Elena Somovilla
Therapist
Elena is a Clinical Psychologist (awaiting HCPC registration) working within the NHS in a Mental Health in Schools Team (MHST). She provides evidence-based therapeutic support to children and teenagers experiencing challenges such as anxiety, low mood, and phobias.
By nature, Elena is warm, caring, and encouraging. She takes a creative and approachable stance to therapy, empowering young people to better understand their difficulties and recognise their unique strengths. She believes in supporting each young person as an individual, and in creating a shared, trusting space where challenges can be explored and new skills developed together.
Elena is particularly experienced in working 1:1 with young people, including young people who identify as neurodiverse. She has completed the Intermediate Level training in Family and Systemic Psychotherapy, and understands the vital role that families, schools, and wider support networks play in a young person's wellbeing.
Elena offers free 15-minute consultations, which can be booked via this website. This is a chance to ask any questions and see whether she feels like the right fit for you or your child.
Experience
Elena has a range of experience working with young people and their families, as well as adults in NHS and Local Authority Settings. As part of her clinical doctoral training, Elena spent a year across two CAMHS teams, and worked on a young person’s pathway within a charity. Her wide range of experience allows her to work in an integrative way, drawing on therapeutic approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Systemic approaches, and Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT).
Specialties
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Parents, Children and Adolescents
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Anxiety, including Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Panic Attacks, Health Anxiety, and Phobias
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Depression and Low Mood
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Challenging Behaviour
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Stress and Trauma including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
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Self-Esteem and Confidence
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Anger and Emotion Management
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Loneliness and Isolation
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Sleep Difficulties
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Learning Disabilities
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Autism Spectrum Conditions and Learning Difficulties
Education
2021-2025
University of Surrey
2024
University of Surrey and Association of Family Therapists (AFT).
2018
Prudence Skynner Family Therapy Clinic, and Association of Family Therapists (AFT).
University College London
2012-2015
University of Nottingham
Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (PsychD/DClinPsy)
Intermediate Level in Family and Systemic Therapy
Foundation Level in Family and Systemic Therapy (2018)
Postgraduate Certificate in Low Intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Interventions, University College London
Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology (BSc)
