The Riggs Difference: Where Understanding Leads to Recovery
John Rucker, PsyD
Fellow in Psychology
John Rucker, PsyD
Fellow in Psychology
Education
- BA in psychology with a minor in Spanish from North Carolina State University
- MS in clinical psychology from Florida Institute of Technology
- Predoctoral Internship in clinical psychology at The Menninger Clinic
- PsyD in clinical psychology from Florida Institute of Technology
- Postdoctoral Fellowship in clinical psychology at The Menninger Clinic
- Postdoctoral Fellowship in applied clinical research at Houston Methodist Hospital
John Rucker, PsyD, is a postdoctoral Fellow in psychodynamic psychotherapy and psychoanalytic studies who provides psychotherapy and psychological testing at the Austen Riggs Center.
His clinical approach emphasizes partnership as patients work towards their goals and a broader mission of transformative self-understanding.In addition to clinical care, Dr. Rucker is a researcher who has published in several peer-reviewed journals and presented at (inter)national conferences.
Dr. Rucker has worked in outpatient, inpatient, and partial hospital programs with patients who have severe and complex psychiatric conditions. His clinical and research interests concern those with longstanding psychological troubles where prior treatments have produced marginal, if any, success.
In his spare time, Dr. Rucker enjoys weightlifting, watching college basketball, and reading.
Professional Affiliations/Organizational Memberships
- American Psychoanalytic Association
- Society for Personality Assessment
- North American Society for the Study of Personality Disorders
- International Society for the Study of Personality Disorders
Certificates/Appointments
- Clinical Affiliate Assistant Professor at the Baylor College of Medicine
Awards/Recognitions
- Outstanding Clinical Student Award, Florida Institute of Technology (2022)
- Paul Baer Research Award, Baylor College of Medicine (2023)
- Research Innovation Trainee Scholar Award, The Menninger Clinic (2023 & 2024)
Research/Clinical Interests
- Performance-based personality assessment
- Psychotherapy
- Personality pathology
- Empirically evaluating psychoanalytic concepts
- Language and personality