Clarity

Connection

Compassion

Originally from Devon in the South West of England, Kear has been living and working on Ireland’s rugged west coast since 2004. After qualifying as a Clinical Psychologist at the University of Limerick in 2008, she has worked predominately in community adult mental health services across the mid-west.
Specialist Areas Include:
  • Anxiety, Depression, Stress
  • Bullying & Work-related issues
  • Co-Dependency
  • Domestic Abuse
  • Fears, Phobias & Panic Attacks
  • Grief & Loss
  • Life Changes and Transitions
  • Maternal Health: Pre, Peri and Post-Natal Concerns (including Fertility Issues, Infant Loss & Miscarriage)
  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
  • Relationships & Sexuality
  • Substance Misuse and Addiction
  • Trauma & Post Traumatic Injury (PTSI & Complex PSTI arising from Childhood Abuse)

Approach

Dr. Kear Brain is a Chartered Clinical Psychologist and Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP)

Clients are welcomed into a warm, safe, compassionate, non-judgemental and empathetic space. Within this space, individuals are invited to unpack their thoughts and feelings as well as gain a greater sense of clarity regarding the issues that are troubling them. The overall approach can best be described as individualised, supportive, friendly and integrative. There is a clear understanding that therapeutic needs are not the same for every client. Kear draws on numerous therapeutic models and skills, including Somatic Experiencing, a specific approach to working with chronic stress and trauma. A decision on which therapeutic approaches to apply is informed by the needs, presenting issues and preferences of each client.

Kear is a Chartered Clinical Psychologist with the Psychological Society of Ireland. As a Chartered Psychologist of the Psychological Society of Ireland (C. Psychol. PSI), Kear is committed to adhere to the PSI’s Code of Ethics, and to ongoing engagement in continuing professional development every year.

Online Appointments

Please note that due to high demand the online booking system remains disabled for now. However, please feel free to email me directly on kear@psychology-ireland.ie to discuss your therapy needs or if you’d like to be added to the waiting list, which currently stands at 6 – 8 weeks.

Availability/Scheduling

Sessions are currently available on Monday & Friday mornings 9am – 1pm, and Wednesday afternoons from 2.30pm – 7.00pm. Please do not make an enquiry if you know that your schedule will not permit you to attend during these times.

Fee increase effective from 1st January 2023:

  • Initial Consultation: €175
  • Second Opinion/One off Consultation with signposting to additional resources: €250
  • Individual Therapy: €120
  • Corporate Consultancy: Prices available on request. Please contact me to discuss.

 

Kear came highly recommended to us when we needed some guidance in relation to our 6-year-old boy. At first we were hesitant in using Skype as a means of communicating but to our surprise it was not a barrier, primarily because of Kear’s compassion, professionalism and the delivery of the therapeutic guidance we received for our boy. Kear demonstrated early on her vast knowledge and experience in dealing with varied and complex cases. Kear suggested the therapeutic intervention Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. Kear explained these with ease and clarity and gave real tangible examples for implementation in a child focused and age appropriate way. We were very reassured by Kear checking with us on progress and her following up. In working in this way we were able to see the bigger picture and learn how we could help our son in a positive and playful way. Not only has Kear got an encyclopedic knowledge of Clinical Psychology but she also possesses real life, every day knowledge of children. Thank you Kear, so much!

Niall

Thankful Parent

Useful Information

Ireland SE Somatic Experiencing

Ireland SE: adding skilled SE-trained practitioners to the pool of people working with trauma in Ireland.

Somatic Experiencing Trauma Institute (SETI)

The Somatic Experiencing® Trauma Institute is a nonprofit dedicated to resolving trauma worldwide.

Psychological Trauma

What Every Trauma Worker Should Know | Article by Zoe Lodrick, MSc. BA Hons. UKCP

Psychology Matters 40 Tips

 
The Psychological Society of Ireland’s 40 (practical) tips for mental health, well-being and prosperity.

Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI)

Dr. Kear Brain, C. Psychol. PsSI, is a Chartered Clinical Psychologist with the Psychological Society of Ireland. Membership number M10610CM10.

