Dr. Gemma Foat-Smith

Gemma has worked in the in the NHS for over ten years. Her experience has been primarily with supporting infants, children and adolescents living with a range of physical and mental health difficulties. Gemma specialises in paediatric neuropsychology.

Gemma’s main role is working in a Paediatric Major Trauma Centre in the NHS and she works within Major Trauma and Neuro-Rehabilitation specialties. Within this role Gemma uses a systemic and flexible approach to supporting young people and their families following a traumatic incident. Gemma draws on Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT), as recommended by the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) when working with this client group. Gemma is also a qualified therapist in using Eye Movement Desensitization and Re-Processing (EMDR). Within her role Gemma also supports young people and their families who have sustained a traumatic brain injury. She regularly completes neuropsychological assessments with a range of complex presentations across the child’s lifespan up to 18 years old. Gemma uses her knowledge of paediatric emotional trauma and brain injury, to complete an extensive assessment and tailor the neuropsychological assessment accordingly.

Gemma obtained an upper second-class undergraduate degree at John Moore’s University in 2009. She completed her master’s degree in forensic psychology at the University of Central Lancashire (2011) where she was awarded a merit. She completed her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Lancaster University (2017), completing specialist placements across Merseyside. Gemma’s doctoral thesis explored perceptions of resilience amongst staff working within paediatric trauma services. Gemma runs a clinic in Rodney Street, Liverpool on Fridays. These clinics offer intellectual and specialist neuropsychological assessments.

Gemma is a registered practitioner psychologist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC, PYL34749)