Stylised photo of neuroscientist, author, science communicator, and brain health expert Dr Sarah McKay, sitting down, wearing a purple shirt and smiling at the camera.

Online professional development

Learn neuroscience. apply it confidently

About Dr Sarah McKay, neuroscientist, author, and brain health expert
About Dr Sarah McKay, neuroscientist, author, and brain health expert

Dr Sarah McKay's company, Think Brain, offers science-backed professional development in applied neuroscience and brain health for people who support learning, behaviour, wellbeing, and change.

Our courses are designed for coaches, therapists, educators, health professionals, leaders and curious professionals who want clear explanations, practical tools and a stronger grasp of what the science actually says.

All courses are developed and taught by neuroscientist and author Dr Sarah McKay, and meet global Continuing Professional Development (CPD) guidelines.

You’ll build the confidence to explain brain science clearly, apply it carefully, and spot the difference between useful neuroscience and clever-sounding fluff.

 

Most people are interested in the brain. Far fewer know how to use neuroscience well.

Mockup images of The Neuroscience Academy course program on a computer, tablet and phone. It shows the introductory video from neuroscientist Dr Sarah McKay, as well as course content for week three, Synapse. This course is a 12-week professional development online program in Applied Neuroscience and Brain Health for mental heath workers, coaches, teachers, and more.
The Neuroscience Academy logo for online professional development in neuroscience

The original Applied Neuroscience & Brain Health curriculum taught slowly over 12 weeks.

Next session: February 2027.

The Neuroscience Academy is designed for coaches, psychologists, educators, personal trainers, therapists, health and wellbeing practitioners, leaders and others who work with people.

Format: 12-week online program with live teaching and group discussion
Includes: Lifetime access, professional certification and CPD hours
Best for: People who want time to absorb, discuss and apply the material

Mockup images of the condensed Brain Coach Bootcamp course on a computer, tablet and phone. It shows the daily schedule for this intensive neuroscience course, as well as course content for the Nourish lesson. This course is a 2-week professional development online program in Applied Neuroscience and Brain Health for mental heath workers, coaches, teachers, and more.
The Brain Coach Bootcamp logo for intensive neuroscience training

Fast track 10-day training in Applied Neuroscience & Brain Health 

17th-28th August, 2026 

Choose BCBC if you want live teaching, professional certification and a concentrated learning experience that fits into two weeks.

Format: 10-day online intensive with live teaching
Includes: Lifetime access, professional certification and CPD hours
Best for: Professionals who prefer an immersive, fast-track format
2026 dates: 8 to 19 June or 17 to 28 August

Mockup images of The Neuroscience Self Study course program on a computer, tablet and phone. It shows the introductory video from neuroscientist Dr Sarah McKay, as well as course slides on brain anatomy and neurobiology. This course is a self-paced professional development online program in Applied Neuroscience and Brain Health for those wanting flexible neuroscience training.
The Neuroscience Self Study logo for self-paced online neuroscience training

Study Applied Neuroscience and Brain Health at your own pace

Access the core Neuroscience Academy curriculum without live classes, group sessions or deadlines.

This option does not include professional certification or CPD hours, but you can upgrade later to The Neuroscience Academy or Brain Coach Bootcamp.

Format: Fully self-paced online study
Includes: Videos, notes, worksheets and resources
Best for: Independent learners who want maximum flexibility

Mockup images of the In Her Head course on a computer, tablet and phone. It shows the introductory video from neuroscientist Dr Sarah McKay, as well as course content from the Brain and Wire lessons. This course is a professional development online program in women and girl’s brain health and wellbeing.
In Her Head logo for women's brain health training

Professional training and certificate in women’s brain health and neurobiology.
4th-8th May, 27th-31st July, 2nd-6th November.

Understand how puberty, hormones, menstrual cycles, pregnancy, motherhood, perimenopause, mental health and ageing interact with the brain across the female lifespan.

In Her Head is designed for coaches, therapists, educators, health professionals and wellbeing practitioners who work with women and girls.

Format: Self-paced audio lessons and readings, followed by a five-day live Zoom intensive
Includes: Lifetime access, Certificate in Women’s Brain Health and Neurobiology, and 17 CPD hours
Next cohorts: 27 to 31 July and 2 to 6 November 2026

Mockup images of the Neuroscience Coaching Network course on a computer, tablet and phone. It shows the course overview, as well as course content for the Me self-awareness lesson. This course is a professional development online program in Applied Neuroscience and Brain Health specifically for coaches who want to use neuroscience in their coaching practice.
Neuroscience Coaching Network Logo for neuroscience-informed coaching education

Turn neuroscience knowledge into confident professional practice

The Neuroscience Coaching Network is an advanced professional development program and global community for graduates of TNA, BCBC and IHH.

Each cohort combines new teaching, discussion, collaboration and practical application. You’ll develop neuroscience-informed tools, deepen your practice and learn from other professionals translating brain science into real-world work.

Format: Online teaching, group discussion, invited speakers, group project work and practical application
Eligibility: Open to graduates of TNA, BCBC and IHH
Best for: Professionals who want continued learning, community and confidence applying the science
Next session: 14 September 2026

Free Micro-Training in Applied Neuroscience 

for busy humans.

Over 10 tiny email-based lessons, you’ll explore the following neuroscience concepts:

  • The interplay between emotions and thinking
  • The importance of social connection and therapeutic relationships
  • Creating and breaking habits
  • Neuroplasticity and behaviour change in adulthood
  • Using visualisation to master skills and emotions
  • Effective goal-setting, even when everyone is burned out.

 

Each bite-sized lesson offers a focused exploration of an idea through the lens of neurobiology.

Quickly and easily enhance your neuroscience literacy and confidently integrate brain-based knowledge into your practice, whether in the clinic, classroom, or corporate setting.

Maximum impact with minimal time investment!

 

"I want to thank you for the gentleness with which you nurture your students, and for the excitement you create for neuroscience and its opportunities."

Anthony Haywood
Dean at St Joseph's College in Brisbane

"Sarah is like a personal shopper for neuroscience: she finds the most relevant, current, credible research regarding the brain and the coach approach and presents it to you in a way that you can actually utilise with clients."

Kathleen Buchanan
Wellness Coach and Yoga Teacher