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
Category: Climate Change
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.
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
Are Your Kids Feeling Eco-Anxiety over Climate Change?
[image: Marinel Sheu | Eco Anxiety] I spoke with my friend and colleague Lisa Cohn about children and climate change recently, for an issue of PDX Parent. Lisa and her son Michael, age 11, are co-authors of the “Bash and Lucy” books and audiobooks. Some of Michael’s anxieties about climate change were prompted by the… Continue reading Are Your Kids Feeling Eco-Anxiety over Climate Change?
10 Activities for (Fun) Fall Maintenance for Mental Health and Wellbeing 2019
October 2019 – I am updating my Fall Season Wellbeing post from last year. Its lessons stand the test of time. They also remind me to practice what I preach. But, there are a few updates required. Last year, I gave advice about “handling the November [midterm] election” noting that it was a “politically fraught… Continue reading 10 Activities for (Fun) Fall Maintenance for Mental Health and Wellbeing 2019