Owen O'Kane

Best-selling author, psychotherapist and former NHS clinical lead

Owen O’Kane is a former NHS Clinical Lead for mental health in London and Sunday Times best-selling author of ‘Ten To Zen’, which is a quick and simple mental workout that allows us to focus on what’s important – our mental wellbeing.

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Owen O’Kane's videos

What Owen O’Kane's clients say

Here is some of the feedback from audiences and clients who have worked with Owen.

"Owen spoke to an audience of 1K + people at our business event in Birmingham. His content and engagement were fantastic. His session was by far the standout session of the day, and we wouldn’t hesitate to book him again."

Jess Littlewood,

Communications Director,

Theo Paphitis Retail Group

"Owen ran a series of interactive mental wellbeing sessions for Vodafone staff. The feedback from these sessions was incredible. I still regularly get colleagues talking about them today."

Alex Connors,

Head of Corporate and Portfolio Strategy,

Vodafone Business

"The audience’s responses to Owen’s UK wide theatre talks on the HighPerformance live shows was incredible. He delivered relevant and insightful content in an engaging way which had the audience both laughing and deep in thought. We hope to work with Owen again on future projects."

Hannah Smith,

COO,

Jake Humphrey High Performance

"Owen is a regular speaker at Happy Place festivals and events. He is a brilliant speaker and engages audiences wherever he goes. I can’t recommend him enough. He is a true professional but also has a fantastic down to earth, humorous approach."

Fearne Cotton,

Broadcaster,

Happy Place

"The feedback we have gotten from the team is fantastic and I think it will have long reaching benefits. Owens message has really resonated with all of those that came. I am also seeing people that were not there asking those that were to share the tips which is great for team spirit. Many thanks for sharing your time and expertise with us Owen."

Helen Parker,

MD &EVP,

Universal Content Group

"Owen is highly competent, knowledgeable mental health professional with a substantial range of expertise that sets him apart in his field . He delivers with passion, enthusiasm and energy. No hesitation whatsoever recommending his training."

Linda Hurst,

Psychological Services Manager,

NHS

"Owen has a niche profile with dual medical and psychology backgrounds. He is an exceptional trainer who has a specific training style that engages, entertains and inspires. He is a highly credible and consummate professional. His training sessions leave lasting positive memories that I can fully endorse."

Linda Porter,

Head of Medical Service,

Virgin Atlantic Airways

"Owen delivers highly effective training. Our team really enjoyed the day with him as his approach was clear, interactive, insightful and very pragmatic. We continue to use some of the techniques at team meetings. Other teams at BBC Worldwide have also benefited from this training following our time with Owen. Highly recommend."

Tracy Forsyth,

Genre Director,

Factual Entertainment/Entertainment BBC Worldwide

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Owen’s Speaking Topics

Languages:

English

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Owen O'Kane's 2025 biography

Owen O’Kane – Mental Health and Wellbeing Expert

Owen is one of the country’s leading and most trusted mental health experts. A former NHS mental health clinical lead and Sunday Times Best Selling Author.

Owen has an incredible gift when it comes to making complex psychological and mental health information accessible and understandable, speaking regularly at festivals and conferences. Additionally, Owen runs corporate workshops for senior management teams across a range of industries and businesses.

He is also an experienced media contributor, clocking-up hundreds of hours across TV, Radio and Print.

Earlier this year (2023) Jake Humphrey selected Owen to be his mental health expert on stage with him during the High Performance Podcast Tour.

Owen is the resident Sunday night phone-in expert on BBC Radio 5Live, helping people manage their Sunday Night ‘Fear’. And is about to begin filming a series with Fearne Cotton for her Happy Place YouTube Channel.

Keynotes – Speaking Points

Owen has worked with over 30 big global corporates, helping their teams avoid workplace stress and burnout. His broad approach and extensive experience means he can talk to a variety of subjects and challenges, but he has a particular slant towards helping people understand why flexible thinking is the key to success rather than ‘positive thinking.

He grew up in Northern Ireland during ‘the troubles’ which he describes as a great training ground for understanding trauma and anxiety. He has a down to earth and humorous approach to his work, with no hesitation in sharing his own challenges and normalising human struggle.

Owen spent the first half of his career working with the dying as a palliative care specialist, which significantly influences how he works today.

His mission is to help people get the best from their lives and work, especially those who may not ordinarily seek help. He regularly supports and collaborates with charities including Hospice UK, The Princess Trust, and a host of others, to help their campaigns for better mental health.

He is an active voice on LGBTQ+ rights and a former columnist for Attitude Magazine.