As our long-time Associate, Claire specializes in women’s issues, including.employment, self-confidence, careers, and psychological well-being

Claire holds a Bsc (Hons) in Applied Psychology and an MPhil. She became interested in life coaching whilst she was studying for her MPhil Masters degree at Manchester University, England, during which she researched the effect of women's employment status on their psychological health. Claire assessed the mediating effects of their life stresses and their social support networks. At the same time, she was a Personal Tutor to first year undergraduate students, helping them to adjust to their new life at college, motivating them to achieve their best academically and allowing them to discuss their concerns and anxieties.

From there, Claire worked for Manchester University as a Research Psychologist, looking at how cognitive-behavioural techniques helped individuals make positive changes to their lives.
During her career she has worked with Manchester University, Withington and Wythenshawe Hospitals on a number of high profile clinical research trials, including a Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Clinical Trial project directed by Professor Nicholas Tarrier.

Claire has spent most of her professional career listening and talking to individuals from all walks of life. Her experience and skills gained from working as a Lecturer and Research Psychologist have provided her with a lot of the expertise she now uses in her current role as Life Coach.

Ms Sommerfield has been widely published in a variety of professional journals.

You are here: Home / About Us // Dr Hazel Pilgrim // Ms Claire Sommerfield