Adam Phillips is a renowned British psychotherapist and essayist, widely recognized for his contributions to modern psychology and literature. Born in Cardiff, Wales, in 1954 to a family of second-generation Polish Jews, Phillips grew up surrounded by an extended clan of aunts, uncles, and cousins. His parents instilled in him a strong sense of cultural identity, being "very consciously Jewish but not believing."

As a child, Phillips was fascinated with the study of tropical birds. However, it was during his adolescence that he discovered his passion for literature. He pursued this interest academically, going on to study English at St John's College, Oxford, where he graduated with a third class degree. Phillips' influences are predominantly literary, which has deeply shaped his approach to psychotherapy and writing.

Since 2003, Phillips has served as the general editor of the new Penguin Modern Classics translations of Sigmund Freud. In addition to his editorial work, he is a prolific writer and a regular contributor to the London Review of Books.