About Personal Sustainability …

Personal Sustainability explores the personal and professional aspects of sustainability, recent events at Sustainable Self, and the work of Dr. Thomas Joseph Doherty. As a human services and consulting business, Sustainable Self focuses on implementing green practices for individuals as well as companies and communities. Sustainable Self provides expert consultation on well-being and behavior change and specializes in serving clients with ecological values.

About Thomas Doherty …

Thomas Joseph Doherty, Psy.D.

Dr. Thomas Joseph Doherty is an expert in the emerging field of ecopsychology and is a bridge between the world of scientific research and the world of therapy and action. Ecopsychology advances our understanding of mind, emotions, behavior and identity in the context of humankind’s interrelationships with global ecology and the natural world. Doherty is the Editor-in-Chief of the journal Ecopsychology, the first peer-reviewed journal dedicated to “the relationship between environmental issues and mental health and well-being.” He is also Coordinator of the Ecopsychology Studies Program at the Lewis & Clark Graduate School of Counseling. Doherty recently helped author the American Psychological Association’s report on the Interface Between Psychology and Global Climate Change. In addition to providing coaching and counseling to individuals, Doherty consults on leadership, behavior change, and culture building for socially-responsible businesses and organizations.

The New York Times calls Doherty “the most prominent American advocate of a growing discipline known as ‘ecopsychology.’” The field analyzes the emotional costs of ecological decline: anxiety, despair, numbness, a sense of being overwhelmed or powerless, and grief.

Doherty uses his expertise about psychology and behavior change to help individuals and organizations become more healthy and productive. Through his counseling and consulting business, Sustainable Self, he specializes in serving clients with ecological and socially conscious values. His work inspires insight, compassion and empowerment in people, and guides a new generation of sustainable individuals and organizations.

Thomas on Mount Adams

After studies at Columbia University in New York and University College Galway, Ireland, he spent several years working in the American West including two seasons as a professional rafting guide in Grand Canyon, leading 21-day wilderness therapy expeditions in the Northwest, and working as a fundraiser for Greenpeace. Doherty received his doctorate in clinical psychology from Antioch New England Graduate School in 2002. He received training in behavioral medicine and the use of mindfulness meditation in counseling and health care at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center.

Doherty’s work focuses on helping adults achieve optimal health and sustainable lifestyles. He draws on his past experiences in many ways, 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. Doherty explores the concept of personal sustainability through workshops and trainings.

Doherty’s work has been featured in The New York Times, the Portland Oregonian, New Hampshire Public Radio, Sustainability: The Journal of Record, Common Ground, Alternative and Complementary Therapies and the Monitor on Psychology.

Doherty is an engaging and sought-after public speaker who has presented talks and workshops to professional organizations, universities, businesses, and community groups such as the Association of Oregon Recyclers, Natural Step USA, New Seasons Markets, and the Climate Master Program. The hallmarks of Doherty’s talks include his ability to connect with individuals , honor their values, create a sense of teamwork and collaboration, and promote a positive and optimistic outlook regarding challenges like environmental problems and climate change. Thomas has presented to organizations

He lives in Portland, Oregon with his wife and daughter.