John Thoburn, associate professor of clinical psychology, was selected for the American Psychological Association’s 2012 International Humanitarian Award “in recognition of (his) sustained and enduring humanitarian services to underserved populations.”
Thoburn, a licensed psychologist and marriage and family therapist, has participated in relief and training efforts all over the world, including Uganda, Bosnia, India, Sri Lanka and China. He has worked with the American Red Cross and victims of Hurricane Katrina, and most recently with medical teams serving in Haiti.
“This is a significant national recognition by the most influential professional association in our guild,” says Mícheál Roe, dean of SPU’s School of Psychology, Family, and Community.
This APA award recognizes extraordinary humanitarian service and activism by a psychologist or a team of psychologists, including professional and/or volunteer work conducted primarily in the field with under-served populations. "Extraordinary humanitarian services" are defined as professional activities initiated by psychologists, working alone or in association with others, to help alleviate severe stress and restore psychological well-being to a group of people in a variety of difficult circumstances.
Thoburn has been at SPU for 14 years. He teaches courses in individual, couple, and family psychology and human sexuality. His research and writing are in the areas of relational psychology and international psychology.
Posted: Tuesday, December 13, 2011