Robert J. Wicks
Encyclopedia
Robert J. Wicks is a clinical psychologist and leading writer about the intersection of spirituality
and psychology
. Wicks is a well known speaker, therapist, and spiritual guide who for more than 30 years has been teaching at universities and professional schools of psychology, medicine, nursing, theology, and social work, currently at Loyola University Maryland
. He is a recipient of the The Holy Cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice
, the highest medal that can be awarded to the laity
by the Papacy for distinguished service to the Roman Catholic Church
.
In the past several years. he has spoken on Capitol Hill
to Members of Congress and their chiefs of staff, at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
and at Harvard’s Children’s Hospital
on his major area of expertise: the prevention of secondary stress (the pressures encountered in reaching out to others). He has also addressed 10,000 educators in the Air Canada Arena
in Toronto
, spoken at the FBI Academy
, led a weeklong course in Paris
, and addressed caregivers in Beijing
, Hanoi
, and Northern Ireland
.
in 1968 with a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in psychology and philosophy, he went on to receive his Master’s of Arts degree in 1973 from St. John's University (New York). In 1977, he received his doctorate in psychology from Hahnemann Medical College and Hospital
.
Since then, he has taught in universities and professional schools of psychology, medicine, nursing, theology, and social work. In 2003 he was the Commencement Speaker for Wright State School of Medicine in Dayton, Ohio, and in 2005 he was both Visiting Scholar and the Commencement Speaker at Stritch School of Medicine
in Chicago.
In 1994, he was responsible for the psychological debriefing of relief workers evacuated from Rwanda
during their bloody civil war
. In 1993, and again in 2001, he worked in Cambodia
. During these visits, his work was with professionals from the English-speaking community who were present to help the Khmer people
rebuild their nation following years of terror and torture.
In 2006, Wicks delivered presentations on self-care at the National Naval Medical Center
in Bethesda, Maryland and Walter Reed Army Hospital to those health care professionals responsible for Iraqi and Afghan war veterans evacuated to the U.S. with multiple amputations and severe head injuries.
Also in 2006, Wicks received the first annual Alumni Award for Excellence in Professional Psychology from Widener University
and is also the recipient of the Humanitarian of the Year Award from the American Counseling Association
's Division on Ethics and Values.
In the past several years he has spoken on Capitol Hill to Members of Congress and their chiefs of staff, at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
and at Harvard’s Children’s Hospital
on his major area of expertise: the prevention of secondary stress (the pressures encountered in reaching out to others). He has also addressed 10,000 educators in the Air Canada Arena
in Toronto
, spoken at the FBI Academy
, led a weeklong course in Paris
, and addressed caregivers in Beijing
, Hanoi
, and Northern Ireland
. In his clinical practice, Wicks focuses on working with psychotherapists, physicians, nurses, educators, relief workers, lawyers, corporate executives and persons in full-time ministry.
Wicks has published over 40 books for both professionals and the general public. One of his latest works is entitled Riding the Dragon. His most recent books for professionals, Overcoming Secondary Stress in Medical and Nursing Practice and The Resilient Clinician have both been published by Oxford University Press
. In October 2009 Oxford will also release his new book for the general public, Bounce: Living the Resilient Life. In September 2009, Sorin Books
will release his other new book, Prayerfulness: Awakening to the Fullness of Life.
Currently, Wicks is a professor at Loyola University Maryland and lives in Ellicott City, Maryland
with his wife of over 40 years, Michaele Barry Wicks who is both a nurse and a lecturer on Teresa of Avila and biblical/women’s spirituality. They have a daughter, Michaele Kulick who is a social worker for the Veteran’s Administration; she works with severely injured returning Iraqi and Afghan military personnel.
Wicks, R. Prayerfulness: Awakening to the Fullness of Life. Notre Dame: Sorin Books, 2009.
Wicks, R. The Resilient Clinician. New York: Oxford University Press, 2007.
Wicks, R. Overcoming Secondary Stress in Medical and Nursing Practice: A Guide to Professional Resilience and Personal Well-Being. N.Y: Oxford University Press, 2006.
