David Zierk, PsyD

Author + Speaker + Consultant

About

We all have a mind. But what if it’s working against us instead of for us? What if it prevents us from working well with others? I’m Dr. David Zierk, conflict navigation expert, clinical psychologist, and author, and I speak to audiences who are ready to break free from the hidden mental rules shaping their decisions, relationships, and workplace results. For decades, I’ve seen leaders, teams, and individuals wrestle with the same stubborn struggles, anxious thought loops, repeating conflicts, and unshakable habits, despite their best efforts to change. The problem isn’t a lack of willpower. It’s an invisible operating system I call Mind Rules, rules we didn’t choose, but still follow. On stage and in my consultations, I help individuals and teams uncover these rules and rewrite them. Conflict becomes connection. Uncertainty turns into clarity. Struggle transforms into growth. I share these breakthroughs in my book Mind Rules: Who’s in Control – You or Your Mind?, in my podcast, and with organizations that want to unlock clarity, resilience, and stronger collaboration. If you’re ready for a keynote that sparks insight and action or a partner who will team up with you to bring out the best in your colleagues, let’s connect and start rewriting the rules. Alongside other professional credentials, I bring 25,000 counseling hours with clients, 25 years of conflict guidance, 1,040 expert forensic testimonies, a doctorate in clinical psychology, and the insights captured in 30 chapters of my book Mind Rules.

Country

United States

City

Denver Metropolitan Area

Industry

Mental Health Care

Skill

Conflict Management, Conflict Resolution, Counseling Psychology, Keynote Speaking, Consulting, Dynamic Speaker, Public Speaking, Relationship Intelligence · Vocational Evaluation (divorce + injury) · Psychological Assessment (trauma + mental competency) · Neuropsychological Testing, Psychological Assessment (trauma + mental competency), Vocational Evaluation (divorce + injury), Neuropsychological Testing, Relationship Intelligence, Trauma-Based Evaluation, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mental Health, Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Psychotherapy, Adults, CBT

Experience

Author + Speaker + Consultant

David W. Zierk, PsyD

2023-9 - Present · 3 yrs 1 mo

Mind Rules: Who's In Control? You or Your Mind? Welcome to Mind Rules! What you are about to learn is surprising and pleasing. Guess what? Your mind is not relational; it hates vulnerability, can't tell time, and has a low pain threshold while strangely loving the color black! Hold on, there's more. Your mind has ADHD with a weird nostalgia for the past, and no matter how much you want it to, it won't let go. Quizzically, your mind only remembers what it can't forget, and it can't forget what it doesn't want to remember. And, especially when things go off course, your mind specializes in being approximately correct and absolutely wrong. Can you live with these truths? If forced to, could you follow these rules? What if you don't have a choice!

Clinical Psychologist

Relationship Intelligence Center

2005-7 - Present · 21 yrs 3 mos

Centennial, Colorado

• Clinical Psychology - Dr. Zierk, a licensed clinical psychologist, earned his doctoral degree from the prestigious University of Denver. His expertise extends beyond traditional therapy. • Forensic Psychology—Dr. Zierk is a seasoned forensic psychologist specializing in assessing the impact of life-changing circumstances. He focuses on vocational evaluations (divorce + injury), psychological evaluations, trauma-based evaluations, and neuropsychological assessments (ADHD, TBI, and Alzheimer's dementia). For more details, visit www.davidzierk.com. • Therapy Approach - Dr. Zierk's approach to therapy is not just a blend of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB), and Relational-Cultural Theory (RCT). It's a unique model focuses on enhancing individuals' capacity for conflict navigation, improving their Relationship Intelligence (r.IQ for short). This innovative approach is detailed on Dr. Zierk's websites: www.davidzierk.com www.riqcenter.com • Specialty Areas - Dr. Zierk's expertise lies in the treatment and assessment of life issues involving seemingly 'unsolvable' problems, communication challenges, emotional regulation, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and persistent relational difficulties. His unique perspective and approach offer hope and reassurance to those facing these challenges.

Neuropsychologist

George Rossie & Associates

2011-7 - Present · 15 yrs 3 mos

Denver, Colorado

As part of the assessment & treatment team, Dr. Zierk performs neuropsychological evaluations with patients presenting with a wide variety of neurological difficulties (TBI, MS, seizure disorder, stroke, Parkinson's Disease, chronic pain, and dementia).

Vocational Consultant

Reference Point

1990-8 - Present · 36 yrs 2 mos

Vocational evaluations focus on a person’s changing life situation, determine their capacity to resume or optimize competitive employment, assess access to employment opportunities, verify employment options, and establish associated earnings capacity. When appropriate, the capacity to participate in rehabilitation efforts is reviewed and developed to enhance employability and optimize earnings. Employability evaluations involve individuals involved in family court, personal injury, or work-related situations. This process is sensitive to determining a person's work capacity related to either divorce or disability.