John Donahue is a highly respected Associate Professor within the Division of Applied Behavioral Sciences at the University of Baltimore. Furthermore, he serves as the Director of the Certificate in Professional Counseling Studies program, demonstrating his commitment to developing the next generation of counseling professionals. His office can be reached at 410.837.5831 or via email at [email protected]. Dr. Donahue holds a Psy.D. and M.A. from La Salle University, and a B.A. from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. His comprehensive curriculum vitae is available for review, offering further insight into his professional journey and accomplishments.
Dr. Donahue’s academic and professional trajectory began with an undergraduate fascination with the complexities of human behavior and criminology at Rutgers University, where he earned dual degrees in psychology and administration of justice. Initially unsure of his precise career path after graduation, he took a civil service exam which led him to a pivotal role as a probation officer in Camden, NJ. This experience proved formative, immersing him in the lives of individuals at critical junctures, often immediately following a guilty verdict. Through countless interviews and interactions, Dr. Donahue gained profound insights into the intricate relationship between early life experiences, societal influences, and the emergence of both psychopathology and maladaptive behaviors. This period sparked an enduring quest for deeper understanding and effective interventions.
Driven by a desire to explore the underlying mechanisms of human behavior more rigorously, Dr. Donahue pursued doctoral training in clinical psychology at La Salle University. Entering graduate school with a wealth of questions and nascent ideas, he honed his critical thinking and research skills. He developed a particular passion for the field of emotion regulation, investigating the profound ways in which individuals’ relationships with and responses to their emotions shape their lives. A clinical internship with the Federal Bureau of Prisons and a research fellowship at the Portland VA Medical Center provided invaluable practical experience and further illuminated the complexities of emotion regulation strategies. Dr. Donahue observed firsthand how seemingly adaptive coping mechanisms, intended to shield individuals from immediate pain or distress, could paradoxically perpetuate long-term suffering when rigidly over-applied. His research and clinical work have centered on understanding how individuals can cultivate a healthier relationship with inevitable distress in order to live more meaningful and value-driven lives.
Joining the Department of Applied Behavioral Sciences at the University of Baltimore in January 2015, Dr. John Donahue continues to advance his work in the field he is passionate about. He is dedicated to fostering critical thinking among his students, instilling an evidence-based approach in aspiring therapists, and expanding the body of research concerning emotion regulation and its crucial role in mental health. His ongoing contributions are invaluable to the university and the broader field of applied behavioral sciences.
