Researcher &
Cognitive Behavioural Therapist
Centre for Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience
Brunel University of London
I am a researcher in psychology and clinical neuroscience, and a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist specialising in depression and anxiety disorders. My academic work focuses on the brain mechanisms underlying emotion regulation, consciousness, and the development of new CBT treatments. My CBT practice is grounded in Socratic, evidence‑based approaches that help people navigate complex emotions. I have developed several CBT programmes and resources, and I am currently working on a CBT book. Alongside research and practice, I have a blog known as Grounded. dedicated to translating research in mental health, psychology, and neuroscience into ideas that make sense in everyday life. I openly accept media and social media engagements.
Research
Publications
CBT
Blog
Research
Research projects I lead
My research spans psychology, clinical neuroscience, cognitive behavioural therapy, and consciousness. My PhD thesis specifically investigated the behavioural and neuroimaging aspects of implicit emotion regulation and cognitive behavioural therapy. These pursuits ultimately led to the proposal of a novel theory, and these translational findings have been published in high-impact journals including Nature’s Scientific Reports. I aim to continuously push the boundaries of scientific knowledge, and importantly bridge the gap between research and practice. I share all my findings through publications, conferences, and workshops, and I believe the exploration of human brain function and behaviour enhances our understanding of the human condition. Below are some of the projects I lead.
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Investigation of Novel CBT Models
Neuroimaging Aspects of
Emotion Processing
Behavioural Aspects of Implicit and
Explicit Emotion Regulation
Developing Effective Screening
Measures for Research and Practice
Functional MRI Meta-Analysis
I am particularly enthusiastic about conducting meta-analyses of behavioural and MRI data to uncover the neural mechanisms underlying emotion processes and behaviour. My expertise in this area have led to key discoveries that could enhance the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health conditions.
Journal Articles
Open Access
My work is available in global top tier journals such as Nature's Scientific Reports, and highlights findings which inform the future diagnosis and treatment of mental health.
Peer-reviewed Publications
Publications
Peer-reviewed journal articles ensure the dissemination of novel scientific knowledge to the scientific community.
Neural correlates of implicit emotion regulation in mood and anxiety disorders: an fMRI meta-analytic review.
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This review article investigates neuroimaging evidence and reveals neural signatures of implicit emotion regulation in mood and anxiety disorder patients. Findings show distinct patterns of hypoactivation and hyperactivation in brain regions tied to implicit emotion regulation. Results support the RDoC framework, highlighting the clinical value of neurobiologically informed diagnostics.
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Dalton, S. D. P., Cooper, H., Jennings, B., & Cheeta, S. (2025). Neural correlates of implicit emotion regulation in mood and anxiety disorders: an fMRI meta-analytic review. Scientific Reports, 15(1), 1-17.
The empirical status of implicit emotion regulation in mood and anxiety disorders: A meta-analytic review.
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This review article of clinical studies investigates implicit emotion regulation in mood and anxiety disorders along with healthy controls. Maladaptive implicit emotion regulation was reported in mood and anxiety disorders. Implicit emotion regulation should be considered a transdiagnostic characteristic. Clinical interventions should address implicit as well as explicit strategies.
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Dalton, S. D. P., Cooper, H., Jennings, B., & Cheeta, S. (2025). The empirical status of implicit emotion regulation in mood and anxiety disorders: A meta-analytic review. Journal of Affective Disorders, 380, 256-269. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2025.03.118​
Blog
Grounded.
Grounded. is dedicated to translating research in mental health, psychology, and neuroscience into ideas that make sense in everyday life. No jargon, just evidence‑based insights explained in a way that’s engaging, practical, and easy to understand. If you're interested in psychology and are looking for clarity in a world with an overabundance of information, or simply enjoy learning something new, you’re in the right place.
CBT
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
I have developed several evidence-based cognitive behavioural therapy programmes and resources which are available to all, and I am currently writing a CBT book.
CBT Resources
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Resources
As a cognitive behavioural therapist (CBT) and elected Fellow of the ACCPH, I understand the profound impact mental health has on daily life. I specialise in the treatment of depression and anxiety such as generalised anxiety, panic disorder, health anxiety, and social anxiety.​ I prioritise a Socratic, collaborative approach towards treatment, using evidence-based techniques to tailor each treatment plan to each individual's unique needs. The programmes and interventions I design promote lasting change. Please feel free to download and use some of the these free resources below.
My Books
CBT Techniques: A Practical Guide
This book offers a clear, practical roadmap for applying CBT in everyday life. Translating complex psychological principles into tools anyone can use. It focuses on real-world challenges like overthinking, emotional spirals, and unhelpful habits, and demonstrates to readers how to shift their thinking and behaviour with simple, evidence‑based techniques. Each chapter introduces a skill, demonstrates it through relatable examples, and guides readers step‑by‑step in putting it into practice. The result is an accessible, empowering guide that helps people build lasting psychological flexibility and resilience.
Video Archive
Contact
Stefan D. P. Dalton
Brunel University London
Kingston Lane
London, UB8 3PH
