Title: Clinical Psychologist (Retired)
Company: Private Practice, Individual and Couples Psychotherapy
Location: Chicago, Illinois, United States
Geraldine K. Piorkowski, PhD, retired clinical psychologist who specialized in three different areas throughout her career: alcohol addiction, first generation college students, and romantic relationships, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Doctors for dedication, achievements, and leadership in clinical psychology.
With over five decades of experience to her credit, Dr. Piorkowski has excelled as a prominent figure in the field of psychology. Her educational journey began with earning her bachelor’s degree in 1958, followed by a master’s degree in 1961, and culminated with her doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 1964. Graduating with honors and holding a place on the Bronze Honor Tablet, she transitioned into a distinguished career, in which she later served as chair of the psychology department and associate professor at Roosevelt University, Chicago. Additionally, her contributions extended to esteemed institutions such as the University of Illinois at Chicago, New Jersey College of Medicine and Dentistry, and Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. She also served as director of the counseling centers at two large, urban universities in Chicago, demonstrating her passion for supporting and guiding first-generation college students through their academic journey.
In the latter part of her career, spanning from 2000 to 2017, Dr. Piorkowski focused on her private practice, offering invaluable support to individual clients and couples. Simultaneously, she channeled her expertise into writing, authoring several acclaimed books on relationships, including “Too Close for Comfort: Exploring the Risks of Intimacy,” “Adult Children of Divorce: Confused Love Seekers,” and “Beyond Pipe Dreams and Platitudes: Insights on Love, Luck, and Narcissism from a Longtime Psychologist.” Her contributions extended to the digital realm, where she became a regular contributor to Psychology Today, covering a diverse array of topics ranging from the pitfalls of modern communication to the transformative power of gratitude.
Beyond her clinical and literary endeavors, Dr. Piorkowski has contributed significantly to professional organizations. She served as the chair of the clinical section of the Illinois Psychological Association and remains an active member of the American Psychological Association and the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society, where she currently holds a position on the board and is chair of the local Phi Beta Kappa Book Club. She has also dedicated her time to philanthropic endeavors, volunteering at the Shirley Ryan Ability Lab, a renowned institution specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation. Looking forward, she plans to continue writing, leaving behind a legacy for her family and those who follow her work.
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