Dr. John-Paul Abner graduated with a bachelor’s of science degree from Middle Tennessee State University in 1987 and graduated from the University of Florida with a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology (Child and Adolescent emphasis) in August of 1996. Following three years of teaching at East Tennessee State University, he joined the faculty of Milligan College in 1999. He is now a professor in psychology and research coordinator for the occupational therapy graduate program.
In addition to his roles at Milligan College, he is a licensed psychologist in the state of Tennessee and currently supervises a psychology clinic where doctoral students provide psychotherapy and assessment for children and adolescents. His areas of interests and expertise include learning disabilities, ADHD, anxiety disorders, and Parent Child Interaction Therapy with oppositional defiant children. He is also working with the ETSU Center of Excellence for Children in state custody to help disseminate Parent Child Interaction Therapy to therapists in the community to improve services for children who have been maltreated. he has published research examining the effects of PCIT on children with autism. He is currently one of 20 people recognized by PCIT International as a PCIT Master trainer and serves is the Chairperson of the PCIT International Training Committee. He trains therapists both nationally and internationally.
He and his wife, Pam, have three children. They attend Grandview Christian Church in Johnson City, TN.
Expertise Topics: Impact: Parent/Child Interaction Therapy; Childhood Anxiety Disorders, Discipline Issues; Childhood Psychopathology; Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder; Parenting Issues; Child Maltreatment