We welcome PhD applications in all areas where philosophy can interact with mental health.
You will be supervised in the Department of Philosophy, with an opportunity for co-supervision from an expert in another department. These include Medicine and Health Sciences, Psychology, and the Institute of Mental Health/School of Education.
As a PhD student member of the Philosophy of Mental Health you will:
- be welcomed into a vibrant community of academics who dig deep into all matters relating to mental health
- be supported through individual supervision, group events and workshops
- be a member of a wider interdisciplinary network of philosophy students and academics
- use the tools of philosophy to question assumptions, concepts, therapies, frameworks, and sciences
- be encouraged to participate in regular academic and social events.
Current PhD researchers in the Philosophy of Mental Health
Alicia Peters
I explore Thought Insertion, Thought Broadcasting, and Thought Withdrawal to address the fundamental question: what does it mean to claim that a thought is experienced as one’s own, as mine?
More about Alicia's research
Andy Farr
My research is a philosophical exploration of the therapeutic effects of trauma portraiture, with a specific emphasis on the experience of feeling and being seen.
More about Andy's research
Being Seen
Explore this exhibition of paintings on the experiences of people who have experienced different forms of trauma. Part of Andy Farr's PhD research.
Liz Frissell
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is the 'gold standard' of psychotherapy. Its underlying theory of mind and many practices come from Stoic philosophy. My research investigates how Stoic ideas can be applied to improve other types of psychotherapy. I am currently looking at Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) which is primarily used to cope with different forms of grief.
More about Liz's research
Grace Huxter
My research investigates the nature of phobias, particularly Social Phobia (Social Anxiety Disorder), through the lens of the cognitive penetrability of perception, and generates meaningful discussion about current exposure therapy practice.
More about Grace's research