Accreditations
Specialist in positive psychology
Skilled in a wide variety of innovative treatment modalities,
including group psychotherapy, role-playing, Gestalt, psychodrama, sociodrama, and positive psychotherapy.
Highly sought-after keynote speaker and workshop leader
Experienced in development and delivery of Internet-based learning programs.
Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with students, faculty, administrators, editorial boards, clinicians, and trainees.
Creative, award-winning, dedicated educator and clinician with strong interpersonal, organizational, supervision, and communication qualities.
30 years of successful clinical and academic experience
DEGREES
University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, MAPP, Masters of Applied Positive Psychology, 2012
World’s first degree program in positive psychology. Developing research designs for measuring positivity in IBT groups and experiential workshops and organizing evidenced-based, general public narrative, nonfiction book proposal on positive psychology.
New School University, New York, N.Y.,MFA, Master of Fine Arts/Non-Fiction Writing, 2001
(University Chapbook winner in nonfiction)
Yeshiva University, New York, N.Y., Ph.D., Developmental Psychology, 1981
Dissertation: Effect of Bizarre Imagery on Memory as a Function of Cognitive Maturity
(Post-doctoral retraining in counseling psychology for licensure in New Jersey)
Fairleigh Dickinson University,Teaneck, N.J., Master of Arts in Developmental Psychology, 1975
Springfield College, Springfield, MA, Bachelor of Science in Psychology, 1973
CERTIFICATIONS & LICENSES
New Jersey Licensed Psychologist #2207
National Association for Dual Diagnosis Competency-Based Clinical Certification (NADD-CC)
Am. Board of Examiners in Psychodrama, Sociometry, and Group Psychotherapy, Trainer Education Practitioner (Developed, train, and supervise a training program for graduate students and therapists seeking certification.)
Developmental Resources Corporation, Certified in Gentle Teaching
APA Professional College, Certificate of Proficiency in Alcoholism and Addictive Disorders (Renewable)
National Register of Group Psychotherapists, Certified Group Psychotherapist (Renewable)
ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE
Academic Director / Core Faculty, Spirituality Mind Body Institute, 2020-present. The Spirituality Mind Body (SMB), Master of Arts Degree Program at Teachers College, Columbia University is the first Ivy League graduate program dedicated to merging spirituality and evidence-based research within the context of clinical psychology.
Columbia University, Teachers College, Core Faculty Spirituality Mind Body Institute, 2017-present Created and teach the Optimal Well-Being concentration within the SMBI program.
Columbia University, Teachers College, Adjunct Assistant Professor of Psychology and Education, Department of Counseling and Clinical Psychology, 2016- present. Develop and teach 2 graduate courses in positive psychology/ positive interventions for treatment.
University of Pennsylvania, Assistant Instructor for Martin Seligman, Masters of Applied Positive Psychology, 2012-present. World’s first positive psychology degree program; developed by Martin Seligman, the Father of Positive Psychology. Assistant Instructor for James Pawelski, Director of Education and Senior Scholar Positive Psychology Center. Grade all class papers and mentor capstones for both courses.
New Jersey City University, Jersey City, N.J.,Faculty Associate Professor, 2001-2016
Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in psychology, including all phases of developmental psychology and group psychotherapy. Developed and teach the department’s first Web-enhanced online courses. Recently developed and taught a new graduate course on Supervision for Group Therapists. Designed and teach an undergraduate course in Positive Psychology. This is the first such course at the university level in the state of New Jersey.
Monmouth University, West Long Branch, N.J., Adjunct Professor, 1998-2004
Prepared lesson plans for a Group Process and Personality Development, and Group Psychotherapy courses at this private college. These are graduate-level experiential courses in group dynamics for the psychology and social work departments. Designed self-study interaction classes to foster a productive learning environment.
Brookdale College, Lincroft, N.J., Full Professor, 1980-2001
Planned, designed, and implemented introductory through advanced psychology courses (Human Development, Family Pathology, Group Dynamics, etc.) and researched, evaluated, and selected the supplemental educational materials, as well as created highly successful courses (including a Web-enhanced group dynamics class) and continuing education workshops for human service workers, therapists, certified alcoholism counselors, and other healthcare professionals (including care for the caregiver workshops).
