155: Dr. Thomas Doherty: Ecopsychology Researcher, Therapist and Podcaster
Stories from the Field: Mental Health and the Outdoors
Release Date: 03/09/2022
232: Exploring Outdoor Therapy with David Wynn from Blue Ridge Treks
Stories from the Field: Mental Health and the Outdoors
In this episode Will chats with David Wynn, LCMHC, an outdoor mental health provider from Blue Ridge Treks. David shares his transformative journey from a river guide and camp mentor to a mental health professional, revealing how natural environments play a crucial role in psychological healing. He delves into the power of nature to transcend traditional therapy boundaries, offering clients a unique blend of psychological insight and environmental interaction. David discusses his approach to integrating therapeutic techniques with outdoor experiences, providing profound insights into how...
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231: Surf Therapy: A New Wave in Therapeutic Practices with Cash Lambert
Stories from the Field: Mental Health and the Outdoors
In this compelling episode, Will engages with Cash Lambert about his groundbreaking new book, "Surf Therapy: The Evidence-Based Science for Physical, Mental, and Emotional Well-being." Cash discusses his evolution from a journalism student, initially participating in a surf therapy event to fulfill volunteer hours, to an author dedicated to documenting the profound impacts of surf therapy. His journey began with witnessing the transformative effects of surfing on children with autism, leading to his first book, “Waves of Healing: How Surfing Changes the Lives of Children with Autism” that...
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230: Everest Inc.: Debunking Myths with Author Will Cockrell
Stories from the Field: Mental Health and the Outdoors
In this episode, Will talks with Will Cockrell, author of the new book, "Everest Inc.: The Renegades and Rogues Who Built an Industry at the Top of the World." Cockrell delves into the untold stories of the Everest guiding industry, offering a nuanced perspective that challenges the sensational narratives often associated with Everest. His book presents a counter-narrative, focusing on the complexity of the industry and the passionate individuals involved, rather than the common portrayals of chaos and disaster on the mountain. Cockrell explains his motivations for writing the book,...
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229: Healing in the Outdoors: 'No Child Left Inside” author Bryn Lottig on the Journey to Emotional Well-being
Stories from the Field: Mental Health and the Outdoors
In this episode, Will talks with Bryn Lottig who shares her compelling journey from an aspiring pilot changed by 9/11 to a pioneering force in the field of outdoor experiential education. Through her personal experiences with adversity, including a challenging childhood and a transformative experience with Outward Bound, Bryn discovered her passion for the outdoors and its profound impact on personal development. This realization led her to pursue a career that not only embraces adventure but also utilizes it as a tool for fostering social and emotional growth in individuals. Bryn co-founded ,...
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228: Embark's Closure of New Visions and the Future of Wilderness Therapy
Stories from the Field: Mental Health and the Outdoors
In this special episode, Will sheds light on the upheaval in the wilderness therapy landscape, particularly spotlighting the closure of Embark Behavioral Health's New Visions Wilderness Therapy programs. This narrative delves into the broader implications of private equity's role in the mental health care industry, with a focus on how these financial underpinnings have influenced the recent pivot away from wilderness therapy models, especially in the context of adolescent treatment. The episode underscores the closure of not just New Visions in Wisconsin and Deschutes Wilderness Therapy but...
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227: From Military to Mindfulness: Tripp Johnson's Journey to Behavioral Healthcare Innovation
Stories from the Field: Mental Health and the Outdoors
In this enlightening conversation, Will talks with Tripp Johnson who shares his unique journey into behavioral healthcare and his evolution into a social entrepreneur. His accidental entry into the field, catalyzed by personal challenges with alcohol and a transformative exploration of mindfulness and yoga, marks the start of his commitment to improving mental health care. Tripp discusses his foundational experiences, including his time at West Point, his military service, and his eventual pivot towards integrating his passion for holistic wellness into his professional life. This journey led...
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226: From Addiction to Adventure: How Nature Transforms Lives with Nate Bennick
Stories from the Field: Mental Health and the Outdoors
In this episode Will sits down with Nate Bennick, the National Field Director for Adventure Recovery, to dive into the transformative power of combining mental health treatment with outdoor adventures. Nate shares his personal journey from battling addiction to finding solace and strength in the wilderness, leading him to his role in Adventure Recovery. Nate's story exemplifies the impact of nature-based immersions and adventure in fostering recovery and self-discovery, resonating with anyone looking for a path to healing outside the conventional therapy rooms. Nate shares his story from...
