Life brings change — sometimes gradual, sometimes sudden — and with it can come worry, anger, sadness, or loneliness. Whatever has brought you to this point, I’m here to help you find steadier ground.
I’ve spent over 15 years providing psychotherapy in the US, Netherlands, and now Bahrain. I am psychologist who is an active, curious and open learner — continually seeking out new training and approaches so I can meet each person where they are. That combination of experience and ongoing growth means I’m well equipped to support a wide range of concerns, at varying levels of severity, from everyday stress and life transitions to more complex, longer-standing difficulties.
My own history as a breast cancer survivor has given me a personal understanding of how life can shift without warning. That awareness shapes the compassion and steadiness I bring to the work — not just around health-related concerns, but across the full range of challenges people face.
My training and clinical experience have given me the skills to build strong therapeutic relationships, draw on the right technique for each person’s needs, and hold space that is safe, compassionate, and understanding. We’ll set goals that matter most to you and work at a pace that feels right for you. My treatment approach is collaborative and evidence-based, and throughout our work, I’ll be a steady support as you move toward a different relationship with yourself — one built on understanding, acceptance, and strength.
My training began in cognitive behavioral therapy, and as the field’s understanding of mindfulness deepened, so did mine — leading me to Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). I continue to grow my skill set, and am currently studying and mastering techniques found in Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, and Trauma-Informed Stabilization Treatment (TIST). I draw on these approaches to support people through anxiety, depression, relationship stress, grief and loss, trauma, and major life transitions, as well as the psychological impact of chronic pain, cancer, and major illness—working with both individuals and couples.
Considering therapy is rarely simple, and I’m genuinely glad you’re here.
Qualifications and Experience
- Registered Healthcare Professional | National Health Regulatory Association (NHRA) | (Bahrain)
- PhD in Clinical Psychology with speciality training in Neuropsychology | University of Houston (USA)
- Postdoctoral Fellowship in Neuro-oncology | MD Anderson Cancer Care Center, Houston, Texas (USA)
- Postdoctoral Fellowship in Rehabilitation & Neuropsychology | TIRR Memorial Hermann Brain Injury Research Center, Houston, Texas (USA)
- MPH in Health Behavior & Health Education | University of Michigan (USA)
- BS in Biopsychology and Cognitive Sciences | University of Michigan (USA)
- Member of the American Psychological Association (USA)
- Licensed Psychologist in the State of Texas (USA)
- Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (2009-2019) | Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas (USA)
- Psychologist in Solo Private Practice (2024) | The Woodlands, Texas (USA)
- Certificate in Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy | Oxford Mindfulness Centre (UK)
- Certificate in Helping Clients Process Grief and Loss | The National Institute for the Clinical Application of Behavioral Medicine (USA)
- Certificate in the Neurobiology of Attachment | The National Institute for the Clinical Application of Behavioral Medicine (USA)
- Certificate in Radical Self-Compassion | The National Institute for the Clinical Application of Behavioral Medicine (USA)
INVITED LECTURES, PRESENTATIONS, RESEARCH SEMINARS
- Van Veldhoven, L.M. (August 2023). Coping with cancer-related cognitive changes. Invited lecture at Canopy Cancer Survivorship Center at Memorial Hermann, The Woodlands Medical Center, Texas, USA.
- Van Veldhoven, L.M. (May 2023). The psychology of chronic pain. Resident didactic lecture at Baylor College of Medicine, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Houston, Texas, USA.
- Van Veldhoven, L.M. (October 2017). Pre-Implantation psychological screening: Factors that “predict” success or failure. Invited lecture at the Texas Pain Society’s Ninth Annual Scientific Meeting. Dallas, Texas, USA.
- Van Veldhoven, L.M. (February 2017) The role of psychology in the management of chronic pain. Invited Grand Rounds Lecture at Baylor College of Medicine, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Houston, Texas, USA.
- Van Veldhoven, L.M. (June 2011). Manualization of complex interventions: Finding balance between specific and flexible treatment manuals. Presentation at the Third Federal Interagency Conference on Traumatic Brain Injury. Washington, D.C., USA.
- Van Veldhoven, L.M. (April 2011). Memory compensation strategies: Going from the clinic to the community. Presentation at the 27th Brain Injury of Texas Annual Conference. Austin, Texas, USA.
BOOK CHAPTERS
- Van Veldhoven, L.M. & Novy, D.M. (2019). Psychological approaches to the identification and management of cancer pain (Invited chapter). In: A. Gulati, V. Puttanniah, B.M. Bruel, W. Rosenberg, J.C. Hung (Eds.). Essentials of Interventional Cancer Pain Management. New York: Springer.
- Sander, A.M. & Van Veldhoven, L.M. (2014). Rehabilitation of memory problems associated with traumatic brain injury (Invited chapter). In: M. Sherer & A.M. Sander (Eds.). Handbook on Neuropsychology of Traumatic Brain Injury. New York: Springer.
- Novy, D.M. & Van Veldhoven, L.M. (2011). Psychosocial approaches to pain (Invited chapter). In: J.D. Duffy & A.D. Valentine (Eds.) The MD Anderson Manual of Psycho-Social Oncology. McGraw Hill Medical.
RECENT PUBLICATIONS
- Sander, A.M., Clark A.N., Van Veldhoven, L.M., Hanks, R., Hart, T., Leon Novelo, L., Ngan, E., & Arciniegas, D.B. (2018). Factor analysis of everyday memory questionnaire in persons with traumatic brain injury. Clinical Neuropsychologist, 32(3):495-509.
- Maestas, K.L., Sander, A.M., Clark, A.N., van Veldhoven, L.M., Struchen, M.A., Sherer, M. & Hannay, H.J. (2014). Preinjury coping, emotional functioning, and quality of life following uncomplicated and complicated mild traumatic brain injury. Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation, 29(5):407-417.
- Sander, A.M., van Veldhoven, L.M. & Backus, D. (2013). Maximizing usability of evidence in clinical practice: Practical tips for researchers. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 94 (1 Suppl): S43-48.
- Van Veldhoven, L.M., Sander, A.M., Struchen, M.A., Sherer, M., Clark, A.N., Evans, G.H. & Hannay, H. (2011) Predictive ability of pre-injury stressful life events and posttraumatic stress symptoms for outcomes following mild traumatic brain injury: Analysis in a prospective emergency room sample. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry, 82: 782-787.
- Novy, D.M., Ritter, L.M. & McNeill, J. (2008). A primer of ethical issues involving opioid therapy for chronic non-malignant pain in a multidisciplinary setting. Pain Medicine,10: 356-363.