Have you ever wondered what makes your course tutors tick? Inside ICE meets some of the Institute's new faces to find out more about them: from why they're fascinated by their specialist subjects to their hidden talents and even their desert island discs...

Dr John Anderson

Course: Undergraduate Certificate in Cognitive Psychology

Subject specialism: Neuroscience and Psychedelics 

Who or what has inspired you?

As a trainee counsellor I am inspired by my clients, many of whom have struggled with difficult issues in their lives. Professionally I am inspired by the works of the physicist David Bohm, the writings of the Italian psychiatrist and pioneer Roberto Assagioli, and William A. Richards. 

What is the most rewarding part of teaching?

I enjoy teaching because I like connecting with people. I also find it rewarding seeing others learn new things about themselves and their subject matter. I often feel like I learn something new myself in the process. Teaching can be difficult, and for me it's incredibly rewarding to hear from students that my extra work did what I hoped, and made the subject both understandable and interesting. 

How is your subject relevant to our current world?

Learning how people think and process information helps us gain a deeper understanding of how the human brain works, as well as develop new ways of helping people deal with psychological difficulties. 

What’s the best study advice you’ve ever been given?

If you are finding something difficult, please ask for help! I am aware that students are often reluctant to seek academic help from their instructors, despite the fact that many of them could benefit from the help. This is why I put effort into building collaborative relationships with students so they feel more comfortable asking for help if and when they need it.

What do you love doing outside of your work?

I love going wild camping in nature. For me this is a time of deep spiritual contemplation where I feel alive and connected to nature. I also enjoy painting and drawing. 

Learn more

Find out more about Dr John Anderson and the Undergraduate Certificate in Cognitive Psychology.

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This was originally published in our Long-Vacation - Michaelmas 2021 issue of Inside ICE.