Biography
Dr. Thomas Kavanagh is a New Jersey licensed psychologist, a certified EMDR therapist by the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA), and a certified clinical trauma professional by the International Association of Trauma Professionals.
Dr. Kavanagh received his doctorate in psychology from Rutgers University Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology. His continuing education includes advanced training with leading experts in the field of psychotherapy, with over 100 hours of participation in conferences sponsored by Harvard Medical School/Cambridge Health Alliance, and over 100 hours from the EMDR Institute of Greater Washington.
At Rutgers, Dr. Kavanagh received training in psychotherapy from the late Dr. Arnold Lazarus, who was considered a pioneer in the field of modern psychotherapy. Dr. Lazarus developed Multimodal Therapy which has been recognized as one of the most effective forms of cognitive-behavior therapy. During Dr. Kavanagh’s doctoral studies, he co-authored an article with Dr. David Hescheles entitled Technical Eclecticism and Open Case Consultation: A Psychotherapeutic Training Model.
In addition to his private practice, Dr. Kavanagh has worked in a Community Mental Health Center and a corporate Employee Assistance Program, provided psychological services to public and private schools, and taught in a psychology doctoral program. Dr. Kavanagh has also provided outpatient psychotherapy to survivors of sexual abuse.
As the author of several state and federal grants, Dr. Kavanagh has testified before a Subcommittee of the U.S. House of Representatives on the issue of Adolescent Suicide Clustering. He also testified before both the U.S. House of Representatives and a U.S. Senate Subcommittee regarding community/school-based intervention programs for high risk youth.
Dr. Kavanagh has been a presenter or panelist at national and state conferences for various professional organizations including the American Psychological Association, American Orthopsychiatric Association and Council for Exceptional Children. He is a member of the American Psychological Association, Illinois Psychological Association, New Jersey Psychological Association, New Jersey Association of Cognitive Behavioral Therapists, International Association of Trauma Professionals, and the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA). In addition, he is a member of the American Psychological Association’s Division of Psychotherapy.
Dr. Kavanagh is married, the father of six children, and has worked in Bergen County for over thirty years. He considers his wife and children his best teachers.