents are informed. This rule is also discussed explicitly with the young person, as the basis for a relationship of trust.
A bridge to school and the system
Where needed, and with the family's consent, contact can be made with the school (mentor, care coordinator) and other agencies. The SKJ registration and experience within youth care mean that the language of the Dutch school and youth care system is familiar terrain; for families this means there is a translator between the two systems.
Frequently asked questions
My teenager does not want to go to therapy, what can I do?
This is common and completely normal. The process can start with parental guidance; many teenagers decide to join themselves once they notice that therapy is not a 'fix-me project' aimed at them.
From what age are sessions possible?
Individual sessions with teenagers are generally suitable from the age of 12; with younger children the work is done through the parents.
My child speaks only broken Turkish, is that a problem?
No; the conversation takes place in the language mix in which the young person feels comfortable. Switching between Turkish and Dutch is entirely natural and is no obstacle to therapy.
As a parent, can I hear what is discussed in the sessions?
The general progress and goals are shared; the content of the sessions belongs to the young person. In case of a safety risk, it is agreed clearly in advance with all three parties when this forms an exception.
Clinical boundaries and emergencies
This page is intended for general information only. No diagnosis is made through the website and no personal treatment advice is given. In the event of an acute crisis, risk of self-harm or a threat to safety, contact 112, your general practitioner (huisarts) or the out-of-hours GP service (huisartsenpost). For a conversation, the helpline 113 Suicide Prevention (0800-0113) is available day and night.