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The Chimp Model Simplifying Neuroscience 
What is The Chimp Model?
The Chimp Model forms the foundation of the four books authored by Professor Steve Peters: A Path Through the Jungle, My Hidden Chimp, The Silent Guides, and the UK’s best-selling self-help book, The Chimp Paradox. This model represents over 30 years of Professor Peters’ work in the clinical field of psychiatry, distilled into a simple framework that makes neuroscience simple, accessible and actionable
Prof Peters offers a brief overview of The Chimp Model in this video. Additionally, you can refer to the diagram below to understand the basics of the model and see how it simplifies complex neuroscience. It’s truly rewarding for all of us at Chimp Management to see how the model has positively impacted many lives, and we are proud to share that it is now supported by evidence from NHS-backed research trials.
Watch this short video to hear Professor Peters explain the basics of The Chimp Model and how it can help you understand your mind.
The Chimp, Human & Computer
The Computer
Both the Human and the Chimp use the computer as a memory bank for decision-making. Before making decisions, they both consult the computer for past experiences, beliefs, or memories, which can influence their choices.
Additionally, the computer can think and act automatically for us, based on learned behaviours and beliefs—some helpful, others not. The computer is the key to managing your Chimp and it can provide you with stability throughout life.
The Human
The Human represents the parts of the brain that you are in control of. It’s basis for thinking is facts and logic; and it works with rationality, perspective and looks for solutions. The Human is you.
If you can learn to manage your Chimp, then you will be able to work more with your Human system and present to the world the real you.
The Chimp
The Chimp represents the parts of your brain that you are not in control of. It thinks for us and makes decisions without our permission. The Chimp’s basis for thinking is feelings and impressions; it is emotionally driven, impulsive, and irrational.
This often leads to thoughts, feelings, and actions that you, as the Human, don’t agree with or later regret. A simple way to distinguish between your Chimp and Human is by asking yourself, “Do I want this, thought, behaviour or feeling?” If the answer is “no” then your Chimp is hijacking you.
A message from Prof Steve Peters….
I created The Chimp Model to help you to understand how your mind works and to offer a model for developing yourself and improving all areas of your life.
In my work as a psychiatrist, I often encounter individuals facing personal challenges they struggle to understand or resolve. Common questions and concerns include:
How do I…
Gain confidence in myself?
Become happy?
Improve my relationships?
Become more organised
and successful?
Why do I…
Worry so much?
Have such a low opinion of myself?
Become so irrational in my thinking?
Let emotions prevent me from reaching my professional potential?
Why can’t I…
Stop worrying about what others think?
Make decisions?
Control my anger?
Handle difficult people?
To address these concerns, it’s essential to understand how your mind works so you can better manage your emotions, thoughts, and behaviours. The human brain is complex, so I developed the Chimp Model to simplify neuroscience and help people to tackle these common issues in both personal and professional contexts.
It is important to remember that manging your emotions is a skill, and it needs practice!
Steve Peters
It is based in the sciences of evolution, neurochemistry, activity-driven neuroplasticity, and brain imaging. It is one of the best examples of communicating science to the public.”
The accessibility of this model and how inclusive it is, particularly making complex science easy to understand, is profound. Helping you to understand your own and others behaviours so that you can respond rather than react.
Prof Steve Peters
Professor Steve Peters is a consultant psychiatrist who specialises in the functioning of the human mind. He has worked in the clinical field of psychiatry for over 30 years.
Steve has authored 4 books, including the bestselling self-help book of all time in the UK, The Chimp Paradox, which has sold 2 million copies.
He has been a consultant to over 20 Olympic and national sporting teams and individuals including Liverpool FC, British Cycling, GB Taekwondo, England Rugby, and England Football, Ronnie O’Sullivan, Victoria Pendleton and Sir Chris Hoy.