Served as co-director for the college’s Human Service Program, developed and implemented interim programs, including a Certified Alcoholism Counseling Program, and reviewed internship requirements with 150+ agencies. Increased program participation in the Psychology Department through individualized instruction, effective teaching techniques, and the development of innovative programs.
Kripalu Center, Lenox, MA
Faculty for workshops on transpersonal psychology and psycho-spiritual development.
TEACHING FELLOWSHIPS
Princeton University, Princeton, N.J., Visiting Faculty, 1998-1999
Selected to participate in a yearlong teaching fellowship program: partnered with prominent social psychologist John Darley, Ph.D., to investigate the use of role-playing in teaching negotiating strategies. Designed innovative action methods to increase students’ understanding of cultural differences during negotiations. (See publication Culture in Action: Diversity Training with a Cultural Double The International Journal of Action Methods: Psychodrama, Skill Training, and Role Playing Vol 53, #2, 51-65.)
CLINICAL & CONSULTING EXPERIENCE
Private Practice, Red Bank, N.J., Licensed Psychologist, 1986-present
Provide individual, couple, and group therapy using a wide range of treatment modalities, including psychodrama and sociodrama techniques. Specialize in group psychotherapy with various populations, couple work, and individual psychotherapy. Extensive research, consulting, and clinical work with individuals with intellectual disabilities and psychiatric involvement: Dual diagnosis.
Rutgers University/Robert Woods Johnson, N.J. System of Care
Ongoing clinical staff training
Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College, Dubois, WY
Clinical Expert in Psychodrama 2014-2015
(Working to help trial lawyers with voir dire, opening statements, and closing arguments)
ServiceNet, Amherst, MA
Consultations for clinical staff on group process and positive psychotherapy.
Saskatoon Teacher’s Education Association, Saskatchewan, Canada
Consultation of implementing features of positive education and positive parenting.
YAI National Institute for People with Disabilities, Psychological Consultant, 1990-2011
Conducted monthly training workshops for the largest service provider for this population in the United States.
State Divisions of Developmental Disabilities/Human Service Agencies/School Systems, Psychological Consultant/Trainer, 1986–present
Staff training consultant throughout the United States. Consultant for numerous agencies, including the Easter Seal Society, Center for Humanistic Change, ServiceNet, Ocean County ARC, Bergen-Passaic ARC, and Carrier Foundation. Also consult for various state mental health agencies.
Monmouth ARC, Psychological Consultant Group Therapy Trainer, 1985-2001
Designed client-centered behavior management programs for mentally retarded and dually diagnosed adults, developed staff training programs, and authored the agency’s behavioral management training manual.
Long Island Jewish Hospital, Research Project Consultant, 1996-1997
Implemented the Interactive-Behavioral Model of Group Psychotherapy, developed training programs for professional group therapists, assisted in the development of study design, and performed statistical analysis.
Carrier Foundation Day School, Psychological Consultant, 1988-1989
Trained group facilitators on theory/techniques in action-oriented psycho-educational groups for adolescents.
Riverview Medical Center, Red Bank, N.J.,Staff Psychologist/Group Psychodramatist, 1984-1986
Co-facilitated a group therapy process for psychiatric outpatients.
Young Adult Institute, Group Home Manager, 1979-1980
Managed and coordinated daily activities for a residential facility with patients classified as intellectually disabled. Supervised and trained a staff of 30 professional and paraprofessional employees.
Association for Retarded Citizens (renamed ARC), Director/Grant Writer, Work Activity Training Center, 1974-1979
Served as director for the Title XX grant-funded program.
