A Diplomate of the Academy of Cognitive Therapy, Dr. Thoma is an expert in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a problem-focused, empirically based psychotherapy.

Dr. Thoma combines CBT techniques and a warm, empathic approach to teach concrete skills that help patients reduce distress, cope with difficulties, solve life problems, and work toward important personal goals. This can involve cognitive work, assertiveness training, exposure therapy, or other approaches. Dr. Thoma has also been trained in the use of mindfulness meditation techniques, which he employs regularly in his work with patients.

In addition to extensive experience using traditional CBT for a wide variety of diagnoses and patient populations, Dr. Thoma has undergone advanced training in Schema Therapy, a type of CBT developed specifically for resolving chronic mood problems and interpersonal difficulties. Schema Therapy has been shown to be highly effective in a number of clinical trials in helping patients make changes to longstanding relationship patterns, their sense of well-being, and their capacity to pursue a gratifying and meaningful life. Schema Therapy can be particularly helpful for those persons who have encountered substantial adversity early in their lives.

Along with his private practice, Dr. Thoma is a full-time faculty member of Weill Cornell Medical College. He supervises psychiatry residents in conducting CBT and teaches didactics in psychotherapy research. Dr. Thoma has an active program of research focusing on improving the effectiveness of psychotherapy through optimizing combinations of therapist warmth, acceptance, facilitation of emotional expression, and teaching of specific skills that allow patients to develop new ways of seeing themselves and the world. He has authored a variety of scientific articles and given numerous presentations and lectures related to psychotherapy research. Dr. Thoma is currently putting together a book on the various methods of engaging emotion in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

To schedule an appointment, call 212-746-4986. Office hours are Monday through Friday, by appointment only.