Ecopsychologist Thomas Doherty, PhD work in Sustainable Self explores the relationship between mental health, the natural environment, and sustainable lifestyles. He draws on his past experiences, including helping urban dwellers to foster their connections with nature and integrating literary themes into his counseling work through the use of poetry and movies.

Thomas grew up in Buffalo, New York and comes from a working class background. As an undergrad, he studied at Columbia University in New York and University College Galway, Ireland and received a degree in English. After living in the big city, he spent several years working in the American West as a youth counselor, environmentalist, river rafting guide, and wilderness therapy expedition leader. He received his doctorate in psychology from Antioch New England Graduate School in 2002. 

He currently lives in Portland, OR with his wife and daughter and believes that his psychology work contributes to the city’s quality of life. At home in the Northwest, he makes an effort to spend time in nature for fitness and sense of meaning. Thomas is a member of the Oregon Psychologists for a Sustainable Future and is the past chairperson of the Public Education Committee for the Oregon Psychological Association. If you would like to hear more about his work, check out his web site athttp://www.selfsustain.com/ or visit his blog at personalsustainability.com