Johnathon Nocera, MA

Training: Before pursuing doctoral training in clinical psychology, John earned a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from Nazareth University in Rochester, New Y ork, and a Master’s degree in Philosophy from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His background in philosophy has contributed to longstanding interests in existential psychology and psychoanalysis and continues to inform his interest in understanding the whole person, including how personal values, relationships, life experiences, and questions of meaning influence psychological well-being and quality of life. John is currently a doctoral candidate in the Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) program at Roberts Wesleyan University. He completed his doctoral practicum training at W estside Psychological Services, where he gained experience providing psychotherapy and comprehensive psychological and neuropsychological assessment with children, adolescents, and adults across a range of presenting concerns. Prior to entering the field of psychology, John served for six years in the United States Marine Corps, attaining the rank of Sergeant and deploying to Iraq.

Clinical Expertise: John’s clinical interests include Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), trauma and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and difficulties related to personality and interpersonal functioning. He draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), psychodynamic approaches, and mindfulness-based strategies, tailoring treatment to the individual needs and experiences of each client. His interests in existential and psychodynamic psychotherapy also contribute to an approach that considers not only presenting symptoms, but the longstanding patterns, relationships, experiences, values, and concerns that may contribute to a person’s difficulties. At GVP, John is receiving specialized training in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for the treatment of OCD and related concerns, while maintaining a strong clinical interest in working with individuals who have experienced trauma.

Diversity and Inclusion: John believes that each person brings a unique set of experiences, identities, values, and perspectives that shape how they understand themselves and the difficulties they face. He recognizes each client as the expert on their own lived experience and believes that meaningful therapy begins with taking the time to understand the person as they understand themselves. John strives to provide a welcoming and respectful environment for people of all backgrounds and approaches differences with openness, curiosity, and cultural humility, allowing each client’s individual experiences and identity to meaningfully inform the therapeutic process.

Approach to Treatment: John approaches therapy with empathy and a deep respect for those working through anxiety, intrusive thoughts, trauma, and difficult life experiences. He has a particular interest in the treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), while recognizing that meaningful treatment involves understanding not only a person’s symptoms, but also the experiences, relationships, and patterns that have shaped how they understand themselves and the world around them. John integrates Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy with psychodynamic approaches and mindfulness-based strategies, allowing treatment to address both present difficulties and the deeper patterns that may contribute to them. His first priority is to provide a warm, collaborative, and nonjudgmental environment in which clients can better understandthemselves, helping them develop practical ways of responding to distress, and work toward greater freedom, meaning, and engagement in their lives.

Ages: John works with clients of all ages.