Beginner’s Pluck: Dr Keith Gaynor

At 15, Keith wanted to be a barrister; but shadowing one during a murder trial, it was the suffering families who interested him, not the crime itself.

That’s when he decided to study psychology.

“After UCD, I studied in England, at the Maudsley Hospital, King’s College, south London. Then, I worked for the NHS in Oxford.

“The socio-economic climate was very different, but the people’s stories of emotional neglect and hurt were the same.

“That was eye-opening.”

Since 2012, Keith has been working in the outpatient clinic at St John Of God’s.

“People assume it’s a depressing job, but it’s hopeful. There is an end for most people, and you carry them through.” Used to writing reports, since arriving back in Dublin, Keith has given lectures, written articles, and is a regular on Prime Time and The Ryan Tubridy Show.

Who is Keith Gaynor?

Date/place of birth: October 20, 1980, Dublin.

Education: Belvedere College. University College Dublin; degree in Psychology, PhD in psychosis.

Home: Centre of Dublin.

Family: Fiancé, Fiona. “We’re getting married in six weeks’ time.”

The Day Job: Senior clinical psychologist, specialising in cognitive behavioural therapy.

Interests: Running, theatre, food — cooking it and eating.

Favourite Writers: Richard Ford; Annie Proulx; Philip Roth.

Second Novel: “I would love to continue writing.”

Top Tip: “I found my speaking voice. I wrote as if I was trying to explain it to someone; that way, I kept it simple and bypassed the jargon.”

The Debut

Protecting Mental Health; Veritas, €12.99.

Anyone can experience mental-health difficulties, but if we learn to nurture our psychological health, we will be better able to overcome problems, and live with a sense of confidence and joy.

Along with advice on coping with issues like sleeplessness, the book gives simple exercises for people can carry to help themselves.

The chapter on ‘Mindfulness, or Mindful Living’ contains a wonderfully user-friendly explanation.

“Over the years, I have found myself having the same conversation with my clients time and time again. I thought it would be useful if I wrote it down.”

Verdict:  This is an excellent, jargon-free guide for those in trouble, and for those who want life to be more fulfilling.