POSITIONS HELD
Guest Editor Fall 2015, New Jersey Psychologist Special Edition on Positive Psychology
Feature Columnist, Well-Being and Positive Education Two River Times
Lifedojo Scriptwriter, The Science of Happiness
Expert Blogger on Depression, Answers.com
Expert blogger on well-being lifestyle, Healthyway.com
Continuing Education Credit Course Developer, Positive Psychology (6 CEU reading course) Health Forum Online
Daily Columnist, Ask The Therapist, PsychCentral.com (over 2400 publications)
Monthly Columnist, Proof Positive, PsychCentral.com, application of research in positive psychology for the general public. (recent 50 articles listed: http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/author/danielt/)
Expert blogger on Group Psychotherapy, The Healing Crowd, Psychology Today
Executive Editor, Psychodrama, Sociometry and Group Psychotherapy, 2010-2012. Primary responsibilities included establishing guidelines, reviewing manuscripts, and setting policy for this new peer reviewed journal.
Secretary, Board of Trustees, N.J. YAI - National Inst. for People with Disabilities, 1998-2010
Executive Counsel, American Society for Group Psychotherapy and Psychodrama, 2004-2008
Fellow, American Society for Group Psychotherapy and Psychodrama, 1997-present
Consulting Editor, Mental Health Aspects of Developmental Disabilities, 1995-2008
Consulting Editor, Journal of Group Psychotherapy, Sociometry and Psychodrama, 1992-2010
Member Board of Directors, National Association for Dual Diagnoses, 2001-2002
Faculty Advisor, Brookdale Children's Center, 1986-2001
President, New Jersey Society for Group Psychotherapy and Psychodrama, 1993-1995
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
American Psychological Association, Member, Division 33- Member, Division 49 Group Dynamics; Member Div 46 Media Psychology
American Society for Group Psychotherapy/Psychodrama, Fellow
National Association for Dually Diagnosed, Member (former board member)
New Jersey Society for Group Psychotherapy and Psychodrama, President 1993-1995
New Jersey Psychological Association, Member (Guest Editor/ Positive Psychology Fall 2015)
International Positive Psychology Association, Member
PUBLICATIONS
Tomasulo, D. (2020). Learned Hopefulness: The Power of Positivity to Overcome Depression. New Harbinger Publications.
Tomasulo D.J. (2019) The Virtual Gratitude Visit (VGV): Using Psychodrama and Role-Playing as a Positive Intervention. In: Van Zyl L., Rothmann Sr. S. (eds) Positive Psychological Intervention Design and Protocols for Multi-Cultural Contexts. Springer, Cham
Tomasulo, D. J. (2019). A Happier Balance: Positive Interventions for Intentional Well-Being in Psychotherapy. In Scientific Concepts Behind Happiness, Kindness, and Empathy in Contemporary Society (pp. 91-111). IGI Global.
Szucs, A., Schau, C., Muscara, K., & Tomasulo, D. (2019) Character Strength Activation for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Using Video Feedback in Groups. Journal of Education and Learning; Vol. 8, No. 1; 2019
Tomasulo, D., (2018) American Snake Pit: Hope, Grit, and Resilience in the Wake of Willowbrook, Fairfax, VA, Stillhouse Press
Shogren, K. A., Niemiec, R. M., Tomasulo, D., & Khamsi, S. (2017). Character Strengths. In Handbook of Positive Psychology in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities(pp. 189-199). Springer, Cham
Tomasulo, D., Szucs, A (2016).The ACTing Cure: Evidence-based group treatment for people with intellectual disabilities. Drmatherapy.DOI:10.1080/02630672.2016.1162824
To link to this article: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02630672.2016.1162824
Razza, N. & Tomasulo, D. (2016), Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, Diagnostic Manual - Intellectual Disability (DM-ID): A Textbook of Diagnosis of Mental Disorders in Persons with Intellectual Disability, Kingston, NY: NADD Press
Tomasulo, D. (2015). Perspective: Giving up when you can’t cut the mustard. In Polly, S. & Britton, K. H. (Eds.) (2015). Character Strengths Matter: How to Live a Full Life(Positive Psychology News). Positive Psychology News
Tomasulo, D. (2015), Inside. In Lee Gutkind (Ed.) Same Time Next Week: True Stories of Working Through Mental Illness (53-67).Pittsburgh, PA, In Fact Books
Tomasulo, D. (2014). Positive group psychotherapy modified for adults with intellectual disabilities. Journal of Intellectual Disabilities, 1744629514552153
Razza, N., Schwartz Dayan, L., Tomasulo, D., & S. Ballan, M. (2014). Intellectual disability and mental health: is psychology prepared?. Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities, 8(6), 381-389.
