“I believe that psychotherapy can be a powerful resource for those who are struggling with mental health. Through my years of practice, I have seen firsthand how people can move from a place they believed to be hopeless to a place where they find meaning and joy. This is what keeps me encouraged, inspired and motivated. I believe that mental health difficulties do not define an individual, that therapy can truly change one’s life, and that through psychotherapy one can change their relationship with their own mental health.”
John’s approach to psychotherapy involves several components that aim to replicate evidence-based practice. These components include fostering a therapeutic relationship, engaging in collaborative goal setting, making efforts to enhance client’s motivation for treatment, and utilizing evidence-based therapy interventions that fit the client’s goals. John’s clients can expect to feel like they are entering a welcoming and non-judgmental space. He strives to have an authentic relationship with clients.
John utilizes evidence-based therapy interventions that aim to assist individuals with symptom reduction for anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, mood disorders (i.e., bipolar disorder), and borderline personality disorder. He also uses acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), and interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT). John is also a member of the comprehensive dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) team providing both individual and group therapy.
Sessions with John often includes a balance of learning coping skills and strategies, and discussing pressing topics. Clients are encouraged to work hard in sessions, as research has pointed out that client effort is the main success factor in change, regardless of treatment intervention or therapeutic relationship. This may mean that sessions include helping clients put in the work necessary for desired change. John often asks clients to practice skills or strategies outside of sessions and reflect on that practice in session. To monitor progress, he often uses self-report measures of symptoms, emotion tracking sheets and skills worksheets. He routinely checks in with clients to make sure that they are getting out of therapy what they expected and desired. As such, John very much welcomes client feedback on practices so that therapy can be adjusted to fit individual needs.
Currently, John is a Doctoral Limited License Psychologist (DLLP). He graduated with his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (PsyD) from Xavier University in 2024. Before joining Pine Rest, John worked year-long practicum placements as part of his education experience. In 2020, he worked at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center on the inpatient psychiatric units providing diagnostic and risk assessments. In 2021, he worked at Xavier University providing psychotherapy for college students and disability assessments for individuals seeking academic accommodation. In 2022, John worked at the Christ Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he helped run the Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) and Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP). In 2023-2024, John completed his pre-doctoral internship at Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services, where he currently provides psychotherapy at the Northwest Clinic and diagnostic assessments at the Psychological Consultation Center (PCC). John runs the Family & Friends of Loved Ones with Borderline Personality Disorder support group and is a member of the comprehensive DBT team at Northwest Clinic as well.