Wicks, R. Crossing the Desert. Notre Dame, IN: Sorin Books, 2006.
Wicks, R. Riding the Dragon. Notre Dame, IN: Sorin Books, 2003
Wicks, R., D. Parsons, and D. Capps, (Eds.). Clinical Handbook of Pastoral Counseling, Vol. 3. Mahwah, NJ: Paulist Press, 2003
Wicks, R. Everyday Simplicity. Notre Dame, IN: Sorin Books, 2000.
Wicks, R., D. Parsons, and D. Capps, (Eds.). Clinical Handbook of Pastoral Counseling, Volume I – Expanded Edition. Mahwah, NJ: Paulist Press, 1993.
Wicks, R., and D. Parsons (Eds.). Clinical Handbook of Pastoral Counseling, Volume II—Selected Topics. Mahwah, NJ: Paulist Press, 1993.
Parsons, R., and Wicks, R. Counseling Strategies and Intervention Techniques for the Human Services. (Fourth Edition). Boston, MA: Allyn and Bacon, 1993.
Awards and honors
2006 First Annual Graduate Award for Excellence in Professional Psychology
Widener University
2002 Doctor of Pastoral Counseling (Honoris Causa) Caldwell College
1997 The Outstanding Colleague Award National Association of Catholic Chaplains
1996 Papal Medal Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice
for service to the church.
1993 The Humanitarian Award Association for Spiritual, Ethical, Religious and Value Issues in Counseling American Counseling Association
1981 Cited by Philadelphia Magazine as one of the "81 People to Watch in 1981" for his efforts to integrate religion and psychology.
1977 Award for clinical and academic excellence in the Clinical Psychology Program, Hahnemann Medical College, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
1975 Successfully nominated by the Clinical Psychology Department and Graduate School of Hahnemann Medical College for 1976 edition of Who's Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities.
1973 Citation by the Fairfield University Alumni Association for "exceptional accomplishments, both professionally and personally . . . as a teacher and author.
Several books have also been selected by major academic/professional book clubs (Behavioral Science Book Club; Mental Health Practitioners Book Club; Theological Book Service).
External links
Spirituality
Spirituality can refer to an ultimate or an alleged immaterial reality; an inner path enabling a person to discover the essence of his/her being; or the “deepest values and meanings by which people live.” Spiritual practices, including meditation, prayer and contemplation, are intended to develop...
and psychology
Psychology
Psychology is the study of the mind and behavior. Its immediate goal is to understand individuals and groups by both establishing general principles and researching specific cases. For many, the ultimate goal of psychology is to benefit society...
. Wicks is a well known speaker, therapist, and spiritual guide who for more than 30 years has been teaching at universities and professional schools of psychology, medicine, nursing, theology, and social work, currently at Loyola University Maryland
Loyola College in Maryland
Loyola University Maryland is a Roman Catholic, Jesuit private university in Baltimore, Maryland, United States. Established as Loyola College in Maryland by John Early and eight other members of the Society of Jesus in 1852, it is one of 28 member institutions of the Association of Jesuit Colleges...
. He is a recipient of the The Holy Cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice
Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice
The Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice medal is an award of the Roman Catholic Church. It is also known as the "Cross of Honour". The medal was established by Leo XIII on July 17, 1888, to commemorate his golden sacerdotal jubilee and was originally bestowed on those women and men who had aided and...
, the highest medal that can be awarded to the laity
Laity
In religious organizations, the laity comprises all people who are not in the clergy. A person who is a member of a religious order who is not ordained legitimate clergy is considered as a member of the laity, even though they are members of a religious order .In the past in Christian cultures, the...
by the Papacy for distinguished service to the Roman Catholic Church
Roman Catholic Church
The Catholic Church, also known as the Roman Catholic Church, is the world's largest Christian church, with over a billion members. Led by the Pope, it defines its mission as spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ, administering the sacraments and exercising charity...
.
In the past several years. he has spoken on Capitol Hill
Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C.