Tomasulo, D. & Pawelski, J. (2012), Happily Ever After: The Use of Stories to Promote Positive Interventions, Psychology, 3, 1189-1195. doi: 10.4236/psych.2012.312A176
Tomasulo, D. & Razza, N. (2011),Empirically Validated Treatment - Evidenced-Based Application of Psychodrama in Interactive-Behavioral Therapy, The Journal of Psychodrama, Sociometry and Group Psychotherapy, 2011, Vol. 60, No.1
Razza, N., Tomasulo, D. J., &Sosbey, R. (2011), Group Psychotherapy for Trauma-related Disorders in People with Intellectual disabilities Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities Volume 5, issue 5.
Razza, N. & Tomasulo, D. J. (2011), Group Psychotherapy with Trauma Survivors Who Have Intellectual Disabilities, In R. Fletcher (Ed.), Psychotherapy for Individuals with Intellectual Disability, Kingston, NY: NADD
Tomasulo, D. J. (2011), Ask The Therapist(Daily Column) http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2010/03/26/welcoming-dr-daniel-tomasulo-to-ask-the-therapist/
Tomasulo, D. J. (2011), Proof Positive (Bi-monthly Column) Application of research in positive psychology for the general public.http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/category/proof-positive/
Tomasulo, D. J. (2010), Healing with Dreams in Psychodramatic Therapy, Dream Semanticshttp://www.dreamsemantics.com/2010/03/22/healing-with-dreams-in-psychodramatic-therapy/
Tomasulo, D. J. and Razza, N. J. (2009), Empirical Validation of IBT for Clients with Intellectual Disabilities The Group PsychologistNovember 2009, Vol. 19, No. 3
Tomasulo, D. J. (2008), Confessions of a Former Child: A Therapist’s Memoir, Mineapolis, MN. Graywolf
Tomasulo, D. J. and Razza, N. J. (2007), Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (2007), In Fletcher, R., Loschen, E., Stavrakaki, C., & First, M. (Eds.), Diagnostic Manual - Intellectual Disability (DM-ID): A Textbook of Diagnosis of Mental Disorders in Persons with Intellectual Disability. (Chapter 21) Kingston, NY: NADD Press
Tomasulo, D.J. and Razza, N.J.(2007) Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (2007). In Fletcher, R., Loschen, E., Stavrakaki, C., & First, M. (Eds.), Diagnostic Manual - Intellectual Disability (DM-ID): A Clinical Guide for Diagnosis of Mental Disorders in Persons with Intellectual Disability. Kingston, NY: NADD Press
Tomasulo, D. (2006), Group Psychotherapy for People with Intellectual Disabilities: The Interactive-Behavioral Model Journal of Group Psychotherapy, Psychodrama and Sociometry Vol.59, #2
Razza, N. & Tomasulo, D. (2005), Group Dynamics in the Treatment of People with Intellectual Disabilities: Optimizing Therapeutic Gain, Mental Health Aspects of Developmental Disabilities Mental Health Aspects Developmental Disability 2005;8(1):22-28
Razza, N.& Tomasulo, D. (2005), Healing Trauma: The Power of Group Treatment for People with Intellectual Disabilities Washington, D.C., American Psychological Association
Tomasulo, D. (2004), Kettle of Fish, Chapbook competition winner, New School University, New York
Tomasulo, D. (2002), Momma and the Meaning of Life Academic Forum Vol. 10 (2), 20-24.
