About Jo
Jo Nash, PhD, began her career in mental health nursing before working in mental health advocacy and policy research.
After earning her PhD in Psychotherapy Studies, she became a lecturer in mental health at the University of Sheffield for over a decade before moving to India to study and practice Buddhism.
Today, Jo works as a neuroaffirming coach, combining IFS-based parts work, ACT, and positive psychology interventions in her work with neurodivergent and highly sensitive adults.
A Message From Jo
My extensive study of human psychology from both Western and Eastern perspectives has informed my application of positive psychology to my coaching practice. My work has taught me that suffering is the gateway to wisdom, as well as compassion for ourselves and others.
Honoring the full range of human experience invests life with creativity and meaning. I approach my work with gratitude and enthusiasm for the adventure that makes life worth living.
Qualifications
- 2024–2026: Professional Certificate in Transpersonal Coaching Psychology, Alef Trust, UK
- 2024–2025: ACT Immersion Training with Professor Steven Hayes, ACT Courses, USA
- 2023–2024: Life Navigation Coaching Masterclass Series, PositivePsychology.com, Netherlands
- 2010–2011: ACT Experiential Skills Training, Mindfulness Training, London, UK
- 2005–2006: Professional Certificate in Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Centre for Mindfulness Research and Practice, Bangor University, UK
- 2003–2005: Postgraduate Diploma in Education, The University of Sheffield, UK
- 1994–1998: PhD in Psychotherapy Studies, The University of Sheffield, UK
- 1993–1994: MA in Psychoanalytic Studies, University of Kent, UK
- 1989–1992: BA Hons in Cultural Studies, Middlesex University London, UK
Work Experience
- 2024–present: Tool Developer, PositivePsychology.com
- 2023–2024: Approved Coach, Brain in Hand, UK
- 2021–present: Neuroaffirming Coach (independent practice, jo-nash.com)
- 2012–2022: Freelance Research Editor
- 2011–2015: Senior Honorary Lecturer in Buddhist Psychology, Sri Lanka International Buddhist Academy, Kandy, Sri Lanka
- 2011–2014: Associate Editor, Encyclopedia 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
- 2010–2022: ACT Coach and Trainer (self-employed)
- 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
Publications
- Nash, J. (in press). Safeguarding the soul: Love, longing and Self-leadership. Transpersonal Coaching Psychology Journal.
- Nash, J. (2021). Focused flow: A model for writing success. Akash Books.
- Nash, J. (2014). Sexuality and Buddhism. In D. Leeming & K. Madden (Eds.), Encyclopedia of psychology and religion (pp. 1627–1630). Springer.
- Nash, J. (2010). Affect. In D. Leeming & K. Madden (Eds.), Encyclopedia of psychology and religion (pp. 14–16). Springer.
- Nash, J. (2010). Ecstasy. In D. Leeming & K. Madden (Eds.), Encyclopedia of psychology and religion (pp. 272–273). Springer.
- Nash, J. (2010). Libido. In D. Leeming & K. Madden (Eds.), Encyclopedia of psychology and religion (pp. 518–519). Springer.
- Nash, J. (2010). Mindfulness. In D. Leeming & K. Madden (Eds.), Encyclopedia of psychology and religion (pp. 571–572). Springer.
- Nash, J. (2008). Cultivating the good heart: Integrating an ethic of mutual care into the development of an Indian school. In C. Sharpe (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. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-006-9035-8
- 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.
- Williams, J., & Nash, J. (2001). Meeting the advocacy needs of people who have been abused by health and social care practitioners. Journal of Community & Applied Social Psychology, 11(5), 361–370. https://doi.org/10.1002/casp.637
- Nash, J. (2000). The thinking body: A feminist revision of the work of Melanie Klein.
- 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.