Personal Statement

My current work focuses on the diverse ways that people think about human-nature relationships and ecological issues. I see myself as a bridge, facilitating relationships and dialogue. By sharing this work with my students, I help them to expand their conception of what it means to be human on this planet at this time.

Professional Biography

Thomas Joseph Doherty is a psychologist in Portland, Oregon who specializes in working with individuals and organizations with ecological values. He directs Sustainable Self, LLC, and is associate coordinator of Ecopsychology Studies at the Lewis & Clark Graduate School of Education and Counseling. Thomas is editor-in-chief of the journal Ecopsychology and a member of the American Psychological Association’s Climate Change Task Force.

Thomas grew up in Buffalo, New York. His early career included work as a wilderness therapy expedition leader and professional river-rafting guide in the Grand Canyon. Thomas received his BA from Columbia University and doctorate in clinical psychology from Antioch New England Graduate School. His doctoral research examined the emotions and life changes of people recovering from heart disease. Thomas' work has been featured in publications such as the Oregonian, The New York Times, and Sustainability. He lives with his wife and daughter in Northeast Portland.

Current Projects

Ecopsychology allows us to view identity, emotions, relationships, and human development through the lens of ecology. My current interests include applying the concept of sustainability to personal health and identity, promoting motivation for social and environmental change agents, using wilderness experiences for therapy and personal growth, and integrating holistic and empirical perspectives on the psychology human-nature relationships.

Links

Sustainable Self

Ecopsychology Journal

American Psychological Association Climate Change Task Force Report

Publications and Presentations

Doherty, T. J. (2009). Editorial: A peer reviewed journal for Ecopsychology. Ecopsychology, 1  
 
Clayton, S. Doherty, T. J., Gifford, R. Howard, G. Swim, J. K. (2009). APA task force on psychology and global climate change – Perspectives of task force members. Symposium, American Psychological Association Annual Conference, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

American Psychological Association Task Force on the Interface Between Psychology and Global Climate Change (2009). Report: Psychology and Global Climate Change:  Addressing a Multi-faceted Phenomenon and Set of Challenges.  

Doherty, T. J. et al. (August, 2008). Psychologists' contributions to health and resilience in conservation settings. Symposium, American Psychological Association Annual Conference, Boston, MA.   

Doherty, T. J. (August, 2007). Nurturing the Sustainable Self: Talking to clients about environmental issues. Paper session, American Psychological Association Annual Conference, San Francisco, CA

Academic Credentials

B.A.	1987	Columbia University
Psy.D.	2002	Antioch New England Graduate School