Senior clinical psychologist, licensed supervisor in psychotherapy and psychodiagnostics, and authorized hypnotherapist by the Ministry of Health. Professor Emeritus at the University of Haifa’s School of Social Work. Former president of both the European Society for Trauma and Dissociation and the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation, and a scientific advisor to the Israeli Trauma and Dissociation Association.

Twice selected as one of the top 10 clinical psychologists in Israel by “Maariv.”

Since 1985, Prof. Zomer’s clinical and scientific work has focused on the psychological effects of stress and trauma. Recently, he has been a leading researcher in the field of maladaptive daydreaming. His clinical approach is characterized by the application of evidence-based interventions tailored to the specific needs of the patient. As a therapist, he employs a wide range of therapeutic methods, from short-term cognitive-behavioral techniques (e.g., in treating specific phobias) to deep, intensive, long-term treatments (e.g., in treating adults who experienced severe childhood abuse).

• B.A. (1976): Psychology, Sociology, and Anthropology, University of Haifa
• M.A. (1981): Clinical Psychology, University of Haifa
• Ph.D. (1984): Counseling Psychology, University of Florida, USA
• Post-Doctorate (1985): Medical Psychology, Milwaukee County Medical Center, USA

• Founder and senior researcher of the International Consortium for Maladaptive Daydreaming Research
• Licensed Clinical Psychologist (Registration No. 1897)
• Licensed Supervisor in Psychodiagnostics and Psychotherapy (Registration No. 1928)
• Authorized by the Ministry of Health for Hypnosis for Diagnostic, Therapeutic, and Scientific Research Purposes (Registration No. 132)
• Licensed Supervisor by the Israeli Association for Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
• Professor Emeritus (Expert), University of Haifa
• Former President (Member), European Society for Trauma and Dissociation
• Former President (Member), International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation

Prof. Somer has dedicated his career to advancing research knowledge and public awareness of the psychological consequences of trauma, particularly emotional neglect and child abuse. He has contributed to legislation on extending the statute of limitations on sexual offenses within families and banning sexual relations between patients and psychotherapists or counselors. He volunteers as a lecturer for rape crisis centers and is involved in training mental health professionals, legal professionals, and law enforcement to understand the psychological processes of sexual offense victims and the importance of post-traumatic dissociation in victim behavior.

Prof. Somer has published over 130 works, including articles in scientific journals, book chapters, and books. He regularly presents his scientific work at international conferences worldwide. For a selection of his publications, click here.