Psychotherapist, Former Deputy Head of Service and later Clinical Lead for West London Mental Health NHS Trust, Bestselling Author of ‘Ten to Zen: Ten Minutes a Day to a Calmer, Happier You’ & TEDx Speaker
Owen O’Kane’s Biography:
Owen O’Kane is one of the United Kingdom’s most respected voices on mental health, anxiety and emotional wellbeing. A psychotherapist, former NHS Clinical Lead and bestselling author, he is widely recognised for translating complex psychological concepts into practical strategies that people can apply in everyday life. Drawing on decades of experience working across mental health services, palliative care and private practice, Owen has built a reputation for delivering insightful, relatable and engaging presentations that resonate with audiences from all backgrounds. His unique ability to combine clinical expertise with warmth, humour and real-world understanding makes him a highly sought-after keynote speaker for organisations looking to inspire resilience, improve wellbeing and encourage meaningful personal and professional growth.
Owen’s career began in healthcare, where he developed extensive experience supporting people through some of life’s most challenging circumstances. He served as Palliative Care Lead and Cognitive Psychotherapist at West Middlesex Hospital before becoming a Cognitive Psychotherapist and Senior Supervisor at Richmond Wellbeing within East London NHS Trust. His leadership skills saw him progress to Deputy Head of Service and later Clinical Lead for West London Mental Health NHS Trust, where he played a key role in delivering and developing mental health services. Throughout his clinical career, Owen became recognised for his practical, evidence-based approach to therapy and his commitment to making psychological wellbeing more accessible to the wider public.
Alongside his clinical work, Owen has become a prominent media commentator and thought leader in mental health. He delivered the TEDx talk ‘Bombs, Bullets, Bullying & a Piano’, sharing powerful insights from his personal and professional journey. He has appeared on leading podcasts, including the ‘Happy Place’ podcast, which discusses why therapy is not just talking; the ‘High Performance’ podcast, which explores how to be your own therapist; and the ‘ADHD Chatter’ podcast, which examines how to stop worrying about anxiety. He has also created a dedicated content series for the ‘High Performance’ platform and is a regular contributor to the Happy Place YouTube channel. As Resident Therapist on BBC Radio 5 Live’s ‘Gordon Smart’ show, Owen continues to reach national audiences with expert guidance on mental health and wellbeing.
Why Hire Owen O’Kane?
Owen’s bestselling books have further cemented his reputation as a trusted authority. His publications include ‘Ten to Zen: Ten Minutes a Day to a Calmer, Happier You’, ‘Ten Times Happier: How to Overcome the Obstacles Holding You Back’, ‘How to Be Your Own Therapist: Boost Your Mood & Reduce Your Anxiety in 10 Minutes a Day’, and ‘Addicted to Anxiety’. These works have helped thousands of readers develop healthier relationships with stress, anxiety and emotional wellbeing. For event organisers, Owen offers an exceptional combination of clinical credibility, leadership experience, bestselling authorship and high-profile media presence. His engaging storytelling, practical takeaways, and ability to connect with audiences ensure that attendees leave informed, motivated, and equipped with tools they can apply immediately, making him an outstanding choice as a keynote speaker.
Owen O’Kane’s Career Highlights:
Here are some of the key milestones that define Owen O’Kane’s remarkable career:
- 2025 – Appeared on the ADHD Chatter podcast on “How to Stop Worrying About Anxiety”
- 2025 – Author of “Addicted to Anxiety”
- 2024 – Regular Contributor to the Happy Place YouTube Channel
- 2024 – Created a content series on the High Performance Podcast platform
- 2022 – Starred on the Happy Place podcast on “Why Therapy Isn’t Just Talking”
- 2022 – Starred on the High Performance podcast on “How to Be Your Own Therapist”
- 2022 – Delivered the TEDx Talk “Bombs, Bullets, Bullying & a Piano”
- 2017 – Clinical Lead for the West London Mental Health NHS Trust
- 2016 – Deputy Head for the West London Mental Health NHS Trust
- 2012 – Cognitive Psychotherapist / Senior Supervisor at the Richmond Wellbeing East London NHS Trust
- 2010 – Palliative Care lead / Cognitive Psychotherapist for the West Middlesex Hospital
- Resident Therapist on BBC Radio 5 Live’s Gordon Smart show
Videos
Owen O’Kane’s Official Keynote Speaking Videos & Showreel:
Testimonials
“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, 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, Head of Corporate and Portfolio Strategy, Vodafone Business
“Owen has the rare gift of explaining complex emotions in a truly engaging and digestible way. His tips and strategies for managing those emotions are explained with care, compassion and humour. Highly recommended.” – Susie Dent
“A 10-minute mind workout that could change your life.” – The Daily Telegraph
“A 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.” – Linda Hurst, NHS
“The audience’s responses to Owen’s UK-wide theatre talks on the High-Performance live shows were 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 & Jake, High Performance Podcast
“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, Broadcaster, Happy Place
Speaking Topics
Owen O’Kane’s Official Keynote Topics:
- Bouncing Back
- Adjusting in Times of Crisis
- Managing Uncertainty
- Coping with Change
- Hope in Challenging Times
How Much Does Owen O’Kane Cost to Hire?
How Much Does it Cost to Hire Owen O’Kane?
Owen O’Kane’s speaking fees typically reflect their exceptional career and international demand. Engagements vary depending on location, format, and duration; keynote appearances, conferences, and international events may command higher fees due to travel and preparation requirements.