John Sommers-Flanagan, Ph.D.

Professor of Counseling

University of Montana

John Sommers-Flanagan received his Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Oregon State University in 1979, and his M.A. and Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Montana in 1986.  He is currently a professor of counseling at the University of Montana, a clinical psychologist, and author or coauthor of over 100 publications, including 10 books and numerous professional training videos.  His books, co-written with his wife Rita, include Clinical Interviewing, Tough Kids, Cool Counseling, and Suicide Assessment and Treatment Planning: A Strengths-Based Approach.  He has published articles or commentaries in the New England Journal of Medicine, American Psychologist, Professional Psychology, and the Journal of Counseling and Development.  John is a popular keynote speaker and professional workshop trainer in the areas of (a) counseling youth, (b) working with parents, (c) strengths-based suicide assessment and treatment, (d) clinical interviewing, and (d) happiness.  In 2018, he produced a three-part, 7.5-hour suicide training video with Psychotherapy.net. He has published many newspaper columns, op-ed pieces, and an article in Slate magazine. He is also co-host of the Practically Perfect Parenting Podcast, and, like Elaine on Seinfeld, widely renowned for his dancing skills (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fippweztcwg), as well as his performance as Dwight in the University of Montana Counseling Department’s parody of The Office (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eM8-I8_1CqQ&t=19s). In his wild and precious spare time, John loves to run (slowly), dance (poorly), laugh (loudly) and produce homemade family music videos.  You can learn more about John and Rita’s latest venture, the Montana Happiness Project, at montanahappinessproject.com/