Jo Nash

Jo Nash, Ph.D., is a writer, researcher, and coach. Her career began in mental health nursing, before progressing to service user advocacy and mental health policy research.

After Jo obtained her Ph.D. in Psychotherapy Studies from the University of Sheffield, she was a Lecturer in Mental Health at the Faculty of Medicine for over a decade.

Jo completed her initial training in MBCT at the University of Wales in Bangor, then left the UK and spent three years studying the roots of mindfulness with Buddhist teachers in India.

In 2010, Jo returned to the UK to train in ACT, and in 2011, was appointed Honorary Senior Lecturer at Sri Lanka International Buddhist Academy. During her time in South Asia, Jo developed her special interest in cross-cultural psychology and intercultural literacy.

Today, Jo’s coaching practice specializes in working with neurodivergent and highly sensitive people where she applies positive psychology using a strengths-based, solution-focused approach.

Work Experience

• 2021–Present – Founder, Focused Flow Coaching, UK.
• 2023–2024 – Approved Coach at Brain in Hand, UK.
• 2012–2022 – Freelance Research Editor.
• 2010–2022 – ACT coach and trainer (self-employed).
• 2011–2015 – Senior Honorary Lecturer in Buddhist Psychology, Sri Lanka International Buddhist Academy, Kandy, Sri Lanka.
• 2011–2014 – Associate Editor, Encyclopaedia of Psychology and Religion, Blanton Peale Institute, New York.
• 2011–2014 – Honorary Research Supervisor, School of Health and Related Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sheffield, UK.
• 2001–2011 – Lecturer in Mental Health, School of Health and Related Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sheffield, UK.
• 2008–2009 – Licensed Trainer – Witness Against Abuse, London, UK.
• 2007–2008 – Curriculum Consultant, Maitreya School, Bodhgaya, India.
• 2006–2007 – E-learning developer, Foundation of Buddhist Thought, FPMT Education Program, Jamyang Buddhist Centre, London, UK.
• 2000–2001 – Training and Networks Coordinator, Women’s Resource Centre, London, UK.
• 1999–2000 – Research and Development Officer, Prevention of Professional Abuse Network, London UK.
• 1997–1999 – Advocacy and Information Officer, Prevention of Professional Abuse Network, London UK.
• 1996–1997 – Mental Health Worker, Riverpoint Ltd., London, UK.
• 1993–1996 – Mental Health Locum, St. Mungo’s Association, London, UK.
• 1993–1994 – PT Lecturer in Psychology, Centre for Extra Mural Studies, Birkbeck University, London, UK.
• 1984–1987 – Mental Health Nurse (trainee), Aylesbury Vale School of Nursing, Bucks, UK.

First- and Second-Author Publications

• Nash, J. (2021). Focused flow: A model for writing success. Akash Books.
• Nash, J. (2014). Sexuality and Buddhism. In Leeming, D. and Madden, K., (Eds.), Encyclopedia of Psychology and Religion, pp. 1627-1630. Springer.
• Nash, J. (2010). Mindfulness. In Leeming, D. and Madden, K., (Eds.), Encyclopaedia of Psychology and Religion 13, pp. 571-572. Springer.
• Nash, J. (2010). Ecstasy. In Leeming, D. and Madden, K., (Eds.), Encyclopaedia of Psychology and Religion 5, pp. 272-273. Springer.
• Nash, J. (2010). Affect. In Leeming, D. and Madden, K., (Eds.), Encyclopaedia of Psychology and Religion 1, 14-16. Springer.
• Nash, J. (2010). Libido. In Leeming, D. and Madden, K., (Eds.), Encyclopaedia of Psychology and Religion 6, 518-519. Springer.
• Nash, J. (2008). Cultivating the good heart: Integrating an ethic of mutual care into the development of an Indian school. In Sharpe, C. (Ed.) Good Enough Caring, pp. 147-166. Abbeyhill Press.
• Nash, J. (2006). Mutant spiritualities in a secular age: The fasting body and the hunger for pure immanence. Journal of Religion and Health, 45(3), 310-327.
• Nash, J. (2004). Identification, loss and reparation: A psychoanalytic exploration of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Free Associations, 11(4), 519-545.
• Nash, J. (2002). Critical review of cognitive models and spiritual maps: Interdisciplinary explorations of religious experience. Human Nature Review 2, 503-506.
• Nash, J. & Williams, J. (2001). Learning from experience: Meeting the advocacy needs of people who have been abused by health and social care practitioners: Jennie Williams talking to Jo Nash. The Journal of Applied Social and Community Psychology 11, 361-370.
• Nash, J. (2000). The thinking body: A feminist revision of the work of Melanie Klein. (Link)
• Nash, J. (1999). The function of femininity as a hollow container: A feminist revision of Klein’s theory of thinking. Psychoanalytic Studies, 1(2), 159-176.
• Nash, J. (1999). Preventing client abuse in psychotherapy. Psychotherapy Review, 1(6), 272-277.

Education & Degrees

• 2010 – ACT Experiential Skills Training, Mindfulness Training, London
• 2008 – Mindfulness-Based Health Interventions Teacher Training Retreat, Breathworks, UK
• 2006 – Certificate in Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Centre for Mindfulness Research and Practice, University of Wales
• 2005 – P.G.Dip.Ed. in Online Learning – University of Sheffield, UK
• 1998 – Ph.D. Psychotherapy Studies – University of Sheffield, UK
• 1993 – MA Psychoanalytic Studies – University of Kent, UK
• 1991 – BA (Hons) in Cultural Studies – Middlesex University, UK

A Personal Message From Jo

My extensive study of human psychology from both Western and Eastern perspectives has taught me that suffering is the gateway to wisdom, as well as compassion for ourselves and others. I have learned that making space for both pleasure and pain is the source of creativity and meaning. My work remains committed to honoring the full range of human experience with gratitude for the adventure that makes life worth living.

– Jo Nash

Why Should You Trust What Jo Writes?

Jo has over thirty years’ experience working in the mental health field from a range of perspectives, including mental health nursing, psychoanalysis, and mindfulness-based psychological therapies.

As a coach, her approach focuses on enhancing creativity, productivity and flourishing using a range of positive psychology tools. Her writing invites readers to discover the latest research and practice that aims to optimize human experience.