PSYCHOLOGY
Drawing on over two decades of experience. Dr. Gordon MacKinnon, Ph.D., is a highly revered Psychologist and is well regarded for his expertise and exceptional levels of patient care. He laid the foundations for his illustrious career back in 1981, when he completed his Bachelor of Science in Religious Education from the Rochester University a Bachelor of Science in Human Resources development from Oakland University. Keen to continue expanding on his knowledge and understanding of the mental health arena, he then embarked on a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy at Wayne State University and obtained his licensed professional psychotherapist credentials.
Following completion of his studies, Dr. MacKinnon successfully secured a Clinical Internship and Residency in Psychology at the Wyandotte Hospital and Medical Center. His numerous achievements during this period includes working with adolescents in the center’s psychiatric partial hospitalization program.
In 1997, Dr. MacKinnon revisited the world of academia and attained his Doctor of Philosophy in clinical psychology from the University of Detroit-Mercy. His impressive dissertation explored the effects of the stress response to natural disaster films, in connection to the function of patient locus of control and field dependence/field independence.
Keen to contribute to both theoretical and practical applications of his craft, Dr. MacKinnon opened his own private clinical practice in 1997. This practice is still in operation today and Dr. Mackinnon has been recognized as one of the Top Psychologists (2020) in the Detroit Area.
Dr. MacKinnon has always been committed to educating the future generation of medical professionals, and in 2000, he took up the coveted position of Professor of Psychology at Rochester University. This tenure has seen the esteemed Dr. MacKinnon teach over 15 courses across psychology, media, and ethics. He has also presented to several patient groups as the William Beaumont Hospital, and at the Weisberg Cancer Center.
The work of Dr. MacKinnon has not gone un-noticed and he was appointed chairperson of the department of Psychology at Rochester University, a role he upheld until 2020. He continues to maintain the position of clinical director of the Psychology and Counseling Center and has previously received the Faculty of the Year award for his impressive contributions. He also serves as the vice president of the Academy for the Psychoanalytic Arts.
Dr. MacKinnon is an accomplished author, and his published works are featured in a variety of respected publications including the Oxford University Forum on Public Policy, the Michigan Society for Psychoanalytic Psychology Newsletter, the Journal of Health and Human Experience, the Social History of the American Family: An Encyclopedia, and Historical Monuments: History, Culture, Heritage, and Beyond.
Dr. MacKinnon has maintained a life-long interest in the effects of medical or catastrophic trauma on stress and patient-caregiver relationships. In this regard, his attention has been particularly focused on cancer patients, and he has extended his support further by volunteering at the Beaumont Hospital in their cancer support groups.
Reflecting on his successes to date, Dr. MacKinnon believes that his strong ethics both in life and work have provided a solid foundation, in addition to remaining passionate about other people’s stories and life struggles. In the future. Dr. MacKinnon plans to focus more of his time on private consulting and making a real difference to the lives of his patients.