Capitol Hill, aside from being a metonym for the United States Congress, is the largest historic residential neighborhood in Washington D.C., stretching easterly in front of the United States Capitol along wide avenues...
to Members of Congress and their chiefs of staff, at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine , located in Baltimore, Maryland, U.S., is the academic medical teaching and research arm of Johns Hopkins University. Hopkins has consistently been the nation's number one medical school in the amount of competitive research grants awarded by the National...
and at Harvard’s Children’s Hospital
Children's Hospital Boston
Children's Hospital Boston is a 396-licensed bed children's hospital in the Longwood Medical and Academic Area of Boston, Massachusetts.At 300 Longwood Avenue, Children's is adjacent both to its teaching affiliate, Harvard Medical School, and to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute...
on his major area of expertise: the prevention of secondary stress (the pressures encountered in reaching out to others). He has also addressed 10,000 educators in the Air Canada Arena
Air Canada Centre
The Air Canada Centre is a multi-purpose indoor sporting arena located on Bay Street in Downtown Toronto, Ontario, Canada.The arena is popularly known as the ACC or the Hangar ....
in Toronto
Toronto
Toronto is the provincial capital of Ontario and the largest city in Canada. It is located in Southern Ontario on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. A relatively modern city, Toronto's history dates back to the late-18th century, when its land was first purchased by the British monarchy from...
, spoken at the FBI Academy
FBI Academy
The FBI Academy, located in Quantico, Virginia, is the training site for new Special Agents of the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was first opened for use in 1972 on 385 acres of woodland. It is a relatively small government academy, housing three dormitory buildings and...
, led a weeklong course in Paris
Paris
Paris is the capital and largest city in France, situated on the river Seine, in northern France, at the heart of the Île-de-France region...
, and addressed caregivers in Beijing
Beijing
Beijing , also known as Peking , is the capital of the People's Republic of China and one of the most populous cities in the world, with a population of 19,612,368 as of 2010. The city is the country's political, cultural, and educational center, and home to the headquarters for most of China's...
, Hanoi
Hanoi
Hanoi , is the capital of Vietnam and the country's second largest city. Its population in 2009 was estimated at 2.6 million for urban districts, 6.5 million for the metropolitan jurisdiction. From 1010 until 1802, it was the most important political centre of Vietnam...
, and Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland is one of the four countries of the United Kingdom. Situated in the north-east of the island of Ireland, it shares a border with the Republic of Ireland to the south and west...
.
Biography
Robert J. Wicks, was born on August 2, 1946. After graduating from Fairfield UniversityFairfield University
Fairfield University is a private, co-educational undergraduate and master's level teaching-oriented university located in Fairfield, Connecticut, in the New England region of the United States. It was founded by the Society of Jesus in 1942, and today is one of 28 member institutions of the...
in 1968 with a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in psychology and philosophy, he went on to receive his Master’s of Arts degree in 1973 from St. John's University (New York). In 1977, he received his doctorate in psychology from Hahnemann Medical College and Hospital
Drexel University College of Medicine
Drexel University College of Medicine is the medical school of Drexel University. The medical school has the nation's largest enrollment for a private medical school, and represents the consolidation of two medical schools: the nation's first medical school for women and the first U.S. college of...
.
Since then, he has taught in universities and professional schools of psychology, medicine, nursing, theology, and social work. In 2003 he was the Commencement Speaker for Wright State School of Medicine in Dayton, Ohio, and in 2005 he was both Visiting Scholar and the Commencement Speaker at Stritch School of Medicine
Stritch School of Medicine
Stritch School of Medicine is the medical school affiliated with Loyola University Chicago. It is located at the heart of the Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, Illinois. The medical campus includes Foster G...
in Chicago.
In 1994, he was responsible for the psychological debriefing of relief workers evacuated from Rwanda
Rwanda
Rwanda or , officially the Republic of Rwanda , is a country in central and eastern Africa with a population of approximately 11.4 million . Rwanda is located a few degrees south of the Equator, and is bordered by Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo...
during their bloody civil war
Civil war
A civil war is a war between organized groups within the same nation state or republic, or, less commonly, between two countries created from a formerly-united nation state....
. In 1993, and again in 2001, he worked in Cambodia
Cambodia
Cambodia , officially known as the Kingdom of Cambodia, is a country located in the southern portion of the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia...
