Thomas Whitfield, PhD

I specialize in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) for a range of presenting issues including anxiety, depression, and trauma.

As a therapist, I pride myself on providing a sturdy and supportive platform for my patients to explore the internal and external obstacles that stop them from reaching their life's desires. You and I will work to foster life-long change by challenging unhelpful thinking and behavioral patterns in an environment that always offers warmth, empathy, and safety. Side-by-side we will examine the here and now of your life while diving deeper and revealing your most authentic self. The only way out is through. We will work collaboratively to get you exactly where you want to be.

My Approach

Primarily I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) skills and techniques, however I believe effective therapy cannot be cookie cutter and I deeply value collaboration with my patients on their treatment decisions. Other methods I often bring into the therapy room include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Rational-Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT), and mindfulness approaches. For individuals who have experienced trauma (including but not limited to: physical, sexual, accidental, etc.), I have received extensive training in Written Exposure Therapy (WET), Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PET), and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). For many people this may sound like a lot of jargon, which is completely understandable. One of the first goals of our work together will be to help you figure out what's best for you in the here and now.

Professional Background

I completed my Doctorate in Health Psychology and Clinical Science at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York in New York City. I have worked in a variety of settings and have experience with diverse populations in outpatient, inpatient, hospital, and university settings. I have worked with many adults from various backgrounds who have required both short- and long-term therapy. These differing experiences have helped me to cater my techniques and treatments to meet the needs of all individuals. In addition to my Ph.D., I also hold two Master's degrees, one in Psychology and the other in Philosophy.

Along with completion of my clinical training, I have published numerous studies in international scientific peer-reviewed journals. Much of the research and intervention development I've been involved in has revolved around helping minority populations and couples manage their sexual health and build intimacy. My dissertation research was funded by the National Institute of Mental Health and is published in part in Archives of Sexual Behavior.