Psychology Professor Honored with PA Psychological Association’s Public Service Award

Dr. Roger Brooke, professor of psychology and director of military psychological services, was recently awarded the Pennsylvania Psychological Association (PPA’s) Public Service Award for his dedication to serving the veteran community through Duquesne’s psychology clinic and in his own professional ventures.

“The way in which Dr. Brooke serves veterans is different than most,” Dr. Leswin Laubscher, chair and associate professor of psychology, said. “He views combat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) not as a mental illness, but as a universal warrior’s wound—a wound to the heart and soul. He is incredibly deserving of this recognition.”

As director of military psychological services, Brooke works with clinical psychology doctoral students to provide free counseling and support to military service members who have served in any war, or who expect to serve in the Iraq and/or Afghanistan conflicts. Clinical staff members are certified to treat wounds including PTSD, traumatic brain injuries and military sexual trauma. The clinic also supports those having difficulty with deployment, homecoming and reentry into civilian life, as well as family members impacted by war.

A former paratrooper himself, Brooke travels across the country to speak, conduct workshops and offer therapy groups for fellow veterans. He is also the president of Soldier’s Heart, an organization that transforms the emotional, moral and spiritual wounds resulting from war with workshops and retreats. As the lead clinical psychologist for Canyon Heroes, Brooke leads veterans on hiking and rafting trips to help heal psychological wounds of war through adventure-themed therapy.

In his award acceptance speech, Brooke highlighted the dedication of his doctoral students. “I cannot emphasize enough the high standard of work of our doctoral students, as well as the support of the University, which has made this all possible,” Brooke said.

Founded in 1933, the PPA is the third largest state association affiliated with the American Psychological Association. Its vision is to promote the science and practice of psychology by supporting psychologists to meet the evolving needs of the public.