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
Category: Health
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
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.
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
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.
Coach’s Circle #77: Thomas Doherty
I have had great connections with fellow researchers, therapists, counselors, coaches and activists this fall. Yes, we have all been coping with the stress of the COVID-19 Pandemic. But, we have maintained our focus on other important issues like climate change, social justice, and the rights of nature. I wanted to share this podcast I… Continue reading Coach’s Circle #77: Thomas Doherty
COVID-19: Access to Nature, Parks and Green Spaces Should be Essential
In our urgency to address the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic in Oregon, many decisions have been made about what qualifies as essential for society and well-being. Over a month into the emergency, and with the 50th Earth Day, I reflect on the role of nature and the outdoors in our lives. How should we… Continue reading COVID-19: Access to Nature, Parks and Green Spaces Should be Essential
Coping with COVID-19: Where your Feelings go, your Thoughts will Follow
Greetings, I wanted to send a brief message out to all my clients and readers. With COVID-19, we have been plunged into an unexpected and unprecedented global crisis. I hope you’re doing as well as you can in terms of your mind, your body, and your relationships. [To follow best public health practices, I’ve moved… Continue reading Coping with COVID-19: Where your Feelings go, your Thoughts will Follow
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?