Professor Matt Sanders

Matt Sanders is a Professor of Clinical Psychology and the founder of the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program. His home base is in Brisbane, Australia, where he is Director of the Parenting and Family Support Centre, University of Queensland. But his research into a parenting support system began in his home country, New Zealand.

Professor Sanders is also a visiting Professor at the University of Auckland, Manchester University, University of South Carolina and Glasgow Caledonian University.

Over four decades, Professor Sanders has built an international reputation for conducting outstanding research that has been translated into simple and practical programmes which address childhood behaviour problems and promote stronger families.

Professor Sanders’ Triple P parenting system is estimated to have helped more than four million children and their families around the world. It is used in more than 25 countries and has been translated from English into 21 other languages. More than 91,000 providers have been trained in its delivery.

Professor Sanders is the author of more than 360 publications, including more than 300 peer-reviewed articles, and has written or co-written 62 books, including the popular “Every Parent: A Positive Approach to Children’s Behaviour”. His work has inspired three international TV series, including the UK’s high-rating “Driving Mum and Dad Mad”.

Professor Sanders has consulted and advised governments at senior policy levels in Australia, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Switzerland, New Zealand, Singapore, Iran, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands.

He has been a consultant to the World Health Organization and is Expert Consultant on Positive Parenting to the Council of Europe. In 2006 he met and discussed policy with the then British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, shortly before the Home Office launched a national parenting initiative which included Triple P.

Professor Sanders is also a compelling communicator who readily shares his knowledge with parents who have no background in behavioural science. He writes regular newspaper columns and is a sought-after family commentator on radio and TV.

He is married to Trish and they have two adult children. He is also a proud grandfather of four.