Ciara is a PhD student in Dublin City University. She is interested in understanding the lived experience of members of the LGBTQ community who experience sexual abuse, and to explore how available services can best meet the needs of LGBTQ survivors.

Ciara completed the MSc in Psychology (Conversion) at Dublin City University as well as the MSc in Personal and Management Coaching in University College Cork, both of which involved research projects in LGBTQ mental health and minority stress. Ciara currently engages in volunteer work with several different organisations, some of which include working directly with survivors or perpetrators of sexual abuse with others involving more general mental health support work.

Ciara’s long-term goal is to follow up her PhD with a traineeship in Clinical Psychology. She intends to develop expertise in delivering and improving services to the LGBTQ community. Furthermore, Ciara aims to develop as an expert on intersectional research and practice through working with LGBTQ individuals who are also minorities in other ways, e.g., refugees, people with disabilities, religious minorities, members of the travelling community, etc.

Gender, Sexuality & Power
 Trauma, Mental Health & Recovery