Carol Somers – PhD, MA

I am an Assessing Clinician who is passionate about working collaboratively with individuals to help them to reach their true, full potential. I do this through the use of psychological assessments and diagnosis evaluations, and providing high quality, evidence-based interventions. I am passionate about person-centred care, meaning that I am respectful and responsive to each client’s unique personality, needs and goals. I strive to make my clients feel safe and secure, so that they feel free to express and explore difficult issues; and where they can begin to try out new ways of thinking, feeling and behaving.

I am experienced at providing psychological services to a wide range of clients, including children, adolescents, and adults. During my career, I have worked in a variety of settings, including child and adult disability services, child and adult community and inpatient mental health services, and within the Psychology Department of the Irish Prison Service. 

I am skilled in completing cognitive, educational, and social-emotional assessments. Through the interpretation of these assessments, I can support clients to understand their learning and behavioural profile and offer evidence-based recommendations to support them in realizing their full potential. I also support individuals through the practice of psychological interventions and therapy. My training is integrative which means I draw on a number of different therapeutic approaches, including cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), trauma informed care, acceptance and commitment therapy, compassion focused therapy, mindfulness-based interventions and use principles from attachment-based family therapy, systemic therapy, and dialectical behavioural therapy.

I completed my Master’s degree and Doctor of Clinical Psychology in University College Cork in Ireland. Throughout my studies, I conducted research. My Doctoral thesis research examined the experiences of parenting children with a rare disease called Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). The findings from the research aim to provide a better understanding of the impacts of this syndrome and to inform clinicians of how to meet the needs of families with EDS. My Master’s degree research investigated the effectiveness and implementation of a mindfulness intervention on the wellbeing, behaviour and mood of children.

Outside of my clinical practice, I enjoy being in nature, hiking, enjoying live music and travelling.