Dr. Tina Payne Bryson

Dr. Tina Payne Bryson is a psychotherapist, author and speaker known for her work in child development and interpersonal neurobiology. She is the co-author, with Daniel J. Siegel, of two New York Times bestsellers, “The Whole-Brain Child” (2011) and “No-Drama Discipline” (2014), each translated into more than 50 languages, with “The Whole-Brain Child” selling more than 2 million copies worldwide. She is also the author of “The Bottom Line for Baby” (2020) and co-author, with Siegel, of “The Yes Brain” (2018) and “The Power of Showing Up” (2020). Her latest book, “The Way of Play” (2025), is co-authored with Georgie Wisen-Vincent. Collectively, her books have sold more than 3 million copies.

Bryson is the founder and executive director of The Center for Connection, a multidisciplinary clinical practice; The Play Strong Institute, devoted to the study, research and practice of play therapy through a neurodevelopment lens; and The Center for Connection and Neurodiversity, a division focused on celebrating neurodifferences and providing brain-based occupational therapy across the lifespan.

She keynotes conferences and leads workshops for parents, educators, clinicians and industry leaders around the world. Her work has been featured in outlets including Time, Good Morning America, The Huffington Post, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and Real Simple. She has consulted with various companies and organizations, including the Nike Sport Research Lab, where she served as project director for mental and emotional performance, supporting athletes and research initiatives.

Bryson is also a child development specialist at St. Mark’s School in Pasadena, California. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Baylor University and her LCSW and doctorate from University of Southern California, where her research focused on attachment science, childrearing theory and interpersonal neurobiology.