A message from Thomas Joseph Doherty
I grew up in Buffalo, New York. I come from a working class background and I am thankful for the opportunities I have had in my life. During college, I studied at Columbia University in New York and University College Galway, Ireland and received a degree in English. After living in the big city, I spent several years working in the American West as a youth counselor, environmentalist, river rafting guide, and wilderness therapy expedition leader. I received my doctorate in psychology from Antioch New England Graduate School in 2002. During my training, I worked with people of all ages and developed a focus on mind-body health. My doctoral research examined the emotional aspects of heart disease for patients in a cardiac rehabilitation clinic. I received training in behavioral medicine and the use of mindfulness mediation in counseling and health care at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center. During my internship at Washington State University, I worked with diverse college and graduate students at the student counseling center.
These days, my practice focuses on helping adults achieve optimal health and sustainable lifestyles, counseling and mentoring adolescents, and supporting parents and families through developmental challenges. I draw on my past experiences in many ways, including helping urban dwellers to foster their connections with nature and integrating literary themes into my counseling work through the use of poetry and movies. Lately, I have explored the concept of personal sustainability through workshops and trainings.
I live in Portland with my wife and daughter I believe that my psychology work contributes in a small way to the city’s quality of life. I feel at home in the Northwest and make an effort to spend time in nature for my fitness and sense of meaning. Some recent outdoor pursuits include improving my telemark skiing and sea kayaking through trial (and much error). We have traded in our second car for a scooter and this provides a fun and economical way to travel in the city. I find yoga, meditation and seasonal consultations with a naturopath to be very helpful in maintaining my health and focus. Over the years, I have also benefited from massage, chiropractic, and rolfing.
I continue to be active in research and am helping to develop local conferences and graduate courses that explore the relationship between mental health, the natural environment, and sustainable lifestyles. I am a member of the Oregon Psychologists for a Sustainable Future and am the past chairperson of the Public Education Committee for the Oregon Psychological Association.
I am inspired by the movement toward “green business” and quality of life that we have in our community. Please contact me if you would like to hear more about my work or visit my blog at personalsustainability.com.