On February 13, 2023, at the age of 77, Professor Emeritus Dr. William (Bill) Piper passed away. It is with a great deal of sorrow that I relay the news that he has passed away. Not only does Bill leave behind an astounding legacy of impact and accomplishment, but beyond his achievements, Bill was a kind, kind, and generous soul who had a positive influence on everyone he came in contact with. Bill’s passing will be keenly felt by his numerous coworkers and friends in SPR and beyond. His passing will be deeply significant.
After completing his undergraduate studies at the College of Wooster, where he graduated with honours and Phi Beta Kappa (Psychology Major), Bill went on to earn his doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Connecticut in 1972 following his graduation. He was a clinical psychologist in the United States Navy and received a Certificate of Commendation from the United States Marine Corps in 1973. He was drafted during the Vietnam war and served in the United States Navy.
In the years that followed, he distinguished himself as an academic scholar by conducting research at McGill University, the University of Alberta, and, lastly, the University of British Columbia. He was a professor at all three of these institutions. During his time as a researcher, Bill was recognised all over the world for his exceptional contributions to the field of psychotherapy. He was particularly well-known for his grasp of the relationship that exists between the features of the patient and the outcome of therapy.
He was also considered to be one of the most prominent investigators in this field. He made a particularly major contribution to the field of psychodynamic psychotherapy as well as the field of group therapy, both in terms of practice and research. Through the publication of over 180 journal papers and chapters, as well as seven books, he made a substantial contribution to the area of psychotherapy. His numerous accomplishments were appropriately acknowledged by means of prestigious awards and honours, such as the Distinguished Research Career Award from the Society for Psychotherapy Research.
Additionally, he was inducted as a Fellow to the American Psychological Association and the Canadian Group Psychotherapy Association, and he was also inducted as a Distinguished Fellow to the American Group Psychotherapy Association. Over the course of several years, he also served as President of the Society for Psychotherapy Research (SPR) and acquired editorial responsibility for the International Journal of Group Psychotherapy.
