John C. Norcross


John C. Norcross is an American professor, clinical psychologist, and author in psychotherapy, behavior change, and self-help.
He is Distinguished Professor and chair of psychology at the University of Scranton and Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at SUNY Upstate Medical University. He also maintained a part-time practice of clinical psychology in Scranton, Pennsylvania for 36 years.
Norcross is author of over 400 publications and more than 23 books. His two self-help books are Changeology and Changing for Good. His approach to therapy has been called integrative and pragmatic, inspired in part by his interest in pragmatist philosophy, an interest that dates back to his undergraduate years.
Norcross was born in 1957 at Cooper University Hospital in Camden, New Jersey, the son of George E. Norcross, Jr. and Carol Norcross. He and his three brothers, George Norcross III, Congressman Donald Norcross, and attorney Philip A. Norcross, were raised in Pennsauken and Merchantville, New Jersey. He graduated from Rutgers University–Camden with a B.A. in psychology, the University of Rhode Island with a M.A. and Ph.D. in clinical psychology, and then completed his internship at Brown University Medical School.
Norcross has served as president of the American Psychological Association Division of Psychotherapy, the Society of Clinical Psychology, and the Society for the Exploration of Psychotherapy Integration. He has received many awards, such as the Distinguished Lifetime Contributions to Education & Training Award from the American Psychological Association and the Pennsylvania Professor of the Year from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. He has been elected to the National Academies of Practice and is fellow of a dozen professional associations.

Selected books

  • Prochaska, J. O., & Norcross, J. C.. Systems of psychotherapy: A transtheoretical analysis. Oxford University Press.
  • Sayette, M. A., & Norcross, J. C.. Insider's Guide to graduate programs in clinical and counseling psychology. 2024/25 edition.Guilford Press.
  • Hill, C. E., & Norcross, J. C.. Psychotherapy skills and methods that work. Oxford University Press.
  • Norcross, J.C., & Cooper, M.. Personalizing psychotherapy: Assessing and accommodating patient preferences. American Psychological Association.
  • Norcross, J. C., & Goldfried, M. R... Handbook of psychotherapy integration. Oxford University Press.
  • Norcross, J. C., & Lambert, M. J... Psychotherapy relationships that work. Volume 1: Evidence-based therapist contributions. Oxford University Press.
  • Norcross, J. C., & Wampold, B. E... Psychotherapy relationships that work. Volume 2: Evidence-based responsiveness. Oxford University Press.
  • Norcross, J. C., & VandenBos, G. R.. Leaving it at the office: A guide to psychotherapist self-care. Guilford Press.
  • Norcross, J. C., & Popple, L. M.. Supervision essentials for integrative psychotherapy. American Psychological Association.
  • Norcross, J. C., Hogan, T. P., Koocker, G. P., & Maggio, L. A.. Clinician's guide to evidence-based practices: Behavioral health and addictions. Oxford University Press.
  • Norcross, J. C., VandenBos, G. R., & Freedheim, D. F. . APA handbook of clinical psychology. American Psychological Association.
  • Norcross, J. C., Campbell, L. M., Grohol, J. M., Santrock, J. W., Selagea, F., & Sommer, R.. Self-help that works: resources to improve emotional health and strengthen relationships.Oxford University Press.
  • Norcross, J. C.. Changeology: 5 steps to realizing your goals and resolutions.Simon & Schuster.