Tomasulo, D. (2002), Stopping the Caregiver Fatigue Syndrome, Mental Health Aspects of Developmental Disabilities. Vol. 5, No.1.16-21
Tomasulo, D. (2000), Culture in Action: Diversity Training with a Cultural Double, The International Journal of Action Methods: Psychodrama, Skill Training, and Role Playing, Vol 53, #2, 51-65
Tomasulo, D. (2000), Group Psychotherapy for People with Mental Retardation In Fletcher, R (Ed.) Therapy Approaches for Persons with Mental Retardation (pp. 65-85) Kingston, NY, NADD Press
Tomasulo, D. (1999), Getting to Hope: Role-playing in the Treatment of Denial, Resistance and Shame, Mental Health Aspects of Developmental DisabilitiesVol. 2, No.4 1-9
Tomasulo, D. (1999), Group Therapy for People with Mental Retardation: The Interactive Behavioral Therapy Model, In Wiener, D. Editor, Beyond Talk Therapy: Using Movement and Expressive Techniques in Clinical Practice, Washington, DC: American Psychological Association
Tomasulo, D. (1998), Action Methods in Group Psychotherapy: Practical Aspects, Philadelphia: Taylor & Francis
Hurley, A., Tomasulo, D., & Pfadt, A. (1998), Individual and Group Psychotherapy Approaches for Persons with Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities, Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities, 10, 365-386
Tomasulo, D. (1998), Substance Abuse and Treatment for People with Mental Retardation: Who Will Do It? Mental Health Aspects of Developmental Disabilities
Tomasulo, D. (1997), Beginning and Maintaining a Group, Habilitative Mental Healthcare, 16, 41-48
Razza, N. & Tomasulo, D. (1996a), The Sexual Abuse Continuum: Therapeutic Interventions with Individuals with Mental Retardation, Habilitative Mental Healthcare, 15, 19-22
Razza, N. & Tomasulo, D. (1996b), The Sexual Abuse Continuum: Part 2, Therapeutic Interventions with Individuals with Mental Retardation, Habilitative Mental Healthcare, 15, 84-86
Razza, N. & Tomasulo, D. (1996c), The Sexual Abuse Continuum: Part 3, Therapeutic Interventions with Individuals with Mental Retardation. Habilitative Mental Healthcare, 15, 116-119
Hurley, A., Pfadt, A., Tomasulo, D., & Gardner, W. (1996), Counseling and Psychotherapy, In J. Jacobson & J. Mulick (Eds.), Manual of Diagnosis and Professional Practice in Mental Retardation, Washington, DC: American Psychological Association
Tomasulo, D. (1995), A Child’s World: Study Guide, Harcourt Brace Jovanavich
Tomasulo, D. J. (1982), Effects of Bizarre Imagery on Children's Memory, Imagination, Cognition and Personality, 2(2), 137-144
AUDIO AND VIDEO PUBLICATIONS
Tomasulo, D. (2009), Diagnosis and Treatment of PTSD & Interpersonal Trauma: The DM-ID Criteria & Interactive - Behavioral Therapy(VIDEO) NADD
Tomasulo, D. (2000), The Sexual Abuse Continuum: Therapeutic Interventions with Individuals with Developmental Disabilitiesin Michael Mayer (Ed.) Chapel Hill, N.C., The Seventh Annual Institute on Dual Diagnosis (Audio Tape)
Tomasulo, D. (2000), Treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, In Michael Mayer (Ed.) Chapel Hill, N.C., The Seventh Annual Institute on Dual Diagnosis (Audio Tape)
Tomasulo, D. (1992), Interactive-Behavioral Group Counseling for People with Mental Retardation (Two Videos), New York YAI National Institute for People with Disabilities
REFERENCES
Martin Seligman, Ph.D., Zellerbach Family Professor of Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania and Director of the university's Positive Psychology Center. Past president of the American Psychological Association.
James O. Pawelski, Ph.D., Director of Education and Senior Scholar Positive Psychology Center University of Pennsylvania and Executive Director International Positive Psychology Association.
Robert Siroka, Ph.D., Executive Director of the Sociometric Institute in NYC and past president of The American Society of Group Psychotherapy and Psychodrama.
Robert Fletcher, DSW, Founder and former CEO of the National Association for Dually Diagnosed.