معرفی
Thomas G. Plante is the Augustin Cardinal Bea, S.J. University Professor of Psychology at Santa Clara University's College of Arts and Sciences, with courtesy appointments in Religious Studies and the Jesuit School of Theology. He serves as editor of the APA journal Spirituality in Clinical Practice and directs the Applied Spirituality Institute. Additionally, he maintains his status as emeritus adjunct clinical professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford University School of Medicine, though this position is now retired.
Dr. Plante earned his ScB in Psychology from Brown University (1982), followed by an MA (1983) and PhD (1987) in Clinical Psychology from the University of Kansas. He completed his clinical internship and postdoctoral fellowship in clinical and health psychology at Yale University (1986-88), establishing the foundation for his dual expertise in psychology and spiritual health.
His research program bridges psychology, spirituality, and ethics, with particular emphasis on how spiritual practices enhance psychological health, the prevention of clerical abuse, psychological screening of clergy applicants, and professional ethics in challenging environments. Dr. Plante's work demonstrates the measurable benefits of spiritually informed therapeutic approaches while maintaining rigorous scientific standards. His recent publications reveal growing interest in integrating Ignatian spiritual practices with evidence-based clinical interventions, particularly the Examen prayer practice.
Dr. Plante has received significant professional recognition including:
- APA fellow in five divisions (12, 36, 38, 46, and 47)
- Service on APA's Council of Representatives (2016-2021)
- Former vice-chair of the National Review Board for the Protection of Children and Youth for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops
- Time Magazine feature in 2005 and recognition as one of 'three leading American Catholics' in a 2002 cover story
As an educator, Dr. Plante teaches courses in general psychology, ethics, psychopathology, health psychology, and the psychology of religion and spirituality. He has authored 29 books and over 250 scholarly publications, and maintains an active private clinical practice as a licensed psychologist in Menlo Park, CA. His leadership at the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics has positioned him as a national authority on ethical development in higher education and professional contexts.
Dr. Plante directs the Applied Spirituality Institute at Santa Clara University, which researches how spiritual practices can be integrated into clinical and everyday contexts to improve psychological and physical health. He also serves as a scholar in residence at the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics, the world's largest applied ethics center, where he contributes to initiatives promoting ethical formation in college students and addressing contemporary ethical challenges.
