I am a psychologist and cognitive neuroscientist researching processes in the mind and brain underpinning mental health and wellbeing. My research investigates changes in these processes over the lifespan and as a result of mental health and wellbeing interventions, meditation training and wider societal shifts such as the current global crises. I wrote three non-fiction books and one fiction novelette on these topics. I also write blog pieces and make podcasts. This website is dedicated to communicating about my research and writings in an accessible way to wider audiences. If you are a researcher looking for more detailed information about my research studies and projects, please visit the website of the Well Minds Lab I am heading or my University of York profile page.
Latest News:
Over the past two years I worked with the PSHE Association on translating my new neurodevelopmental theory of mental health and wellbeing into an innovative comprehensive mental health and wellbeing curriculum for primary schools in England called The Foundations for Wellbeing. Here is a short article explaining why I worked on this project and what it involved: How can we do a better job at teaching children mental health and wellbeing knowledge and skills in primary schools?
In response to the discussion in the media about the role of resilience in child and adolescent mental health, my latest article in The Conversation considers Why resilience won’t solve the mental health crisis among young people.
In the face of the current global crises many of us are experiencing feelings of existential uncertainty. In this article published in The Conversation I explain how existential uncertainty impacts our mind and brain: Existential uncertainty: how it affects your mind – and what you can do about it
Social media:
Follow me on Linkedin and Bsky for updates on my research and writings about mental health and wellbeing in schools and about mental health, wellbeing and global crises.
Follow me on Instagram for accessible updates about my research and writings on meditation.
Blogs and podcasts:
Psychology Today Blog Mind, Brain and the Big Qs
Coming soon:
Podcast on Mind, Brain, Meditation & the Big Qs
Podcast on Dealing with Existential Uncertainty