About Rowan - The Science Bit
Rowan isn't just another chatbot that gives generic or hallucinated advice - it's built on decades of psychological research from top universities and mental health experts. We've teamed up with clinical psychologists to create something totally different. In fact, our approach is based on cutting-edge science that's changing how we understand mental health.
Rowan’s techniques are backed by an analysis of 55,000 scientific studies over 4 years by 50 people , looking at what actually helps people feel better - not just treating symptoms, but building real mental strength.
40% of adults struggle with mental health
Traditional therapy only has a 34% success rate
Meta analysis of 55,000 studies shows what psychological processes of change actually work
These aren't just random or hallucinated tricks - they're evidence-informed skills developed by researchers who've spent years understanding how the human brain works.
We've taken complex psychological research and turned it into something that actually makes sense for your life:
1. Acceptance Skills (Feeling all the Feels)
Most people try to fight or hide their tough emotions. Acceptance is different. It's about making space for your feelings without letting them run the show. Imagine your emotions are like weather - sometimes stormy, sometimes sunny. Acceptance means learning to sit with those emotions without trying to change them instantly. Research shows this helps reduce stress and builds emotional resilience.
2. Let it Go
Your brain throws thoughts at you constantly, and not all of them are true! Cognitive defusion is like having a secret skill to step back from your thoughts. Instead of getting trapped in negative thinking spirals, you learn to see thoughts as just... thoughts. It's like having a mental remote control that lets you change the channel when your brain starts playing a scary or unhelpful movie.
3. Present Moment Awareness (Here and now)
Ever found yourself totally lost in worry or stuck replaying past moments? Present moment awareness is about landing back in the NOW. It's not about clearing your mind (which is impossible), but about noticing what's happening right around you. Mindfulness research shows this skill can reduce anxiety, improve focus, and help you feel more connected to your life.
4. Self-as-Context (Perspective Taking)
You are not defined by:
How you look
What you think or feel
Your roles or labels
Your background (race, religion, etc.)
Your sex, sexuality or gender
Your successes or failures
Your job title
Your age
What others say about you
Your social media presence
As strange as it might sound, you're not even your identity.
Think of it this way: your thoughts, feelings, and experiences are like a river flowing past you. But you're not the river - you're the one watching it from the riverbank.
This perspective helps you recognize that many things in your life can change, and there's a constant "you" that observes it all. This skill helps you step back and view your experiences without being completely defined by them.
5. Values Clarification
Think of this as creating a personal compass for your life. What really matters to you? What kind of person do you want to be? Values clarification helps you connect your daily actions to what's truly important. It's about making choices that line up with your deepest beliefs, not just what others expect from you.
6. Commitment
This is where you turn insights into real changes. It's not just about understanding yourself - it's about taking steps towards the life you want. Committed action means making choices that match your values, even when it feels uncomfortable. It's about building the muscles of personal growth.
7. Self-Compassion
Most of us are way harder on ourselves than we'd ever be to a friend. Self-compassion is about treating yourself with the same kindness you'd show someone you love. Research shows this skill can reduce anxiety, increase motivation, and help you bounce back from challenges.
8. Emotion Regulation
Think of this like having an emotional sound mixer. Instead of being totally controlled by your emotions, you learn to understand them, dial them up or down, and respond in ways that actually help you. It's about becoming the DJ of your own emotional playlist.
9. Cognitive Restructuring
This skill is about becoming a detective of your own thoughts. You learn to challenge unhelpful thinking patterns and develop more balanced, realistic perspectives. It's like having a mental fact-checker that helps you see things more clearly.
10. Social Connection
Humans are social creatures, and connection matters. This skill is about understanding how to build meaningful relationships, communicate effectively, and create a sense of belonging. It's not just about having friends - it's about creating supportive, genuine connections.
These aren't just random skills - they're selected from 55,000 studies as the most scientifically-backed ways of building mental strength. Psychologists have studied these processes for years, and research shows they can help people feel better, cope with challenges, and live more meaningful lives.
The coolest part? Rowan helps you work our where to focus, and teaches techniques to help you practice these skills so you can actually get better at them. It's like mental fitness training - the more you practice, the stronger you get. Rowan is here to be your personal trainer for mental well-being.