Our Team

Psychologist, Co-Founder

Nathan D. Tomcik

PhD, ABPP Board Certified in Couple and Family Psychology

Social Worker, Co-Founder

Jimmy Portner

LISW-S, LICDC-CS

About Dr. Tomcik

For over 20 years, I have been dedicated to providing high-quality, evidence-based care to individuals, couples, and families. My approach is grounded in both scientific research and a deep commitment to helping people create meaningful, lasting change in their lives. I specialize in working with individuals who have struggled with treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, trauma, and relationship distress, using Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy (RO-DBT) and other evidence-based approaches to foster openness, connection, and psychological flexibility.

I began my career working with adolescents involved in the juvenile justice system, violent gangs, and substance abuse. I quickly realized that helping these young people often meant working with their families to create lasting change. This experience led me to focus on couple and family therapy, where I saw firsthand how relationships shape emotional well-being.

Over the years, I have worked with a diverse range of clients, including individuals from different racial, ethnic, and spiritual backgrounds, those with military experience, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. My goal is to provide a warm and collaborative environment where we can work together to address life’s challenges and build a more fulfilling future.

Many of my clients have tried therapy before but haven’t yet found the results they were hoping for. Together, we explore what has and hasn’t worked in the past to forge a new path forward. I have extensive experience helping people who are struggling with multiple concerns at once—whether that’s depression alongside anxiety, anger, or trauma-related symptoms. These difficulties often affect work, relationships, and overall life satisfaction, and I strive to help my clients make meaningful improvements in all areas of their lives.

Academic & Professional Background:

I earned my Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Tennessee and completed my Master’s in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Couple and Family Therapy at Pepperdine University. My early research explored the impact of relationship attachment, commitment, and betrayal on relationship satisfaction, and I was fortunate to train under Dr. Kristina Gordon, a leader in the field of couple therapy. This work deepened my understanding of how relationships influence emotional well-being and how psychotherapy can change the brain’s neural pathways to improve emotional regulation.

I am board-certified in Couple and Family Psychology through the American Board of Professional Psychology and have spent nearly two decades working in both private practice and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. In my role as Deputy Chief of Behavioral Health at the Columbus VA, I led efforts to expand access to evidence-based treatments and develop innovative programming for veterans struggling with complex mental health challenges.

A key part of my work at the VA involved implementing Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy (RO-DBT)—a cutting-edge approach designed for individuals who struggle with emotional overcontrol, which is often linked to treatment-resistant depression, obsessive-compulsive personality traits, anorexia nervosa, and chronic anxiety. As part of the national rollout of RO-DBT in the VA system, I helped train clinicians in this innovative approach, developed RO-DBT programming within the behavioral health service line, and worked with both clinicians and administrators to increase access to treatment for veterans who had not benefited from traditional therapies. Through this work, I witnessed firsthand how RO-DBT can help people cultivate openness, social flexibility, and deeper emotional connections—leading to lasting improvements in their lives.

Beyond Work:

Beyond clinical work, I am passionate about training and mentoring other professionals. I have provided supervision to clinicians and students, conducted research, and contributed to professional publications and presentations. My mission is to help improve access to effective treatment, particularly for those who have struggled to find the right kind of care in the past. At Radically Open Connections, I focus on helping people build lives that feel more open, connected, and fulfilling. Whether you are new to therapy or looking for a fresh approach, I am here to help.

Selected Article, Presentations & Writing:

Selected Presentations

Dr. Tomcik has presented at national and international conferences on Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Couple and Family dynamics. His recent presentations include:

Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy (RO-DBT)

  • Tomcik, N. D., & Portner, J. B. (2025). The Role of Social Signaling in Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy (RO DBT): From isolation to connection. National Association of Social Workers Ohio Chapter, Columbus, OH.

  • Tomcik, N. D., Portner, J. B., & Bhullar, M. (2023). Innovative approaches to healing from trauma: RO-DBT with military veterans and PTSD. RO-DBT Research and Implementation Conference, Evanston, IL.

  • Hempel, R. J., Booth, R., Giblin, A., Hamilton, L., Hoch, A., Portner, J., Tomcik, N., Rushbrook, S., Simic, M., Hunt, K., & Wolf-Arehult, M. (2018). The implementation of RO-DBT in clinical practice. The Behavior Therapist, 41(3), 161-173.

  • Tomcik, N. D., & Portner, J. B. (2018). Radically open dialectical behavior therapy: Treating problems of emotional overcontrol. Lindner Center for Hope, Mason, OH.

  • Tomcik, N. D., & Portner, J. (2017). Treating problems of emotional overcontrol: An introduction to radically open dialectical behavior therapy. Workshop presented at the Ohio State University College of Social Work, Columbus, OH.

  • Tomcik, N. D. (2017). Signaling matters: Treating problems of emotional over-control. Paper presented at the Ohio Psychological Association Annual Convention, Columbus, OH.

Couple & Family Relationships

  • Christensen, A., Daush, B., Doss, B., & Tomcik, N. D. (2023). Integrative behavioral couple therapy training workshop. Workshop presented at Arhaus University, Department of Psychology and Behavioral Science, Arhaus, Denmark.

  • Tomcik, N. D., & Loew, B. (2017). Evidence-based psychotherapy with couples: Competency-based skill training workshop. Workshop presented at the Columbus VA, Columbus, OH.

  • Tomcik, N. D. (2012). Evidence-based psychotherapy with couples: Integrative behavioral couple therapy. Paper presented at the Ohio Psychological Association Annual Convention, Columbus, OH.

  • Tomcik, N. D. (2019). Clinical application of sensate focus in couple therapy. Grand rounds presented at the VA Central Ohio Healthcare System, Columbus, OH.

