Author list

James Lawley and Penny Tompkins are co-developers of Symbolic Modelling and leading authorities on the use of client-generated metaphor for personal and professional development. They are both practising psychotherapists registered with the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP). Together they train and supervise therapists, counsellors, coaches, managers and teachers in the use of Symbolic Modelling. Penny was co-managing director of a manufacturing company in the oil industry, and James was a senior manager in the telecommunications business. They use this experience when they coach managers and executives to become more self-aware and to develop their ability to think systemically. They also facilitate teams in the use of Clean Language and metaphor so they can model and learn from themselves. They are married, and live in London. 

John Tomsett taught for 33 years in state schools and was a teaching secondary headteacher for 18 years, latterly at Huntington Research School, York. He writes a blog called “This much I know” and has written extensively about school leadership, and developing teaching & learning. He believes that developing truly great teaching is the main responsibility of all headteachers. He has published twelve books, including: Love Over Fear: Creating a Culture for Truly Great Teaching and Mind over Matter: Improving Mental Health in our Schools.  In the Huh: Curriculum series, he collaborated with the curriculum expert Mary Myatt. He co-founded The Headteachers' Roundtable think-tank and is a popular speaker on education. He is the educational consultant supporting the development of the AI teacher coach Aristotal.

Gary Toward is a trainer, keynote speaker and novelist who has previously taught in seven schools countrywide. He was head teacher of three schools in Leicestershire, during which time he co-led a pupil referral unit (PRU) out of special measures.

Joseph Tramontana, PhD is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and certified consultant in clinical hypnosis. Dr. Tramontana is president of the Louisiana Psychological Association and of the New Orleans Society for Clinical Hypnosis. He is also a member of the Association of Applied Sports Psychologists.

John Turner is an experienced Assistant Head Teacher with specialised knowledge in teaching thinking skills and in CPD for teachers. John now manages a national Learning to Learn support network.

Jason Vale is a well-known health and addiction author who has sold over 5 million books, over 1 million apps and is the man behind the ground-breaking health documentary Super Juice Me! He is frequently featured on radio, television and in the press across the globe, and his unique approach focuses on the right psychology and nutritional tools to make weight loss and good health, easy and attainable for everyone. Jason used to be a heavy smoker, drinker and junk food addict who also suffered from obesity, asthma, eczema, hay-fever and severe psoriasis. Now a changed man he dedicates his life to helping others improve their health and reduce their waistline in a healthy and sustainable way.

Hear Jason Vale on Radio 2's Steve Wright in the Afternoon talking about juicing.

Christine Valenza works with corporations, governmental agencies, universities, communities, and non-profits throughout the United States and the world as a graphic facilitator. She has held leadership roles in Healthy Community Projects all over California, presents workshops on innovation and visual means of increasing understanding in groups, in addition to publishing articles and workbooks on these subjects.

Rudy Vandamme is a trainer and coach. He runs his own institute.

Katerina Volny BSc is a psychologist who has worked in public mental health and private practice settings in Melbourne, Australia. She is experienced in cognitive-behavioural techniques to treat a wide variety of individuals who experience stress and anxiety.

Dr Paul Schenk is a Clinical Psychologist in private practice in Atlanta, USA. For over 30 years he has explored numerous applications of hypnosis for treating a variety of presenting problems. An Approved Consultant with the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis, his articles have appeared in professional and lay journals. He is also the author of Great Ways to Sabotage a Good Conversation.

Jill Walker found her way into the workforce by accident and at the age of 16 followed her father into the world of ship broking, achieving the obscure record of being the youngest woman admitted to the floor of the Baltic Exchange. Now working for a software company, her career has allowed her to travel extensively and gain access to many executives of the US and UK's top 500 companies. This has given her an incisive view of the world of business and management.

Clare spent fifteen years as a personal development coach and trainer. Currently, she is focusing on creating meditations and products that enhance wellbeing, and on helping others to realise their own creative projects and potential.