Scholarly Interests

Positive Psychology

Hope

Spirituality

Psychodrama

Intellectual Disabilities

Educational Background

Ph.D. in psychology, Yeshiva University

MFA in writing, New School

Master of Applied Positive Psychology, University of Pennsylvania.

MA Child Development Fairleigh Dickenson University

Selected Publications

Bryce, C. I., Goetzke, K., O’Brien, V., Espinoza, P., & Tomasulo, D. Promoting hope: Preliminary investigation into a college-level hope curriculum. Manuscript accepted for publication in The Journal of American College Health (In Press.)

Bates, F. C., & McGrath, R. E. (2024). Revising the VIA-Youth: III. scale unidimensionality and measurement invariance. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 1-7.

Niemiec, R. M., & Tomasulo, D. (2023). Character Strengths and Abilities Within Disabilities: Advances in Science and Practice. Springer Nature.

Tomasulo, D. (2023). The Positivity Effect: Simple CBT skills to Transform Anxiety & Negativity into Optimism and Hope. New Harbinger Publications.

Van Zyl, L. E., Schotanus-Dijkstra, M., Llorens, S., Klibert, J., Van Den Heuvel, M., Mayer, C. H., ... & Tomasulo, D. (Eds.). (2022). Positive Psychological Interventions beyond WEIRD contexts: How, when, and why they work.

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. Dramatherapy. 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. 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

Studio

https://www.dropbox.com/s/znp442krqz0upra/Hope%20syllabus%20CCPX4199.pdf?dl=0

Honors and Awards

AWARDS

2024 Gardner Award. This esteemed recognition, presented by the National Center for START Services®, honors Dr. Tomasulo's exceptional contributions to improving the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families.

2021/ 2022/ 2023 /2024 Medical News Today selected Learn ed Hopefulness, The Power of Positivity To Overcome Depression as the best book on positivity for depression

2022/ 2023 VeryWellMind.com selected Learned Hopefulness, The Power of Positivity To Overcome Depression, as one of the best books by an expert on depression.

2021 Teaching Award, Teachers College, Columbia University

Sharecare: Top ten online influencers on the topic of depression. ShareCare is a collaboration among Jeff Arnold, the founder of WebMD; Emmy Award-winning host Mehmet Oz; M.D.; Harpo Studios; and Discovery Channels Inc.

2019, Winner, International Positive Psychology Association, Conference, Melbourne, Australia. Living in Your Strengths Avant-Garde Clinical Intervention on Self-compassion.

2017, Winner, International Positive Psychology Association, Conference, Montreal, Canada. The Virtual Gratitude Visit (VGV) Avant-Garde Clinical Intervention

2017, Special Recognition Award. START University of New Hampshire, for Clinical contributions to the field.

Since June-2017 Selected Screenplay Awards for American Snake Pit (Feature-length.)

1^st Place Best Screenplay Drama or Comedy WNY Fame- / drama Sept. 2017

1^st Place Best Historical Drama: American Filmatic Arts Awards December 2017

2^nd Place Best Dramatic Feature Atlantic City Cinefest: Sept. 2017

3^rd Place Best Screenplay Socially Relevant Film Festival New York

1^st place WILDsound Feedback Film and Screenplay Festival (Table Read May, 2018)

1^st Place Genre Grand Prize for Best Historical Drama—Las Vegas Screenwriting Contest

Finalist

Cannes Scriptwriting Contest, Best Historical Drama
Hollywood Hills Screenplay Competition “Top Finalist” September, 2017
The Grove Film Festival in Jersey City
NY Film and TV Film Festival
New York Screenplay Contest Official Finalist September Oct 2017 
Filmatic Screenplay Award NYC Top Finalist (Historical Drama)
Toronto Nollywood International Film Festival October 2017
World Series of Screenwriting (Historical / Biographical) November
Film Daily (UK)
Mammoth Pictures Screenplay Contest
American Gem Literary Festival
Art of Brooklyn Film Festival

2016, Finalist, American Snake Pit, The Southhampton Review Frank McCourt Memoir Prize