Psychologists Protection Society (PPS)

Kear’s Professional Indemnity Insurance is provided by the Psychologists Protection Society (PPS).
Tairseach Logo | The National Association of Somatic Experiencing™ Practitioners in Ireland.

Find Kear's SE Professional Profile on TAIRSEACH

 
Kear is a member of Tairseach; The National Association of Somatic Experiencing™ Practitioners in Ireland.

Qualifications

 

Somatic Experiencing Ireland

3-year advanced, post-qualifying professional Training as a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP).

University of Limerick

Doctorate in Clinical Psychology.

University of Roehampton, London

BSc (Hons) Psychology

Testimonials

 

Kear has been a wealth of knowledge and support to me and the Board of Clare Haven Services. Her professional work is guided by a rare skill which is sensitive and discerning.

Having Kear as a confidant has been invaluable especially as a sounding board in complex and challenging cases.

Mary Fitzgerald

Co-founder, Chairperson & Member, Clare Haven Services & Haven Horizons

Kear is a fabulous Clinical Psychologist, able to base all her work on evidence-based research and yet use techniques that are totally human and feel very real and impactful. Having known Kear for nearly twenty years she is completely focused on doing the right thing, always up to date with the latest research in her field and keen to continually learn herself, all which ensure the greatest experience for her clients.

She is reliable and consistent in her approach with clients I have recommended her to and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her work.

Alex Bailey

Director, Bailey & French

I have known Dr. Kear Brain professionally since 2011, when we were colleagues on the West Clare Community Mental Health Team for a period of time.  She is a very experienced Clinical Psychologist who has worked in the Mental Health Services in Co. Clare for many years. In my role as a GP I have referred many of my patients to her and the feedback from patients has always been positive.

Furthermore, I have recommended Dr. Kear Brain to my GP colleagues in Co. Clare.

General Practitioner, North Clare

I was referred to Kear by my GP in late 2020. At that time my physical and mental health were deteriorating. However, Kear assisted me with changing that, and I am now the strong person I once was.

I found Kear to be a brilliant Psychologist. Kear was non-judgemental, caring, kind, patient, empathetic and always on hand to provide excellent advice. More importantly and to my relief, Kear understood me and my situation, when others failed to understand.

I am so grateful to Kear for guiding me through a very difficult situation. Kear’s expertise and her genuine desire to help me has been instrumental in my recovery. I would highly recommend Kear to anybody who requires psychology intervention.

Private Client

From the moment I met Kear I experienced a sense of care, compassion, and professionalism. She supported me in my journey of growth, awareness, and belief in myself, which has enabled me to flourish.

The way in which Kear held that shared space for me, her willingness to share resources and information supports me in living my life in the present moment and planning for the future.

Private Client

Kear is an experienced clinician whose contribution to our mutual patients’ care has been invaluable. Her extensive knowledge and practical approach go hand-in-hand with her compassion and empathy. Over the years we had ample opportunities to avail of her expertise. Kear’s ability to connect and build relationships with her clients is phenomenal and makes the therapy process engaging and effective. We appreciate her professionalism and work ethics. Her non-judgmental attitude creates trust and comfort, so much valued by her clients.

It has been a privilege to work with Kear and we hope to continue to do so in future.

Dr. Anna Linnane, Dr. John O’Dea, Dr. Liam Glynn, Ballyvaughan Medical Centre

Published Material & Other Musings

 

The Paradox of Motherhood

Before becoming a parent, it's hard to imagine just how much of a paradox motherhood can be. You'll be the happiest, and saddest you've ever been, you'll be elated, infuriated, and peaceful; and that's all before breakfast! Clinical psychologist and mum of three Kear...

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To VBAC Or Not To VBAC- That Is The Question

During your second pregnancy, you might be deciding what your preferences are for the birth: How similar, or how different are they from your first? And if you had a caesarean the first time around, what do you hope for this time? 'Proud momma of three' and clinical...

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National Breastfeeding Week: Mama’s mission to double up.

Published in the Irish Examiner, September 27th, 2018. Clinical psychologist, Dr. Kear Brain, shares her story about successfully breastfeeding her twin girls ahead of National Breastfeeding Week. As an expectant mother of twins, I had to surrender so many naive...

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