Source: Thomas Doherty works at the Intersection of Psychology and Environmental Science Delia O'Hara | June 7, 2018 For APA Fellow Thomas Doherty, sustainability, and the psychology of climate change, have become a big part of his focus. Clinical psychologist Thomas Doherty has coined a term — "climate hostages" — to describe people who feel the [...]
This article was originally posted by Dr. Thomas Doherty in 2017. "Ground Hog Day" is always on February 2. The forecast is cloudy for the Pacific Northwest tomorrow, so likely to be challenging for people or other mammals to see their shadow! Think about the time around Groundhog Day as opportunity to celebrate that you made it [...]
Source: Mental Health and Our Changing Climate: Impacts, Implications, and Guidance "Any of the interlinked problems within climate change—poverty, inequality, loss of treasured places, species extinction, threats to our well-being or livelihood—can hook us emotionally and intellectually.These issues lead to feelings of curiosity and insight, as well as fatigue and despair. Clinicians can help individuals [...]
If we can call on an ability to remain present, this increases our options. We can be more resourceful. We can act rather than react. You practice mindfulness so that this state becomes more common in your life. Mindfulness, as in “mindfulness meditation,” has been defined simply as “paying attention, on purpose, in the [...]
"Ideally your office should have a clean, living, generative sense—one that fosters a renewed sense of physical vitality, alertness and creativity for your clients and yourself..." At the 2013 American Psychological Association (APA) Meeting, I provided a therapist's perspective at presentation "Design of the Psychotherapist's Office – Lessons from Research and Experience." During [...]
The story goes that during Reverend Martin Luther King’s famous speech at the March at Washington on August 28, 1963, the gospel singer Mahalia Jackson shouted to Rev. King, “Tell them about the dream, Martin!” at which point King set aside his prepared notes to improvise the famous, “I have a dream…” section of his speech. [...]
Think about the time around Groundhog Day as opportunity to celebrate that you made it through the darkest period of winter. Imagine seeds of inspiration that are stirring within you. Take time to celebrate ancient, Earth-based holidays. It’s an ideal way synchronize your mental health with the seasons of the year and the cycles of [...]
Life is short. Most of us must work to support ourselves. How can we design our careers so that we can have the most positive impact on the world? The Effective Altruism movement came up on my radar recently. (Maybe through my various research about the concept of the Social Contract?) Effective Altruism tries to [...]
Thomas Doherty was featured in the July Health Section of Portland Monthly Magazine and mentioned in Zach Dundas' editor's note, Living the Good Life, PDX-Style. Thomas discusses how connecting with nature make us healthier and that time outdoors correlates with mental health. Thomas talks about ecopsyhcology and personal sustainability which includes getting enough rest and exercise. Thomas [...]
Thomas Doherty was highlighted in recent National Action Plan for Educating for Sustainability produced by The Center for Green Schools. Thomas Doherty was named as an "industry leader" in the Research section of the report (p.26) and quoted:"As Dr. Thomas Doherty, President of the American Psychological Association’s Division 34 (Environmental, Population, and Conservation Psychology) observes: 'The idea of Education for [...]
