After more than 25 years working in mental health and spending over 60,000 hours in therapeutic conversations, I’ve learned a great deal about myself as a human being. I’ve also learned a great deal about the many factors that influence how people come to understand themselves and navigate personal growth.

 A large part of my work has been helping people discover their own questions. Without the right question, it’s difficult to reach the right answer. I’ve found that when we explore our own questions, we often uncover our own insights—something far more powerful than being told what to think or feel. By helping people formulate meaningful questions through an understanding of psychological ideas, I’ve seen how this can create space for curiosity without the self-judgement that can make reflection difficult.

 Through asking questions of myself, I’ve become more aware of my own patterns—those moments when I begin to spiral, when I need to pause, when I need support, and when I need to reconnect with others. I’ve gained a clearer understanding of why I respond the way I do, and I’ve built trust in my ability to recognise what helps me move through emotionally challenging passages.

 Over time, I’ve learned to see myself with more honesty, to listen to my needs with greater clarity, and to care for myself in ways that honour my values and protect the relationships that matter most. I’m not sure this personal growth would have unfolded in the same way without my role as a psychologist. The work has shaped me—deeply and continuously.

 Adaptable Sustainable Psychology (ASP) grew from this lived experience. I created it as a guide for people who want to discover their own questions and develop a way of understanding themselves that evolves with their life, their experiences, their circumstances and their relationships.

ASP is rooted in the idea that psychological insight can be flexible, compassionate and sustainable. Its aim is to offer perspectives on choosing inner narratives that feel supportive rather than punitive—narratives that reflect kindness, curiosity and care.

 I believe that when we are gentler with ourselves, we often find it easier to extend that gentleness to others. And when we stay attentive to our own emotional world, we can feel more connected to the wellbeing of the people around us. Through this, the world we create—individually and collectively—has the potential to feel more caring and more connected.

 The ASP books bring together a range of psychological theories, ideas and reflective practices. They are intended to offer readers concepts and exercises that invite self-reflection, exploration and compassionate thinking. While these books are not a substitute for therapy or personalised professional care, many people find that engaging with psychological ideas, exploring meaningful questions and cultivating self-compassion aligns with their own journey of self-awareness and care.

 My hope is that the ASP collection offers thoughtful and supportive perspectives for those who choose to engage with it.

Amberley - creator of Adaptable Sustainable Psychology