Arthur Janov
- Born:
- August 21, 1924, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Died:
- October 1, 2017, Malibu, California, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Psychologist, Psychotherapist, Author
Early Life and Education
- Earned a B.A. in Social Work from UCLA.
- Received an M.S.W. from UCLA.
- Obtained a Ph.D. in Psychology from Claremont Graduate School.
Career and Major Achievements
- Began his career as a traditional psychotherapist.
- Developed and popularized primal scream therapy, a psychological treatment approach focusing on reliving early childhood trauma.
- Founded the Primal Institute in Los Angeles.
- Treated numerous patients, including some celebrities.
Notable Works
- The Primal Scream: Primal Therapy, the Cure for Neurosis (1970) - His most well-known book, outlining the principles of primal scream therapy Janov advocated.
- The Anatomy of Mental Illness (1971)
- Primals: Sexual Physiological Health (1972)
- Prisoners of Pain (1976)
- The Feeling Child (1977)
- Imprints: The Lifelong Effects of the First Relationships (1983)
- Why You Get Sick and How You Get Well: The Healing Power of Feelings (1996)
Legacy and Impact
Arthur Janov's primal scream therapy generated significant controversy and debate within the field of psychology. While some praised its potential for addressing deep-seated trauma, others criticized its lack of empirical support and potential risks. Despite the controversy, it undeniably influenced therapeutic approaches and raised awareness of the impact of early childhood experiences on mental health.