. During these visits, his work was with professionals from the English-speaking community who were present to help the Khmer people
Khmer people
Khmer people are the predominant ethnic group in Cambodia, accounting for approximately 90% of the 14.8 million people in the country. They speak the Khmer language, which is part of the larger Mon–Khmer language family found throughout Southeast Asia...
rebuild their nation following years of terror and torture.
In 2006, Wicks delivered presentations on self-care at the National Naval Medical Center
National Naval Medical Center
The National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, USA — commonly known as the Bethesda Naval Hospital — was for decades the flagship of the United States Navy's system of medical centers. A federal institution, it conducted medical and dental research as well as providing health care for...
in Bethesda, Maryland and Walter Reed Army Hospital to those health care professionals responsible for Iraqi and Afghan war veterans evacuated to the U.S. with multiple amputations and severe head injuries.
Also in 2006, Wicks received the first annual Alumni Award for Excellence in Professional Psychology from Widener University
Widener University
Widener University is a private, coeducational university located in Chester, Pennsylvania.Its main campus sits on 108 acres , just southwest of Philadelphia...
and is also the recipient of the Humanitarian of the Year Award from the American Counseling Association
American Counseling Association
The American Counseling Association is a professional organization of counselors in the United States. It is the world's largest association exclusively representing professional counselors....
's Division on Ethics and Values.
In the past several years he has spoken on Capitol Hill to Members of Congress and their chiefs of staff, at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine , located in Baltimore, Maryland, U.S., is the academic medical teaching and research arm of Johns Hopkins University. Hopkins has consistently been the nation's number one medical school in the amount of competitive research grants awarded by the National...
and at Harvard’s Children’s Hospital
Children's Hospital Boston
Children's Hospital Boston is a 396-licensed bed children's hospital in the Longwood Medical and Academic Area of Boston, Massachusetts.At 300 Longwood Avenue, Children's is adjacent both to its teaching affiliate, Harvard Medical School, and to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute...
on his major area of expertise: the prevention of secondary stress (the pressures encountered in reaching out to others). He has also addressed 10,000 educators in the Air Canada Arena
Air Canada Centre
The Air Canada Centre is a multi-purpose indoor sporting arena located on Bay Street in Downtown Toronto, Ontario, Canada.The arena is popularly known as the ACC or the Hangar ....
in Toronto
Toronto
Toronto is the provincial capital of Ontario and the largest city in Canada. It is located in Southern Ontario on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. A relatively modern city, Toronto's history dates back to the late-18th century, when its land was first purchased by the British monarchy from...
, spoken at the FBI Academy
FBI Academy
The FBI Academy, located in Quantico, Virginia, is the training site for new Special Agents of the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was first opened for use in 1972 on 385 acres of woodland. It is a relatively small government academy, housing three dormitory buildings and...
, led a weeklong course in Paris
Paris
Paris is the capital and largest city in France, situated on the river Seine, in northern France, at the heart of the Île-de-France region...
, and addressed caregivers in Beijing
Beijing
Beijing , also known as Peking , is the capital of the People's Republic of China and one of the most populous cities in the world, with a population of 19,612,368 as of 2010. The city is the country's political, cultural, and educational center, and home to the headquarters for most of China's...
, Hanoi
Hanoi
Hanoi , is the capital of Vietnam and the country's second largest city. Its population in 2009 was estimated at 2.6 million for urban districts, 6.5 million for the metropolitan jurisdiction. From 1010 until 1802, it was the most important political centre of Vietnam...
, and Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland is one of the four countries of the United Kingdom. Situated in the north-east of the island of Ireland, it shares a border with the Republic of Ireland to the south and west...
. In his clinical practice, Wicks focuses on working with psychotherapists, physicians, nurses, educators, relief workers, lawyers, corporate executives and persons in full-time ministry.
