Tanya completed her first degree in psychology at the University of York, her clinical psychology master's training at University College London, and her doctorate (on the treatment of cocaine, amphetamine and ecstasy misusers) at University College Hospital and University of Surrey. She has worked for the National Health Service for 16 years, focusing in the areas of drug dependency, HIV/AIDS and sexual health, adult mental health and eating disorders.  At one time, she was the consultant for an in-patient unit for 12-16-year-olds with severe mental health problems and child protection issues. Tanya now works one clinical day a week as a consultant in child and adolescent mental health.

Tanya works for the BBC presenting programs on child behavior, science and current affairs.  In addition, she is currently filming four one-hour documentaries for BBC2. The programs examine sex, death, vanity and spirituality. Tanya is also writing a comedy series about a daytime chat show host (The Vivienne Vyle Show), with actress and comedian Jennifer Saunders (Absolutely Fabulous).

Tanya works with the Home Office on the current changes to the Homicide Act as it relates to children and young people. In addition, she consults for the National Family and Parenting Institute, advising government and ministers on related policy.  Tanya writes a weekly column for the Times newspaper and for several women’s magazines.

Tanya has published two books on child behavior and is currently writing a third, to be published by Penguin. In addition, she is editing an encyclopaedia of child development and the early years, for Dorling Kindersley (DK Press). Tanya jointly owns and runs a production company with her business partner and best friend of 34 years, producer and agent Sam Richards. Their company manages Tanya's broadcast career and also produces a number of other programs for the BBC and other channels.

Tanya is married to  actor Bruce Byron. The two live in London, with their 11-year-old daughter, Lily, and 8-year-old son, Jack. 

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