Owen O'Kane

Owen O'Kane is a specialist psychotherapist and one of the UK's leading mental health experts, renowned for translating complex psychological insights into practical tools audiences can use immediately. A former NHS Clinical Lead and Sunday Times bestselling author of four books published by Penguin and HarperCollins, he has over 25 years of experience and is the resident therapist on BBC Radio 5 Live's Gordon Smart Show. Owen designs and delivers keynotes and workshops that equip individuals and senior leadership teams with the clarity, confidence, and psychological grounding needed to improve wellbeing and drive positive cultural change across their organisations.

After more than 25 years working across physical and mental health settings, Owen O'Kane left his role as an NHS Clinical Lead to focus on making psychological insight accessible to everyone. A specialist psychotherapist with deep expertise in both clinical practice and organisational wellbeing, he has built a reputation for translating complex mental health concepts into practical frameworks that people can apply immediately. His decision to move beyond traditional NHS structures has allowed him to reach wider audiences through writing, media, and live events, creating tools that empower individuals to become their own best advocates for mental health.

Owen is a Sunday Times bestselling author whose books, published by Penguin and HarperCollins, include *Ten to Zen*, *Ten Times Happier*, *How to Be Your Own Therapist*, and a fourth title launching in early 2025. His work has resonated with readers seeking clarity and confidence in managing their mental wellbeing, combining evidence-based psychology with approachable, human language. As the resident therapist on BBC Radio 5 Live's Gordon Smart Show, Owen has become a trusted voice in the media, with hundreds of appearances across television, radio, and podcasts. He has also delivered workshops at major events including the Festival of Education 2026, where his practical frameworks attracted packed audiences and enthusiastic engagement. In 2026, Owen will open Day One of ATC with a keynote designed to equip delegates with the psychological grounding needed to navigate pressure and uncertainty. His upcoming projects include a new video series for the High Performance Podcast App and a BBC2 therapy pilot.

Owen's keynotes and workshops are built around tangible outcomes, equipping senior leadership teams and wider audiences with strategies to improve individual wellbeing and drive positive cultural change across organisations. Whether speaking at wellness festivals, conferences, or corporate events, he creates space for people to reflect, learn, and leave with actionable tools they can implement straight away. His approach is grounded in real-world experience, combining clinical rigour with warmth and relatability. Audiences consistently describe his sessions as clarifying, confidence-building, and genuinely transformative, making him a sought-after speaker for organisations committed to embedding mental health and resilience into their culture.