Author of twenty published books, some of them controversial, I write for the Spectator on psychology and mental health. I'm a former International Fulbright Scholar, UEA research fellow (special subject the 'stress' clinical literature), External Stress Expert Adviser to the Met Police and life skills trainer to the long-term unemployed.

One of my books, The Truth About Stress, was shortlisted for the 2007 MIND Book of the Year Award and triggered a London conference that made the front pages. It said that the 'stress' concept is bogus, that its scientific evidence is deeply flawed, and that 'stress management' is harming and gaslighting people. This is why we now have a mental illness epidemic. We need to return to more traditional forms of emotional education that toughen people up and give them coping skills rather than inviting them to swallow brain drugs.

When The Truth About Stress was published, the New Statesman said of me: 'Angela Patmore is widely people regarded as a heartless bitch' for calling in question the 'stress' ideology. This was especially unfair, not only because my work is dedicated to helping anyone in emotional suffering but because in 2003 six members of my family were murdered by an arsonist who escaped punishment on grounds of diminished responsibility.

My psychology books are all designed to help people help themselves, but I've also produced several books on dogs, aiming to raise awareness of their welfare and promote the cause of rescue dogs. I am currently owned by a small Mongrel called Ned who accompanies me on dog talks if permitted.