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Dr. John McAulay 3rd

Courage Champion, Obstacle Navigator, Self-Confidence Nurturer, Strength Supporter,
Insight Facilitator 
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Areas of Expertise

Experience with therapy interventions for concerns related to Gender, Adolescents and Emerging Adults, Life Transitions, Chronic Stress, College and Graduate School, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Complex Comorbidities, Severe Mood Disorders, Neurodiversity, ADHD, Couple and Family, Identity and Self, Trauma, Religion and Spirituality, and Intersectionality with Rurality.

Experience with formal assessments for concerns with Attention-deficit, Autism Spectrum, Personality, and Clinical Disorders, and Psychosocial evaluation for Pain Neuromodulator Procedures (Spinal Cord Stimulator and Intrathecal Pain Pump) and Gender Affirming Medical and Surgical Treatments

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Approach

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Humanistic, Mindfulness, Psychodynamic, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Process Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy, Group Therapy.

I believe that the ultimate goal of therapy is for it to come to a natural conclusion—when my clients feel at peace with who they are and are equipped with the tools to reach their full potential. Whether you’re seeking therapy to enhance a specific area of your life or to find greater contentment in your current circumstances, I provide a supportive and understanding space.

Many of the individuals I work with come to therapy carrying the weight of past traumas or adverse experiences. These challenges often leave lingering feelings of blame and guilt, leading you to hide your true self from the world. I approach each client with compassionate curiosity, free from judgment, with the intention of genuinely understanding who you are as a person.

I delve into how your past experiences, relationships, communities, and cultural influences have shaped you. Through this exploration, I help you accept your past, define your own values, and create a clear path forward. Drawing on my deep knowledge of psychology, I guide you in recognizing and building on the strengths that have brought you to where you are today. My mission is to empower you to move forward with purpose, confident that you can handle whatever challenges tomorrow may bring, and emerge as an even stronger individual.

ABOUT

Father, Teacher, Coach, Spectator, Nerd

I am a parent of three energetic children whose activities bring me great joy. In addition to my work with clients, I am also an educator of future psychologist. When I am not working, there is a good chance to find me on the soccer fields, either coaching one of my kids’ teams or enjoying watching an exciting Marshall game. At other times you are likely to find me at home, enjoying relaxing with my kids. I fully embrace my identity as a nerd and will passionately consume entertainment in all forms. Genres that I enjoy including Science-Fiction, Fantasy, Psychology, History, and Leadership.

I grew up in the beach cities south of Los Angeles and I am an implant in West Virginia. Immediately after graduating high school, I joined the US Navy. While training to serve as a mechanic on submarines and while forward deployed in Guam, I got the opportunity to learn to enjoy living in smaller communities. So, when I was assigned to recruiting duty in 2008, I asked to be sent to a smaller town which is how I arrived in Huntington. After an injury while on recruiting duty, I was medically separated. At that time, I was already thoroughly connected to Huntington, I was married and had several children from my spouse’s first marriage and baby twins. It was here that I found my calling, drawing on experiences with counseling my fellow sailors, I decided to complete the education I started at Marshall University while in the US Navy and become a psychologist.

Professional Background

Dr. John H. McAulay 3rd is a Licensed Psychologist at Appalachian Counseling Center. He is also an Assistant Professor of Psychology at Marshall University, where he is actively involved in teaching the next generation of psychologists and serves on the JCESOM Sexual and Gender Minorities Health Curriculum Committee. Dr. McAulay was awarded his doctorate from Marshall University in 2022 after completing his predoctoral internship at Joan C Edwards School of Medicine. The Marshall University’s program had an emphasis on rural regions and Dr. McAulay’s research focused on barriers to healthcare for transgender and gender diverse individuals in rural areas. He completed his undergraduate and master’s degree in psychology from Marshall University. Dr. McAulay completed his post-doctoral supervision at Marshall Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, where he was also a faculty member providing training to predoctoral psychology interns, psychiatry residents, and medical students. He has presented as a panel member at rural health equity conferences.

Licenses

  • WVBEP Licensed Psychologist

    • West Virginia

  • Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT):

    • Authorized to practice remotely to over 30 states

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