2012 Winner International RETHINK Theater Playwriting Competition, Negatively Oriented Therapy N.O.T. October 6-10, Auckland, New Zealand, for WHO World Mental Health Day

2011 N.J. City University Counseling Education Department, 2011 Friend of the Department student award

2010 Winner International RETHINK Theater Playwriting Competition, Sticks, Stones and the R Word, October 9-10, Auckland, New Zealand, for WHO World Mental Health Day

2009 Winner WRITTEN ART AWARD: Creative Nonfiction, Confessions of a Former Child: A Therapist's Memoir

2008 Merit-Based Award New Jersey City University for contributions to the university community

2005 State of New Jersey Healthcare Professional of the Year ARC of New Jersey, first psychologist to win the statewide award

2005 Healthcare Professional of the Year ARC of Monmouth County

2005 Scholar's Award American Society for Group Psychotherapy & Psychodrama

2004 Winner New School University Chapbook Competition essay Kettle of Fish

2003 Honorable Mention American Markets Newsletter God’s Touch, A Reiki Story

1998 Innovators Award American Society for Group Psychotherapy and Psychodrama for development of Interactive-Behavioral Therapy (IBT). This group therapy model is used internationally as a therapeutic modality for people with dual diagnosis (ID/MH).

1998 Master Teacher Brookdale College's Excellence in Teaching national training program for college teachers

Teaching

Positive Psychology Course Syllabus

The Healing Power of Hope: Bridging Practice and Science Syllabus

Curriculum Vitae

Daniel Tomasulo, Ph.D., MFA, MAPP

732.239.8281 tomasulo@tc.columbia.edu DanTomasulo.com

SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS

Background encompasses years of successful clinical, academic, and leadership experience. Creative, award-winning author, dedicated educator/clinician with strong interpersonal, organizational, supervision and communication qualities. Skilled in a wide variety of innovative treatment modalities, including group psychotherapy, role-playing, psychodrama, sociodrama and positive psychotherapy. Experienced in the development and delivery of Internet-based learning programs. Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with students, faculty, administrators, editorial boards, clinicians, and trainees. Specialist in positive psychology and hope. Highly sought-after keynote speaker, workshop leader, and consultant.

DEGREES

University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, MAPP, Masters of Applied Positive Psychology, 2012 World’s first degree program in positive psychology. Developed research designs for measuring positivity in IBT groups, 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, May, 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

ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE

Academic Director / Coordinator / 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.

Teaching Fellowship:

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.)

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.

SELECTED CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSE

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.)

Certified Tibetan Buddhism tradition of Chöd: Feeding Your Demons™

CLINICAL EXPERIENCE

Private Practice, New Jersey 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.

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.

CONSULTING EXPERIENCE

Executive Coaching/Trainer for Corporations, Small Businesses, Individuals

START Services University of New Hampshire. Clinical Consultant & Research Advisor for IDD programs throughout the USA.

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).

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-Current

Conducted monthly training workshops for the largest service provider for this population in the United States.

POSITIONS HELD

Guest Associate Editor Editorial Board of Positive Psychology for Frontiers in Psychology

Review Editor, Editorial Board of Positive Psychology for Frontiers in Psychology

Review Editor, Editorial Board of Psychology in Clinical Settings for Frontiers in Psychology

Guest Editor Fall 2015 New Jersey Psychologist Special Edition on Positive Psychology

Blogger: Psychology Today The New Science of Hope and Hopefulness (The Healing Crowd)

Blogger: Infijoy: Positive Psychology

Lifedojo Scriptwriter, The Science of Happiness

Expert Blogger on Depression, Answers.com

Healthyway.com: Expert blogger on well-being lifestyle

Continuing Education Credit Course Developer, Positive Psychology (6 CEU reading course) Health Forum Online

Daily Blog, Ask The Therapist, PsychCentral.com (over 2000 publications) (2010-2020)

Blog, Proof Positive, PsychCentral.com, application of research in positive psychology for the general public. (most 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

AWARDS

2024 Gardner Award This esteemed recognition, presented by the National Center for START Services®, honors Dr. Tomasulo's exceptional contributions to improving the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families.