A clinical psychologist and author committed to helping individuals and organisations to build psychological flexibility, optimise wellbeing and achieve peak performance.
Ross White PhD DClinPsy
The Tree That Bends: How a Flexible Mind Can Help You Thrive
Modern life urges us to push relentlessly for what looks like success and to be resolute in avoiding anything less. But at what cost? Burnout and disillusionment are on the rise.
What if there is another way? One that allows us to both do well and feel well; an approach that transforms our striving into thriving?
For me, a Tanzanian proverb - 'The wind does not break the tree that bends' signals the solution. During more than fifteen years as an expert in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), I have supported countless high-performance clients to develop their psychological flexibility - to anchor themselves in the present, lean into their emotions and make choices in line with their personal values.
If you juggle competing demands, take pride in what you do, and want to achieve your personal goals without sacrificing yourself, then high-performance applies to you too. With perspective-shifting insights and practical strategies, my book 'The Tree that Bends' will help you to develop a flexible mind so that you can thrive, whatever storms life may throw at you.
Praise for 'The Tree That Bends
A smart, engaging and, best of all, incredibly practical guide to winning in life without losing yourself along the way. -- Damian Hughes, co-host of the High Performance Podcast
At last, a truly practical, realistic, doable guide to building a better life, and taking good care of yourself, while also performing at your peak... Highly recommended for anyone who wants to move from striving to thriving in any area of their life. -- Russ Harris, author of The Happiness Trap and ACT Made Simple
A compelling exploration of embracing difficult emotions and acting in ways that are deeply meaningful. This book offers deep insights and practical reflections, guiding you to turn towards challenges and act in harmony with your personal values -- Dr. Todd B. Kashdan, Professor of Psychology and Author of The Upside of Your Dark Side and The Art of Insubordination: How to Dissent and Defy Effectively
The Tree That Bends is a beautifully written exploration of the importance of psychological flexibility in modern life... Whether you're a high achiever striving for balance or anyone seeking to navigate life's challenges with greater ease, The Tree That Bends gives you evidence-based strategies to cultivate a life rich in purpose and vitality. -- Steven C. Hayes, Ph.D., Originator of ACT and Author of A Liberated Mind: How to Pivot Towards What Matters
The Tree That Bends contains all the wisdom and inspiration you need to go beyond the grind of the modern world and live with more meaning and vitality. -- Debbie Sorensen, Ph.D., author of ACT for Burnout: Recharge, Reconnect, and Transform Burnout with Acceptance and Commitment
A bit about me
Based in Northern Ireland, I am an award-winning clinical psychologist, researcher and author who specialises in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of adults working in high-performance environments, including elite-level athletes in football, rugby, track and field, and tennis. I have also collaborated with the World Health Organization and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees on projects to reduce distress experienced by populations in the aftermath of humanitarian crises. I am a Professor of Clinical Psychology at Queen’s University Belfast, and the founding director of Strive2Thrive, a clinical psychology consultancy firm providing interventions and training to help individuals and organizations thrive.