Wicks has published over 40 books for both professionals and the general public. One of his latest works is entitled Riding the Dragon. His most recent books for professionals, Overcoming Secondary Stress in Medical and Nursing Practice and The Resilient Clinician have both been published by Oxford University Press
Oxford University Press
Oxford University Press is the largest university press in the world. It is a department of the University of Oxford and is governed by a group of 15 academics appointed by the Vice-Chancellor known as the Delegates of the Press. They are headed by the Secretary to the Delegates, who serves as...
. In October 2009 Oxford will also release his new book for the general public, Bounce: Living the Resilient Life. In September 2009, Sorin Books
Ave Maria Press
Ave Maria Press is a Roman Catholic publishing company which was founded in 1865 by Father Edward Sorin, a Holy Cross priest who had founded the University of Notre Dame....
will release his other new book, Prayerfulness: Awakening to the Fullness of Life.
Currently, Wicks is a professor at Loyola University Maryland and lives in Ellicott City, Maryland
Ellicott City, Maryland
Ellicott City is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in Howard County, Maryland, United States. It is part of the Baltimore-Washington Metropolitan Area. The population was 65,834 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Howard County...
with his wife of over 40 years, Michaele Barry Wicks who is both a nurse and a lecturer on Teresa of Avila and biblical/women’s spirituality. They have a daughter, Michaele Kulick who is a social worker for the Veteran’s Administration; she works with severely injured returning Iraqi and Afghan military personnel.
Books
Wicks, R. Bounce: Living the Resilient Life. New York: Oxford University Press, 2009.Wicks, R. Prayerfulness: Awakening to the Fullness of Life. Notre Dame: Sorin Books, 2009.
Wicks, R. The Resilient Clinician. New York: Oxford University Press, 2007.
Wicks, R. Overcoming Secondary Stress in Medical and Nursing Practice: A Guide to Professional Resilience and Personal Well-Being. N.Y: Oxford University Press, 2006.
Wicks, R. Crossing the Desert. Notre Dame, IN: Sorin Books, 2006.
Wicks, R. Riding the Dragon. Notre Dame, IN: Sorin Books, 2003
Wicks, R., D. Parsons, and D. Capps, (Eds.). Clinical Handbook of Pastoral Counseling, Vol. 3. Mahwah, NJ: Paulist Press, 2003
Wicks, R. Everyday Simplicity. Notre Dame, IN: Sorin Books, 2000.
Wicks, R., D. Parsons, and D. Capps, (Eds.). Clinical Handbook of Pastoral Counseling, Volume I – Expanded Edition. Mahwah, NJ: Paulist Press, 1993.
Wicks, R., and D. Parsons (Eds.). Clinical Handbook of Pastoral Counseling, Volume II—Selected Topics. Mahwah, NJ: Paulist Press, 1993.
Parsons, R., and Wicks, R. Counseling Strategies and Intervention Techniques for the Human Services. (Fourth Edition). Boston, MA: Allyn and Bacon, 1993.
Awards and honors
2006 First Annual Graduate Award for Excellence in Professional Psychology
Widener University
2002 Doctor of Pastoral Counseling (Honoris Causa) Caldwell College
1997 The Outstanding Colleague Award National Association of Catholic Chaplains
1996 Papal Medal Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice
Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice
The Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice medal is an award of the Roman Catholic Church. It is also known as the "Cross of Honour". The medal was established by Leo XIII on July 17, 1888, to commemorate his golden sacerdotal jubilee and was originally bestowed on those women and men who had aided and...
for service to the church.
1993 The Humanitarian Award Association for Spiritual, Ethical, Religious and Value Issues in Counseling American Counseling Association
1981 Cited by Philadelphia Magazine as one of the "81 People to Watch in 1981" for his efforts to integrate religion and psychology.
1977 Award for clinical and academic excellence in the Clinical Psychology Program, Hahnemann Medical College, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
1975 Successfully nominated by the Clinical Psychology Department and Graduate School of Hahnemann Medical College for 1976 edition of Who's Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities.
1973 Citation by the Fairfield University Alumni Association for "exceptional accomplishments, both professionally and personally . . . as a teacher and author.
Several books have also been selected by major academic/professional book clubs (Behavioral Science Book Club; Mental Health Practitioners Book Club; Theological Book Service).
External links