Unlocking the science of being human.

Explore training for schools, higher education and youth organisations

We use science and tools to support wellbeing, resilience and personal growth.

Training and workshops for businesses, schools and organisations.

One-to-one sessions for adults and young people.

This is nervous system literacy. Grounded in science, shaped by living.

WHAT? Learn how your nervous system shapes wellbeing, communication, business, relationships and decision-making.

WHY? Build a deeper understanding of how your biology impacts how you think, feel and act – and learn how you can work with it.

HOW? Experience practical tools that support emotional regulation, resilience, connection, performance and relationships.

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

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    • Understand emotional regulation, resilience and the nervous system

    • Equip staff to support and educate students so that they are better equipped to learn and thrive

    • Educate students about the science of being human

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    • 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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For schools, youth organisations + families…

Nervous System Literacy for schools, higher education and organisations

Nervous system literacy offers a science-based approach to help staff understand what’s really driving behaviour, stress and emotional overwhelm – so that students can learn, regulate and thrive.

This practical workshop helps staff and students understand how our biology shapes behaviour, relationships, resilience and the capacity to learn, bringing fresh insights and tools we can all use to support ourselves in a fast-changing world.

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Rethinking self-harm through the lens of nervous system science

Self-harm can be deeply confusing and distressing for the young people experiencing it – and for the adults trying to support them.

This science-based workshop offers a compassionate, shame-free understanding of self-harm through the lens of nervous system science, helping staff and young people better understand what is happening beneath the surface and how to support healing, emotional regulation and resilience.

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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 (click to download)
Feel-good chemistry – Understanding endorphins
Stress mode – Cortisol and the nervous system
How to calm – Emotional regulation 101

One-to-one sessions

Harnessing the science of the nervous system for personal growth and resilience.

📍 In person at The Practice Rooms in Hove
💻 Online via Zoom

Regulation | Transformation

Individual sessions offer a powerful way to learn about your unique nervous system patterns and move beyond what’s been holding you back in your life, work or relationships.

The result is more calm, greater confidence, increased resilience and change that lasts.

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Preparing for exams

If your child is feeling anxious or overwhelmed around exams, I offer a 1-hour session to help them understand their nerves and feel calmer, more in control and better able to perform.

These sessions combine education and practical tools they can take away and use.

Explore exam anxiety support

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

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 25-year career in sustainability, helping some of the world's best-known companies communicate about complex challenges. She has a degree in Zoology, an Ecology and Environmental Management master's, and is certified as a Havening Techniques Practitioner and Resilience Coach.

Beth trains educators, professionals and organisations to understand the nervous system – not as abstract theory, but as something that shapes our daily experience, behaviour, work and relationships.

Beth launched Lovely Messy Humans in 2023, inspired by the huge rise in anxiety and self-harm among younger generations, of which she has lived experience. Her focus quickly expanded, because these challenges aren’t just relevant to young people – they are felt by everyone.

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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