Tom Ford, PhD (La Jolla)

He/His/Him

Postdoctoral Psychological Associate supervised by Dr. Brenn Kane

Hi, I’m Dr. Tom Ford, a therapist and psychological associate at Hillcrest Psychological Associates in San Diego (PSB94029749) supervised by Dr. Brenda Kane (PSY36475). As a therapist in San Diego, I work with adults, young adults, college and graduate students, and professionals navigating concerns such as anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, grief and loss, identity development, trauma and developmental trauma, and major life transitions. I also enjoy working with people who may not have a clear diagnosis or problem to solve, but who want to better understand themselves, their relationships, and how they want to live.

My approach to therapy is integrative, relational, and depth oriented. My primary influences come from psychodynamic, existential, and humanistic traditions, which share an emphasis on understanding the whole person rather than reducing people to symptoms or diagnoses. I pay close attention to the patterns that develop in our relationships, the ways our past experiences continue to shape the present, and questions of meaning, purpose, identity, and choice. I believe that a genuine and collaborative therapeutic relationship can provide a space for greater self-understanding, emotional freedom, and new ways of relating to oneself and others.

At the same time, therapy does not have to consist only of insight and reflection. When helpful, I incorporate behavioral and mindfulness-based approaches to help clients work more directly with difficult emotions, thoughts, and patterns of behavior. I draw from approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), emotion regulation strategies, and mindfulness practices. Rather than following a single treatment formula, I work collaboratively with each client to determine what is most useful for their particular needs, personality, and goals.

I completed my Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Teachers College, Columbia University, where I received extensive training in psychodynamic and integrative psychotherapy. My clinical training has included work with adults and young adults across university counseling, community mental health, and outpatient settings. I completed my doctoral internship at Northwestern University Counseling and Psychological Services, where I worked extensively with undergraduate and graduate students facing academic and professional pressures, relationship concerns, anxiety and depression, identity questions, grief, and significant life transitions.

I believe that therapy is a place where people can become more curious about themselves and develop a fuller sense of agency in their lives. My goal is not to tell clients who they should become, but to help them understand the forces shaping their lives, make room for difficult experiences, and move toward ways of living and relating that feel more authentic and meaningful.

Outside of clinical work, I enjoy reading and writing, playing music, spending time outdoors, and exploring San Diego. I value creativity, reflection, relationships, and time in nature, all of which inform my broader understanding of psychological well-being.

Education & Training

Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology – Teachers College, Columbia University

Doctoral Internship – Northwestern University Counseling and Psychological Services

M.A. in Clinical Psychology – Teachers College, Columbia University

B.A in Psychology – Stanford University