You hear a lot of talk about “privilege” these days, access or advantages granted to certain people just because of their membership in a social group. What does privilege mean in terms of access to healthy and safe natural settings, and the ability to go on outdoor adventures? My walking therapy colleague Aimee Frazier and… Continue reading Doing the Privilege Walk
Author: Thomas Doherty
Psychologist Thomas Doherty's work on environmental sustainability and health has been featured in publications like the New York Times and in talks worldwide. Thomas consults with individuals and organizations through his business Sustainable Self. He was the founding Director of the Ecopsychology Certificate Program at Lewis & Clark Graduate School and Founding Editor-in-Chief of the peer-reviewed academic journal Ecopsychology. He lives in Portland, Oregon.
The Story of the Climate Change and Happiness Podcast
In late 2019, I began to create a podcast to help people cope with the climate crisis. I had been involved with climate change and mental health issues for many years and had many contacts among researchers and climate change experts. My original plan for “Climate Change and Happiness” was both modest and ambitious. I… Continue reading The Story of the Climate Change and Happiness Podcast
Dr. Thomas Doherty offering a New Series of his Ecotherapy and Climate-Conscious Therapy Consultation Group
New Cohorts of the Ecotherapy and Climate-Conscious Therapy Consultation Group Start on January 19, 2022 The need for training up mental health providers to address the impacts of the climate crisis is growing. In the Pacific Northwest, with the wildfires, smoke, and extreme storms of recent years, climate issues have become an everyday stressor. This… Continue reading Dr. Thomas Doherty offering a New Series of his Ecotherapy and Climate-Conscious Therapy Consultation Group
Thomas Doherty in Prevention Magazine
I spoke with Jake Smith for this article from Prevention on coping with climate anxiety. There were also several good points shared by David H. Rosmarin, Ph.D. an assistant professor in psychology at Harvard Medical School and founder of the Center for Anxiety.
Dr. Thomas Doherty offering Climate Therapy Training for Mental Health Professionals
I am pleased to announce my new Ecotherapy and Climate Therapy Consultation Group for mental health professionals, starting on October 7, 2021. This group will be a resource for a new generation of climate change-conscious healthcare providers looking for expert guidance and peer support for their ecotherapy or climate-focused therapy work.
Walking Therapy and Nature-Based Stress Reduction
When someone asks me, as a psychologist, “Why do you offer walking therapy?” Or “Why would you take therapy outdoors?” I generally respond “Why not do walking therapy? Why not get outside?”
I think of Walking Therapy as an innovative, evidence based practice. In general terms, we know being outdoors is good for our health. We know moving and being physically active is good for our health. We know prolonged sitting and being sedentary is bad for health (on average taking two years off our lives).
For some, climate crisis leads to anxiety, depression and grief – Thomas Doherty on Think Out Loud
Thomas appeared on Oregon Public Broadcasting’s daily Think Out Loud program. Listeners shared personal stories about their emotional challenges coping with Oregon’s changing climate and finding a sense of hope about climate change. Thomas stressed the importance of creating welcoming spaces for people to talk about their thoughts and feelings about environmental issues and learning to work together with others who have different approaches to the climate crisis. Thanks to Julie Sabitier, Rob Manning and Dave Miller at OPB for the invitation
Speaking of Psychology Podcast 138: How to Cope with Climate Anxiety with Dr. Thomas Doherty and Dr. Ashlee Cunsolo
Well-timed for Earth Day, I am pleased to share the new episode of the American Psychological Association’s Speaking of Psychology Podcast. I had the honor of guesting, along with Ashlee Consolo a well-respected Canadian climate change researcher and expert on climate impacts on Inuit people of the far north.
Addressing Climate Change Concerns in Psychology Practice
I was able to collaborate with science writer Melodie Schreiber and group of psychologists and climate researchers to create this article about addressing concerns and distress about the climate crisis —targeted to professional counselors and healthcare providers. These professionals can obtain continuing education credits by studying the article.
Webinar: Moving Forward, Staying Grounded: A Mental Health Toolbox for Climate-Concerned Parents & Activists
A highlight this fall was my webinar for the Families for a Livable Climate group. This Portland-based group brings parents and youth together to take action for climate justice in ways that are accessible, inclusive, informative and inspiring. We had a great discussion. My outline included: Ground Rules for Environmental Talks A Primer on “Environmental… Continue reading Webinar: Moving Forward, Staying Grounded: A Mental Health Toolbox for Climate-Concerned Parents & Activists