Learn. Adapt. Thrive.

Unlocking the science of being human

There’s never been more information about wellbeing.

But most approaches overlook one crucial element:

The biology of the human nervous system.

We teach the science of wellbeing and transformation – how your nervous system shapes your thinking, feelings, behaviour and relationships

WHAT – Learn how your nervous system shapes communication, leadership, relationships, creativity and decision-making.
WHY – Build a science-based understanding of stress, overwhelm, reactivity, anxiety, procrastination, avoidance and more.
HOW – Practise tools that improve emotional regulation, increase resilience, heal trauma, build confidence and create freedom.

This is nervous system literacy – the missing link in wellbeing and resilience.

Grounded in science, shaped by living.

What we do…

    • Learn how your nervous system and trauma drive behaviour

    • Regulate your emotions and develop your nervous system

    • Create positive change using neuroscience-based tools and techniques

    Learn more

    • Understand emotional regulation, resilience and the nervous system

    • Explore the science of dopamine, distraction and getting stuff done

    • Equip staff to support and educate students and parents about self-harm

    Contact us to find out more

    • Build emotional intelligence and nervous system literacy

    • Improve resilience, motivation and performance

    • Learn how the nervous system and trauma drive behaviour

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“Nervous system literacy is the missing link between knowing yourself and achieving real growth – because once we understand our biology, everything changes.”

For individuals + professionals:

Regulation | Transformation

Harnessing the science of the nervous system for growth and resilience

Havening Techniques are a neuroscience-based approach that uses the power of the nervous system to release stored stress, regulate emotions, process stored memories and re-encode a sense of safety.

The result is lasting change – more calm, faster growth, greater confidence and increased resilience.

Learn more

For schools, youth organisations + families…

Rethinking self-harm through the lens of nervous system science

The huge rise in teenage self-harm speaks volumes about the challenges young people face.

We offer a science-based approach to understanding and talking about self-harm – one that eliminates shame and creates opportunities to support healing and build emotional resilience.

Explore our training

The Lovely Messy Brain series - coming soon!

A growing collection of quick guides for teens, parents and educators:

Master your motivation – Dopamine, distraction and how to get things done
Feel-good chemistry – Understanding endorphins
Stress mode – Cortisol and the nervous system
How to calm – Emotional regulation 101

This is where it all started, and it’s still at the heart of what we do…

Support for self-harm and emotional regulation

Our science-backed, compassion-led training and resources are helping schools, organisations and parents change the conversation around self-harm.

Download our free guide for parents here.

Meet Beth

Beth Derry founded Lovely Messy Humans after a two-decade career in sustainability, helping some of the world's best-known companies navigate complex challenges. She has a degree in Zoology, a Master’s in Ecology and is a Certified Havening Techniques Practitioner and Resilience Coach.

Beth trains educators, professionals and organisations to understand the nervous system – not as abstract theory, but as something shaping behaviour, leadership, anxiety, avoidance, conflict and growth.

Her work sits at the intersection of applied human biology and real life. Whether she is talking about climate change, leadership or self-harm, she is always really talking about the same thing: humans trying to meet their needs in complex environments.

Beth launched Lovely Messy Humans in 2023, inspired by the huge rise in anxiety and self-harm among younger generations.

Ethical foundations

Testimonials

  • "The guidance you provided was tangible, helpful and reassuring. It was pitched well, so both experienced and less experienced staff were able to learn. They felt that your lived experience gave it an authenticity which was humbling. Thank you again for your time and support. It’s been so valuable and we're looking forward to working with you further."

    Roedean School

  • “Thank you so much for the training, we’re all excited from taking in the amazing information. We are really keen to work with you and to share our experience from working with our young people.”

    Youth Charity, Wakefield

  • "Beth is incredible at what she does. Within minutes of talking to her she knows what to invite you to explore. Every time I have felt safe, heard, held and loved, and have been able to experience emotions I never knew were there."

    Private coaching client

  • “I’m so pleased I signed up for this - well worth taking two hours out of my day to learn, reflect and discuss.”

    Secondary School Head Teacher

  • "I wanted to take the opportunity to thank you. In the past two years, I've spoken and seen so many people but you have been so far the most engaging. I love your approach and I'm sure you will be able to support and help many struggling teenagers."

    Parent of a teenage coaching client

  • "I’ve done a lot around this kind of training, but yours excites my brain. It makes me want to listen and want to know more."

    St George’s Lupset Youth Team

  • "Your guidance has empowered me to move beyond guilt and reactivity to approach the situation with understanding and helpfulness. This has been a significant step forward in aiding my child more constructively."

    Parent

  • "I highly recommend this training. It changes how you think about patients we often struggle to help."

    GP trainee

  • "The fact you’re not a therapist brings a freshness. It’s taking a new angle and taking it from a very practical angle that makes a lot of sense."

    Youth support worker

  • "I wanted to share my gratitude for the invaluable information provided. It shed light on the underlying reasons for my child's behavior and offered a new perspective on how to support them effectively."

    Parent