Dr. Lucas Derks is a Dutch social psychologist best known for developing Mental Space Psychology and the Social Panorama Model. Born on November 19, 1950, in Oosterbeek, he began his professional career as a graphic designer and visual artist before turning to psychology. In 1976, he began studying social psychology, which he completed in 1982. During his studies, he discovered Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) in 1977 and completed his NLP Practitioner training at the New York Training Institute for NLP in 1983. In 1985, he obtained his NLP Master Practitioner certification at the Institute for Eclectic Psychology in Nijmegen. Since 1986, Dr. Derks has been fully dedicated to NLP research and practice. In 1993, he developed the Social Panorama Model, a tool for analyzing and transforming unconscious mental representations of social relationships. This model helps to understand and consciously influence interpersonal dynamics. In 2000, together with Wolfgang Walker and Walter Ötsch, he founded the International Laboratory for Mental Space Research (ILMSR), dedicated to exploring mental space concepts across disciplines. In 2012, he initiated the Society for Mental Space Psychology (SOMSP) to create a platform for enthusiasts and promote scientific research in this area. Dr. Derks is a prolific author with numerous publications on NLP, Mental Space Psychology, and the Social Panorama Model. His works have been translated into several languages and are internationally recognized. He is also a sought-after speaker and trainer, sharing his expertise worldwide in lectures and workshops. His research and practice have significantly deepened the understanding of mental representations and their impact on human behavior and relationships. Through his work, he provides valuable tools for therapists, coaches, and counselors to facilitate effective change in their clients.