Clinical & Forensic Psychologist

Professional Overview

Dr. Zierk earned his doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Denver. His areas of academic focus included assessment and relational dynamics. He has over 30 years of experience treating individuals with unsolvable problems who end up feeling stuck and with limited options. "Unsolvable" problems are identified as private experiences and external situations that are frequently repeated, easily triggered, and without immediate or obvious solutions. Examples of unsolvable problems include relationship distress, family dynamics, trauma, personality-guided struggles, and persisting medical conditions, such as chronic pain and traumatic brain injury. 

Dr. Zierk’s treatment model centers on being “neuro-relational.” This approach embraces the interplay between biology and biography, how the neurophysiology of what happens in our body is formed and formed by what happens to us pivots the learning process from exploration to navigation. The writings and research from the thoughtful and thought-provoking worlds of Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB) and the Relational-Cultural Theory (RCT) serve as inspirational and insightful roadmaps that guide Dr. Zierk’s therapeutic process. The compass Dr. Zierk relies upon is based on his development of Relationship Intelligence (r.IQ), which was designed to help people do something amazing - turn conflict into connection.

Dr. Zierk specializes in treatment and assessment.

Areas of psychological treatment include:

Depression, anxiety, adjustment disorder, PTSD, relational distress, family dysfunction, adolescent challenges, parental frustrations, and chronic pain.

 Areas of psychological & neuropsychological assessment include:

Psychological disorders, trauma experiences, ADHD, brain injuries, and high conflict divorce.

 Areas of vocational assessment include:

Work-related accidents, personal injuries, and divorce-related circumstances. The vocational assessment process clarifies a person’s return to work capacity, discerning labor market value, and establishing earning capacities.

Educational Background

The following is a brief sketch of Dr. Zierk’s educational background. 

Doctorate of Psychology, Clinical Psychology, University of Denver, 2005

Masters of Psychology, Clinical Psychology, University of Denver, 2002

Masters of Counseling Psychology, University of Colorado, 1985

Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, University of Colorado, 1979

Professional Staff

Carol Zierk
Practice Manager

clzierk@comcast.net

Contact our office to request a copy of Dr. Zierk’s curriculum vitae, expert witness diary, and fee schedule.

Relationship Intelligence

“Turn Conflict Into Connection”
www.riqcenter.com

Dr. Zierk has created a unique therapeutic approach to helping people navigate moments of emotional upheaval and relational distress. In times of conflict, Dr. Zierk recommends learning to look at conflict from another perspective instead of running away or blowing a fuse. Dr. Zierk asserts that Relationship Intelligence involves learning the life lesson that conflict is trying to teach us. If unmet needs explain every moment of conflict, then carefully exploring what you need is critical to teaching others how to love and respect you.

For more information about Relationship Intelligence, go to www.riqcenter.com.

Press the button below to learn more about how your mind works as described in Dr. Zierk’s book, Mind Rules: Who’s in Control, You or Your Mind?