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. Professor Sanders is also a visiting Professor at Manchester University, University of South Carolina, Glasgow Caledonian University and the University of Auckland.
Over four decades, Professor Sanders has built a highly regarded international reputation for conducting outstanding research and translating it into practical programs which address childhood behavior problems and promote stronger families.
Professor Sanders' Triple P parenting system has now helped approximately 4 million children and their families. It is used in 31 countries and has been translated into 23 languages other than English. More than 91,000 practitioners 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 Behavior. 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, UK, Eire, Switzerland, New Zealand, Singapore, Japan, Iran, Germany, France, Sweden, 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 British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, shortly before the Home Office launched a national parenting initiative which includes Triple P.
Career awards have included:
- International Collaborative Prevention Research Award (from the Society for Prevention Research in the US)
- President's Award for Distinguished Contribution to Psychology (from the Australian Psychological Society)
- Trailblazers Award (from the Association for behavioral and Cognitive Therapy)
- National Violence Prevention Award (from the Australian Heads of Government)
- Queenslander of the Year
- Distinguished Career Award (from the Australian Assoc. for Cognitive Behavior Therapy)
- Officer in the General Division of the Order of Australia (2020).
Professor Sanders is also a compelling communicator who effectively shares his knowledge with the community. He writes regular newspaper columns and is a sought-after family commentator on radio and TV.
He is married with two adult children.