Richard Coates works in healthcare, regeneration, and community co-creation in Purley-on-Thames in the River Thames watershed.
He is a neuropsychologist and works as an independent practitioner with clients with severe traumatic brain injuries and their families. His discovery of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) transformed the way he delivers services to his clients by helping them learn with psychological flexibility, which means mindfully moving towards values while being aware of difficult thoughts and feelings that will show up. Richard has helped clients rediscover their capabilities and passions. One of the several inspiring projects he’s helped to bring to life is the site Inspire Others, where individuals with traumatic brain injuries are able to share their victories in overcoming limitations. Richard embodies psychological flexibility in his own life as well. He eventually found Prosocial, which incorporates ACT at the group and community level. Prosocial has also helped him to develop his perspective on evolutionary leadership. I (Anna) even attribute my introduction to Prosocial and the regenerative space to Richard.
All of this has helped him to cultivate a unique and valuable voice in the regenerative movement which he’s been stepping into and serving a role in connecting together in the UK and beyond over the past several years.
You can learn more about Richard's work by checking out the Purley-on-Thames sustainability group at https://www.purleysustainability.co.uk/ or on Instagram @purley_sustainability.
If Richard's story inspired you, check out some recommendations he shared when asked about influential resources, learnings, and networks he has come across over his lifetime.
Networks:
Association of Contextual Behavioral Science: https://contextualscience.org
UK Bioregional Community of Practice: https://bioregion.org.uk/project/uk-bioregional-community-of-practice/
ProSocial World: https://prosocial.world
Regenesis Institute, The Regenerative Practitioners course: https://www.regenerat.es
Power of Place course and Community with Jenny Andersson: https://reallyregenerative.org
Books:
Prosocial: Using Evolutionary Science to Build Productive, Equitable, and Collaborative Groups, by Paul Atkins, David Sloan Wilson, and Steven Hayes
ACT Made Simple (Second Edition), by Russ Harris
Mindfulness for Two, by Kelly Wilson and Troy DuFrene
Into the Magic Shop, by James Doty
Regenerative Development and Design: A Framework for Evolving Sustainability, by Pamela Mang and Ben Haggard
The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse, by Charlie Mackesy
The Design Pathway for Regenerating the Earth, by Joe Brewer
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Richard Coates - Learning to live through values and championing belonging to people and place in Purley on Thames, UK