Christopher Townsend, PhD
I am a clinician at Old Town Psychology and a doctoral candidate in Clinical Psychology at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS). I have also earned a PhD in Industrial-Organizational psychology which helps me understand how individuals influence and are influenced by their organizational environment.
Clinically, my areas of specialty include helping clients with sleep issues and nightmares, resilience building, and creating and maintaining healthy relationships. I use a client-centered and evidence-based approach to therapy, where I help clients to achieve their goals and increase their quality of life. My clinical experience includes providing cognitive-behavioral therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy in both individual and group formats. I have had the privilege to conduct psychological assessments in outpatient and intensive outpatient settings. I have worked with a wide range of military personnel from a multitude of backgrounds. In the past, I was commissioned in the U.S. Air Force in 2022 after serving 14 years as an enlisted Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technician. I currently actively contribute to the psychology community through leadership roles in APA Divisions 31 and 19.
presentations
Van Sickle, M., Guzman, D., Townsend, C., … Riggs, D. (2024) Posttraumatic stress symptom differences by trauma type. Poster presented at APA National Convention, Seattle, WA.
Townsend, C. L., Herndon, J. S., Rohde, D. S. (2021, August, 12-14). Perceived Selectivity as a Moderator of Cohesion and Resilience in USAF EOD Operators [Poster presentation]. American Psychological Association, Virtual. https://apa.econference.io/public/lB6TQO2/main/sessions/2717/11019.
Townsend, C. L. (2019). What Team Cohesion is and how it can help you. Invited presentation at the Nevada Legal Services 2019 Team Retreat. Reno, NV.
Townsend, C. L. (2016). Various Operational, Tactical, Resilience and Wellness Topics. [Organizer/Briefer] Explosive Ordnance Disposal Safety Stand Down Day. Nellis AFB, NV.
Townsend, C. L. (2015). Air Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal Equipment and Capabilities. Invited presentation to US Air Force Academy Cadets. Nellis AFB, NV.
Townsend, C. L. (2014). Suicide Response and Prevention: Group discussion on the CARE model. Invited presentation to the 99th Explosive Ordnance Disposal flight. Nellis AFB, NV.
Townsend, C. L. (2014). Various Operational, Tactical, Resilience and Wellness Topics. [Organizer/Briefer] Explosive Ordnance Disposal Safety Stand Down Day. Nellis AFB, NV.
Townsend, C. L. (2013). Various Operational, Tactical, Resilience and Wellness Topics. [Organizer/Briefer] Explosive Ordnance Disposal Safety Stand Down Day. Nellis AFB, NV.
Townsend, C. L. (2012). Improvised Explosive Device and Homemade Explosives Indicators in Helmand Province. [Course Creator/Principal Briefer]. Camp Dwyer, Afghanistan.
Townsend, C. L. (2011). Improvised Shaped Charge Techniques. Invited NATO presentation to Lithuanian Explosive Ordnance Disposal technicians. Siauliai, Lithuania.
Townsend, C. L. (2007). Explosive Safety. Invited presentation to the 48th Firefighter flight. RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom.