Dr. Thomas Blank

Since I started working with the Effective Altruism and Rationality community, a number of recurring themes have emerged in therapy that might also impact your current personal situation.

Examples of common themes:

• Perfectionism
• Depression, low self-worth, lack of meaning in life
• Anxiety, particularly social anxiety
• Concerns about ADHD and Autism
• Relationship issues, particularly relating to polyamory
• Doubts and stress about career choice, particularly AI related careers
• Difficulties establishing fulfilling connections with others

I have been involved in Effective Altruism since 2015 and led the national Austrian Effective Altruism Chapter for two years. Currently, I am the treasurer of the national organization. I have organized several retreats, attended numerous conferences, and am familiar with the literature, organizations, and subject areas.

Formal Education

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapist
• Neuroscientist (PhD)
• Psychologist (MSc)
• Mathematician (MSc)

Selected Publications

• Blank et al. (2022). Brain morphometry and connectivity differs between adolescent- and adult-onset major depressive disorder. Depression and Anxiety, 1– 10.
• Blank et al. (2021). Neurobiological predictors for clinical trajectories in fully remitted depressed patients. Depression and Anxiety. 2021; 38: 447– 455.

Types of therapy and counseling:

• Longer term psychotherapy
• Brief counseling for acute personal crises
• Couples therapy

Typically, we first arrange a 15-minute, free introductory video call to jointly assess if and how I can support you with your needs.