Amy Morin: The Psychology of Mental Strength and Emotional Resilience

Amy Morin, born in Maine, United States, is a psychotherapist, lecturer, and bestselling author best known for her groundbreaking work on mental toughness and emotional resilience. Her message — that mental strength is built through conscious habits, not innate traits — has resonated with millions around the world seeking tools for overcoming adversity and thriving in uncertain times.

Morin holds a master’s degree in clinical social work and began her career as a therapist and college psychology instructor. Her personal experience with loss — including the sudden death of her husband at age 26 — led her to develop a deep understanding of grief, emotional endurance, and cognitive reframing. Out of that journey emerged her viral 2013 article, “13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do,” which was read by more than 50 million people and translated into dozens of languages.

The success of the article inspired her to write her first book, 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do (2015), an international bestseller that blends science-based strategies with personal insight. She followed it with 13 Things Mentally Strong Parents Don’t Do (2017) and 13 Things Mentally Strong Women Don’t Do (2019), expanding her framework to different audiences and contexts. In 2021, she released 13 Things Strong Kids Do, bringing mental strength training to a new generation.

Morin’s approach integrates evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques with practical, compassionate guidance. Her central message — that emotional health is a skill to be cultivated — has positioned her as a trusted voice in global conversations about resilience, anxiety, and mental wellness.

A sought-after speaker and media contributor, Morin’s insights have appeared in Time, Forbes, Business Insider, and Psychology Today. She hosts The Verywell Mind Podcast, where she interviews psychologists, entrepreneurs, and athletes about the habits and mindsets behind mental strength. Her TEDx talk on “The Secret of Becoming Mentally Strong” has garnered over 20 million views.

Beyond her writing and speaking, Morin continues to practice therapy and advocate for mental health education. Her work bridges science and storytelling, helping individuals and organizations build resilience amid change, loss, and uncertainty.

Amy Morin’s legacy lies in normalizing mental strength as an attainable, learnable skill — one rooted in discipline, emotional awareness, and compassion. Through her books and outreach, she empowers readers to transform pain into power and vulnerability into confidence.