Underpinning the work of TOP UK is the research carried out by the world-renowned psychiatrist Professor Isaac Marks. His book, Living with Fear, is the self help manual used by TOP UK group members and is invaluable in helping sufferers of phobia and OCD to help themselves to get better. This self-help book, first published in 1973, is the only one we know of which was tested in a randomised controlled clinical trial and proved to be effective.

Currently working on international projects aimed at increasing awareness and understanding of OCD. She was a Consultant Psychiatrist with South West London and St George’s NHS Mental Health Trust from 1985-2020 and lead clinician for the nationally commissioned service for severe, enduring obsessive-compulsive and body dysmorphic disorders (OCD/BDD).  She is now an Honorary Consultant at her former Trust and a Visiting Professor at the University of Hertfordshire and is concentrating on teaching, research and working with public bodies to improve access to treatment. 

Specialising particularly in CBT, she has published widely in the fields of CBT, OCD, anxiety disorders and communication skills, as well as exercise and mental health. Lynne is the author of 4 best-selling books on both CBT and OCD. Lynne is passionate about public education & mental health. She has worked extensively with the media to produce information for a lay audience. She has collaborated on countless articles for the National Press; had several television appearances and interviews; been on many local and national radio stations and has contributed to  podcasts.  

The founder of TOP UK is the Late, Mrs John Bonham-Christie MBE, MA, who was known to everyone as Celia. Her remarkable story of phobia to recovery can be read in How To Fly, an inspiring booklet. Celia started Triumph Over Phobia in 1987 with the help of Professor Isaac Marks after overcoming her fear of flying by reading Professor Marks’ book Living with Fear.