  • Gordon, K. C., Hughes, F. M., Tomcik, N. D., & Litzinger, S. C. (2009). Widening circles of impact: The role of forgiveness in marital and family functioning. Journal of Family Psychology, 23(1), 1-13. 

About Jimmy

I am a dedicated social worker, educator, and trainer with a passion for helping individuals who struggle with mental health and substance use concerns. My career has been shaped by a commitment to evidence-based practices, professional mentorship, and fostering meaningful human connection. Whether through clinical work, training, or teaching, my goal is to empower both clients and professionals with the tools needed to create lasting change.

Academic & Professional Background:

I earned both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Social Work from The Ohio State University. Over the past 20 years, I have worked extensively in the fields of mental health and substance use, specializing in the implementation and training of evidence-based interventions.

I have served as a leader in the National Motivational Interviewing (MI) VA program for over a decade, contributing to the advancement of MI in clinical settings, research, and training. As a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT), I have been part of a prestigious community committed to maintaining excellence in MI practice and instruction.

Additionally, I am a certified trainer and provider of Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy (RO-DBT), a treatment designed for individuals with emotional overcontrol. Since 2014, I have focused on applying RO-DBT to complex, treatment-resistant cases, providing training and supervision to clinicians nationwide.

I have also been an adjunct lecturer at The Ohio State University’s College of Social Work for over a decade, sharing my expertise with future social workers. My professional interests include the role of social signaling in therapy, the intersection of culture and mental health, and advancing innovative treatments for individuals with complex needs.

Beyond Work:

Outside of my professional roles, I enjoy spending time with my wife and our two children. I'm a passionate soccer fan and a dedicated supporter of Columbus Crew. When I’m not watching the game, I enjoy coaching youth soccer, listening to music, and unwinding with a good stand-up comedy set.

On a more personal note, my journey with Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy has not only shaped my clinical work but has also profoundly impacted my own growth. Practicing RO-DBT has challenged me to be more open, flexible, and connected in ways I never imagined, deepening both my professional and personal relationships.

Selected Article, Presentations & Writing:

  • Tomcik, N. D., & Portner, J. B. (2025). The Role of Social Signaling in Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy (RO DBT): From isolation to connection. National Association of Social Workers Ohio Chapter, Columbus, OH.

  • Tomcik, N. D., Portner, J. B., & Bhullar, M. (2023). Innovative approaches to healing from trauma: RO-DBT with military veterans and PTSD. RO-DBT Research and Implementation Conference, Evanston, IL.

  • Tomcik, N. D., & Portner, J. B. (2018). Radically open dialectical behavior therapy: Treating problems of emotional overcontrol. Lindner Center for Hope, Mason, OH.

  • Tomcik, N. D., & Portner, J. (2017). Treating problems of emotional overcontrol: An introduction to radically open dialectical behavior therapy. Workshop presented at the Ohio State University College of Social Work, Columbus, OH.

  • Hempel, R. J., Booth, R., Giblin, A., Hamilton, L., Hoch, A., Portner, J., Tomcik, N., Rushbrook,

  • S., Simic, M., Hunt, K. & Wolf-Arehult, M. (2018). The Implementation of RO DBT in Clinical Practice. The Behavior Therapist, 41(3), 161-173.

  • Braun, A. C., Portner, J., Grainger, E. M., Clinton, S. K., Xu, M., Darragh, A., Pratt, K. J., Weaver, L. L., &
    Spees, C. K. (2024). Impact of Dietitian-Delivered Motivational Interviewing Within a Food is Medicine Intervention Targeting Adults Living With and Beyond Cancer. Journal of cancer education: the official journal of the American Association for Cancer Education, 10.1007/s13187-024-02552-4. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13187-024-02552-4.

  • Braun, A.; Portner, J.; Xu, M.; Weaver, L.; Pratt, K.; Darragh, A.; Spees, C.K. Preliminary Support for

  • the Use of Motivational Interviewing to Improve Parent/Adult Caregiver Behavior for Obesity and Cancer Prevention. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20, 4726. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20064726.

  • Spees, CK., B., Ashlea, Hill, E., Grainger, E., Portner, J., Young, G., Kleinhenz, M.,

  • Chitchumroonchokchai, C., Clinton, S. (2019). Impact of a Tailored Nutrition and Lifestyle Intervention for Overweight Cancer Survivors on Dietary Patterns, Physical Activity, Quality of Life, and Cardiometabolic Profiles. Journal of Oncology. 2019. 1-13.

    Spees CK, Lobb J, Portner J, Braun A, Adams I. Summer Harvest Adventure: A garden-based obesity prevention program for children residing in low-resource communities. Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, 2018;50(7): S121.

  • Braun, A., Portner, J., Grainger, E. M., Hill, E. B., Young, G. S., Clinton, S. K., & Spees, C. K. (2018).Tele-Motivational Interviewing for Cancer Survivors: Feasibility, Preliminary Efficacy, and LessonsLearned. Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, 50(1), 19-32.

  • Braun A, Portner J, Grainger EM, Hill EB, Young GS, Clinton SK, Spees CK. Electronic Motivational

  • Interviewing Coaching for Overweight Cancer Survivors Improves Health Outcomes. J Acad Nutr. 2017 Sep;17(9): A23.

    Portner, J. (2018, July). OC, AND PROUD OF IT! Retrieved from https://www.radicallyopen.net/blog/oc- and-proud-of-it/

  • Portner, J. (2017, October). Overcontrolled is a term that I've come to discover describes me well. Retrieved from https://www.radicallyopen.net/blog/overcontrolled-is-a-term-that-ive-come-to-discover-describes-me-well/