Our Patron and Board of Directors

>  Board Terms of Reference   (PDF Download)

>  Board Structure and Governance, Recruitment and Training of Directors   (PDF Download)

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Sue Cook (Patron)

Sue Cook, as well as being a journalist and author, is one of the UK’s most experienced and popular broadcasters. Over a long career she presented programmes for both radio and television, notably, You and Yours, Nationwide, Crimewatch, Out of Court, and Children in Need with Sir Terry Wogan, and interviewed a diverse range of people from James Stewart to Archbishop Tutu.

Sue is supportive of the human givens approach to relieve suffering and its potential to bring much-needed clarity to all walks of human life

She is an honours graduate in Psychology from Leicester University, who also awarded her an honorary D. Litt in 1997 in recognition of her contribution to British broadcasting, an Ambassador for the Prince’s Trust and a patron of the Rainbow Trust, the Children’s Liver Disease Foundation, and the British Wireless Fund for the Blind.

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Joe Griffin, FHGI, co-chair

Joe Griffin is a psychologist with many years’ experience both in psychotherapeutic practice and in training psychotherapists. His influence on psychotherapy has been enormous among those who value effectiveness above all. As co-developer of the human givens approach to psychology and behaviour, thousands of health professionals have enjoyed his practical workshops and seminars on brief therapy for treating anxiety related disorders, depression, trauma and addiction. Many of these can be watched online. Since it is widely recognised that much mental distress comes from work related stress he is increasingly in demand by businesses to help them run more effectively by taking account of the innate needs of customers, employees, suppliers, owners and shareholders.

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Ivan Tyrrell, FHGI, co-chair

Ivan Tyrrell worked for many years as a psychotherapist specialist in brief therapy for depression and anxiety, and now spends most of his time lecturing and writing. In 1997 he co-founded the human givens approach with the Irish psychologist Joe Griffin, and together they have written numerous best-selling books on mental health and wellbeing, psychology, counselling, dreaming, depression, the origins of creativity and consciousness. He is the editorial director of the HGI's journal Human Givens, and a director of the Human Givens College.

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Malcolm Hanson (Supervision/Peer Group Representative)

Malcolm Hanson is a highly experienced HG therapist and supervisor. After a 20 year career in the Armed Forces, he worked full-time in the NHS for over 9 years with a wide range of severe and complex cases; many with suicidal ideation. He holds an MA in Human Givens Psychotherapy and a Doctorate in Social Practice. After leaving the NHS he moved to Scotland where he now runs a private practice, which includes work at the Prince's Trust in Glasgow. He is also a Trustee of the charity PTSD Resolution, which uses HG therapists to help veterans and their families.

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Jane Tyrrell, HonHGI

Jane Tyrrell has been closely involved with the human givens approach and the HGI since their inception, working closely with Joe Griffin, Denise Winn and Ivan Tyrrell on the core HG books, Diploma Manual and development of training courses. She has a life-long interest in psychology and human development and her background in design and marketing has played a central role in developing HG’s growing online presence – she is keen to increase global awareness of the human givens approach to mental health and wellbeing, as well as the many benefits of HG therapy. She holds the HG. Diploma.

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Elizabeth Nihan

After completing a degree in psychology, Elizabeth was a teacher and lecturer for over twenty-five years, gaining considerable experience of working with children, teenagers and adults. Elizabeth is an experienced human givens therapist, having spent many years in private practice and is also currently in the process of setting up a new school for young people with social, emotional and behavioural needs.