John-Paul Checkett, PhD

"One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is the opportunity to hear people who were very nervous about seeking help telling me they wish they had come in sooner."

John-Paul Checkett first became interested in Psychology as a teenager through volunteer work in the New York City Public School System. He originally intended to work with children, however his experience working at a university counseling center made him appreciate the variety and challenges of working with adults. Although a native of Brooklyn, NY, he lived and practiced in the Midwest prior to coming to Carlisle. In 1996, he became the Assistant Director of Counseling Services at Dickinson College, and shortly after joined the staff of Franco Associates.

Dr. Checkett's research has focused on how people's belief systems help them cope with the difficulties of daily life. He has used this knowledge to assist people struggling with depression, relationship difficulties, anxiety, and other problems. Because our cultures play an important role in defining who we are, Dr. Checkett is also careful to take a person's gender, ethnicity, religion, and sexual orientation into account when designing a plan to assist the whole person.

• B.A., Psychology and English, 1989, Magna Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa, Univ. of Notre Dame, South Bend, IN

• Ph.D., Counseling Psychology, 1995 Univ. of Notre Dame, South Bend, IN

• Clinical Internship, 1993-1994, Michigan State Univ. Counseling Center East Lansing, MI

• Psychology License, IN 1995, PA 1996

• Staff Psychologist, 1994-1996, Madison Center and Hospital, South Bend, IN

• Associate Director of the Counseling Center, 1996-2009, Dickinson College, Carlisle, PA