Thomas Rutledge Ph.D.

About

Thomas Rutledge, Ph.D., is a Professor-in-Residence in the Department of Psychiatry at UC San Diego. As a researcher, Dr. Rutledge has authored more than 100 journal articles and book chapters in scientific publications and been an investigator on dozens of federally funded grants from the National Institute of Health, Department of Defense, and Department of Veterans Affairs. His work focuses on behavioral and psychological treatments for chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, obesity, chronic pain, and diabetes.

As a practitioner, Dr. Rutledge is a staff psychologist at the VA San Diego Healthcare System where he directs behavioral medicine services for Veterans receiving care in the weight control, diabetes, and pain clinics. He has also been board certified as a clinical health psychologist by the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) since 2010.

Books by Thomas Rutledge Ph.D.

Recent Posts

Resistance Training as an Anti-Aging Remedy

Muscles are not just for athletes and movie stars. Regular resistance training is our most effective tool for slowing the aging process.

Could Food Cravings Be Withdrawal Symptoms?

If thoughts and feelings about food are dominating your life, you may need a new recovery perspective—not a new diet—to break free.

Is Dopamine Running Your Life—or Ruining It?

Modern life has turned the motivation circuit in our brains against us. Here's how to reclaim it.

The Positive Reinforcement Approach to Resolutions

To enjoy a breakthrough year in 2024, you need more than big goals and dreams. It would help if you also had the proper goal psychology.

Escape Velocity: The Physics of Personal Change

Astrophysics isn't just for astronauts. Understanding how to escape gravity is just as important for anyone wishing to live to their full potential.

Is Optimism the World's Most Powerful Placebo Effect?

If you thought optimism was just positive thinking, it is time to reconsider.

The Two-System Formula for a Better Night's Sleep

Sleep is more complicated than it appears. Understanding the two systems behind sleep, however, may reveal the path you're seeking to better rest.

Are You a Dopamine-Coper or a Serotonin-Coper?

A high-quality life comes down to our ability to solve the problems of living. And when it comes to solving problems, some strategies are much better than others.

Why Training, Not Therapy, May Be a Ticket to Your Best Life

If your goal is to enjoy the best life possible, there is a simple and scientifically proven formula: get fit, get strong, and get started.

From Prey to Predator: The Mindset of Trauma Recovery

Life doesn't have to get easier for you to get better. But it may require activating strengths you didn't realize you possessed.