Dr. Gourguechon has 40 years of clinical experience as a psychiatrist and psychoanalyst specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of psychological suffering and mental illness related to trauma including PTSD and the effects of childhood sexual abuse and neglect. Additionally she has deep experience in the psychiatric evaluation and treatment of patients suffering from substance abuse disorders, depression, anxiety disorders, psychosis, personality disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Dr. Gourguechon has provided services as an expert witness and consultant to attorneys in the evaluation and assessment of psychological injury including psychiatric illness, mental anguish and emotional distress in cases involving trauma, discrimination, harassment or disability. She has provided assistance to both the plaintiff and defense counsel in civil court matters such as personal injury cases, sexual harassment matters, Title IX and ADA claims. She is an approachable and clear writer and speaker and is known for her ability to translate complex technical material into understandable language that is relatable to non-scientific audiences.
Educated at Yale, the University of Michigan, and Northwestern University, she is a past President of the American Psychoanalytic Association and past Dean of the Chicago Psychoanalytic Institute. She is board certified in Psychiatry and licensed in the State of Illinois. Dr. Gourguechon has been quoted and featured as a trusted mental health expert on numerous media outlets, podcasts, and publications where she provided insight regarding human behavior and motivation.
Her experience as a business consultant and writer specializing in explaining psychological aspects of leadership led to her developing a unique 5-point tool based on core cognitive competencies and character traits for assessing a leader’s ability to carry out high-level responsibilities. Her consultancy practice and business writing included analysis of executive malfeasance, leadership failure to understand the consequences of their actions and the structure of leader apologies.
Experience
Independent Expert Witness
(2006 – 2024)
Specialization in the evaluation and assessment of psychological injury including mental anguish and emotional distress in cases involving trauma, discrimination, harassment or disability.
President and Consultant, Invantage Advising
(2017 – 2024)
Consulting with business leaders on the psychology that underlies leadership practice, critical business behaviors, decisions, and strategy.
Private Practice, Psychiatry
(1983 – 2022)
Extensive experience diagnosing and treating patients with PTSD and trauma related disorders, depression, anxiety disorders, psychosis, substance abuse, obsessive compulsive disorder, and personality disorders.
Prudence Gourguechon MD 