Climate Cafe Information

Updated: 10/21/2026

A brief, personal statement:

Some background: I have an undergraduate degree in Natural Science (Physics and Chemistry) from the University of Pennsylvania and then taught high school science for some years before going back to the University to teach methods classes in science teaching. When I came to the Pacific Northwest and entered the University of Washington, I shifted to psycholog and obtained my Ph.D. in 1983. I've been a licensed psychologist in Washington State since 1984 though at this time my practice is quite limited. 

Around 2020 I joined with several colleagues to develop both a local (the Alliance of Climate Therapists - NW) and a national (the Climate Psychology Alliance - NA) collective of therapists aware of and concerned about the emotional toll of the climate problem. The goal in both cases was to help us as clinicians address our own emotions as well as be more knowledgeable and skillful in our work with patients. 

One of the results has been the development of the climate cafe model, where people from all walks of life can find at least the relief of community and conversation. Developed in Great Britain, cafes have no political agenda and  do not promote activism, though it's recognized that anxiety can sometimes be reduced through social and political action. 

My interest now is to work locally to support a shared sense of involvement. People from every place in life are impacted by feelings arising from the issue. Importantly, that also includes those who might be sceptical, since we are all affected by news and events related to the climate irrespective of what we might believe to be the cause. 

Understand that the climate cafes I convene are not a professional activity and do not in any way constitute a form of "therapy." They are simply opportunities to exchange thoughts and feelings with others around a very complex and troubling issue, and which otherwise would lead to isolation and an unfortunate and awkward silence. 

If you would like to learn more about what happens in a cafe or find out where an when one will be taking place, please contact me at climatecafe@proton.me.