John C. Parkhurst
John C. Parkhurst, Ph.D., received his Doctorate in Counseling Psychology from the University of Southern Mississippi. He also holds a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Eastern Kentucky University. Dr. Parkhurst is a licensed Psychologist in the District of Columbia, and he is recognized by the National Register of Health Care Providers. He is the former Director of the Counseling Center and is an adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at The Catholic University of America, and Dr. Parkhurst was also the Chair of the Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Services Advisory Committee and served on the Board of Directors of Whitman Walker Clinic, prior to committing himself to full-time private practice, and his family. He continues to teach psychology as part-time faculty at The Catholic University of America, and to direct the Counseling Service at the University of California Washington Center. He began his private practice in 1992, and founded Parkhurst Associates Mental Health Services in 1996.
Dr. Parkhurst’s practice frequently centers on self esteem and identity development issues, especially, but not necessarily, as they relate to sexual orientation. Depression, anxiety, obsessiveness, relationship problems, and intimacy issues characterize the types of concerns with which he is often presented by clients. His competencies include couples counseling, parenting and child development issues, and academic concerns as counseling issues. He also has considerable experience in learning and cognition, and in career development from his years of counseling and training within the educational system.
Dr. Parkhurst integrates cognitive-behavioral approaches with developmental psychology to quickly alleviate psychological pain, and to help the client gain understanding of the underlying issues of the problems with which they are faced. Thus, clients learn to recognize maladaptive thoughts, understand the emotions created, and to replace maladaptive cognitions with positive, productive thinking that is consistent with their values and goals in life. Dr. Parkhurst is only available to see current and returning clients, and very direct referrals from known sources. He encourages potential new clients to consider contacting his very competent and trusted associates for services.