What is Eco Anxiety? An Interview with Dr. Thomas Doherty

Curt and Katie interview Dr. Thomas Doherty about Eco Anxiety. We look at the history of eco anxiety, what therapists should know about the environment, the concept of environmental identity, and how we can support clients with Eco Anxiety in therapy. We look at ways to bring these topics up with our clients as well as empower them to take action.

An Interview with Dr. Thomas J. Doherty

Thomas is a clinical and environmental psychologist based in Portland, Oregon, USA. His multiple publications on nature and mental health include the groundbreaking paper “The Psychological Impacts of Global Climate Change,” co-authored by Susan Clayton, cited over 700 times. Thomas is a fellow of the American Psychological Association (APA), Past President of the Society for Environmental, Population and Conservation Psychology, and Founding Editor of the academic journal Ecopsychology. Thomas was a member of the APA’s first Task Force on Global Climate Change and founded one of the first environmentally-focused certificate programs for mental health counselors in the US at Lewis & Clark Graduate School. Thomas is originally from Buffalo, New York.

In this podcast episode we talk about what therapists should know about Eco Anxiety

In preparation for Earth Day, we wanted to understand more about Eco Anxiety and what therapists can do to support our clients and the planet.

What is Eco Anxiety?

What Should Therapists Know About the Environment?

What is your Environmental Identity?

How Can We Support Clients with Eco Anxiety in Therapy?

Resources for Modern Therapists mentioned in this Podcast Episode:

We’ve pulled together resources mentioned in this episode and put together some handy-dandy links. Please note that some of the links below may be affiliate links, so if you purchase after clicking below, we may get a little bit of cash in our pockets. We thank you in advance! Dr. Thomas Doherty's Practice Sustainable Self

Climate Change and Happiness Podcast

Dr. Thomas Doherty’s Consultation and Training Program on the Environment

The Psychological Impacts of Global Climate Change by Thomas J. Doherty and Susan Clayton

NY Times: Climate Change Enters the Therapy Room

Climate Psychology Alliance

Project Draw Down

Relevant Episodes of MTSG Podcast:

What’s New in the DSM-5-TR with Dr. Michael B. First

What You Should Know About Walk and Talk Therapy part 1

What You Should Know About Walk and Talk Therapy part 2 (Law and Ethics)

Shared Traumatic Experiences