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225: Embracing Adventure for Recovery: The Foundation House Experience
Stories from the Field: Mental Health and the Outdoors
In this episode Will talks with Dan Schmader, the Program Director at , to delve into the therapeutic integration of outdoor activities in the realm of mental health and addiction recovery. Schmader unveils the unique approach of Foundation House, located in Portland, Maine, emphasizing its dedication to males aged 17 to 35. He outlines the transition journey of residents from structured care environments to a blend of Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP), all while residing in a sober living house. Schmader highlights the program's success in...
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224: Navigating Controversy: Dr. Madolyn Liebing's Take on Wilderness Therapy's Future and Addiction Treatment in Outdoor Settings
Stories from the Field: Mental Health and the Outdoors
In this enlightening episode Will sits down with Dr. Madolyn Liebing, a historical figure in the wilderness therapy field and the clinical director at . Dr. Liebing provides an in-depth look at their blended program for adults, which combines intensive clinical therapy with experiential outdoor adventures, designed to support smoother transitions for clients into their communities. She discusses the therapeutic modalities employed, such as EMDR and emotion-focused therapy, and underscores the importance of addressing trauma, substance abuse, and family dynamics within a nurturing, natural...
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223: Recovery in the Outdoors: Roy DuPrez's Journey to Sobriety and the Back2Basics Story
Stories from the Field: Mental Health and the Outdoors
In this episode Will sits down with Roy DuPrez, CEO and Founder of , an outdoor-based recovery program in Arizona. Roy shares his personal journey of recovery, beginning with his early struggles with alcohol and substance abuse in Venice Beach, California. He describes the allure of alcohol in his youth, influenced by his social environment and the perception of success and attractiveness associated with drinking. Roy's journey through addiction led to various consequences, including legal troubles and professional setbacks. Moving to Flagstaff, Arizona, for a fresh start, Roy found a...
info_outlineDr. Thomas Doherty is one of the foremost authorities on Ecopsychology and is a widely sought-after researcher and speaker on how climate change impacts mental health. He is the co-host of the new podcast, Climate Change and Happiness, and has a private practice in Portland, Oregon. Thomas shares his early career highlights of being a field guide in a wilderness therapy program for inner-city youth in Arizona and a therapist in a wilderness therapy program in Oregon. Thomas discusses how he transitioned to Ecopsychology and dives into the differences between Ecotherapy, Wilderness Therapy, and Adventure Therapy and how climate change impacts mental health.
Link to "Climate Change Enters the Therapy Room" New York Times article that Thomas is profiled in.
Link to Ministry of for the Future book mentioned in this episode.
Link to Thomas's website.
Bio from website:
About: Dr. Thomas J. Doherty is a psychologist from Portland, Oregon who specializes in applying an environmental perspective to mental health and well-being. Thomas provides individual and couples services through his business Sustainable Self, and also consults about climate change, health and wellbeing to groups and organizations.
Therapy Approach: Thomas Doherty’s approach with individuals is highly interactive and positively-focused. He integrates techniques that have been demonstrated to be effective into a unique plan for each client. A collaborative relationship with clear feedback is at the core of the work. See client testimonials.
Research and Teaching: Thomas Doherty is a fellow of the American Psychological Association and Past President of the Society for Environmental, Population and Conservation Psychology. He has multiple publications and professional presentations on nature, mental health and well-being; his groundbreaking paper on the psychological impacts of global climate change, co-authored by Susan Clayton has been cited over 700 times. Thomas Doherty was an adjunct professor at the Lewis & Clark Graduate School of Education and Counseling in Portland where he founded one of the first environmentally-focused certificate programs for mental health counselors and therapists. Thomas was also the founding editor of the peer-reviewed interdisciplinary academic journal Ecopsychology.
Presentations and Workshops: Thomas Doherty has provided workshops and trainings for the Technology Association of Oregon, US National Park Service, the New Zealand Department of Conservation, the American Psychological Association, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the Oregon and California Department of Health.
Background: Thomas is originally from Buffalo, New York and received his BA from Columbia University and Psy.D. in Psychology from Antioch New England Graduate School. In addition to his psychology training, Thomas draws on his professional leadership experience and early career adventures as a wilderness therapy and professional whitewater rafting guide, and as an environmental advocate for Greenpeace. Thomas lost his wife to breast cancer in 2017. He lives in Portland with his daughter.
Read and Listen to Thomas Doherty on his Personal Sustainability blog and his podcast Climate Change and Happiness.