Dr. Joan Kirk died peacefully, surrounded by her family on January 16th, 2016. For some years she had endured a long illness, but she had done so with remarkable fortitude.
Dr Joan Kirk was always remarkable. She built up a thriving and diverse NHS Clinical Psychology Department in Oxford, and on her retirement in 2004, a thriving private practice. She turned a time of NHS financial crisis into an opportunity in the 1990s when she founded OCTC to promote CBT excellence and in the process created new opportunities for psychologists. She co-edited one of the best–selling early CBT texts (Hawton et al, 1994) and co-authored one of the best–selling contemporary CBT texts (Westbrook et al, 2011). As a psychologist and as a cognitive therapist she furthered research, training and specialist services. She was, deservedly, made a Fellow of the British Psychological Society for her significant contributions to the field.
She was also uncommonly generous in supporting others in developing their careers and interests. So many of us owe her so much. At OCTC we are indebted to her for this very organisation.
When we think of Joan Kirk we will recall many achievements and significant accomplishments but those who were fortunate in knowing her will best remember her kindness, warmth and humour – and that she was simply remarkable.