Viktor
Frankl

Viktor Emil Frankl, born on March 26, 1905, in Vienna, Austria, was an influential figure in psychiatry, known for founding logotherapy. His work is recognized as a significant third school of Viennese psychotherapy, alongside Freud's psychoanalysis and Adler's individual psychology. Frankl's early interest in psychology led him to explore the human search for meaning, which became the cornerstone of his therapeutic approach. During his university years, he was deeply involved in youth counseling, aiming to reduce suicide rates among students by offering free psychological support, a testament to his lifelong commitment to mental health.

Frankl's personal and professional life was dramatically impacted by the Holocaust, during which he was imprisoned in several concentration camps, including Auschwitz. These harrowing experiences shaped his understanding of human suffering and resilience, themes he later explored in his seminal work, "Man's Search for Meaning." After the war, Frankl returned to Vienna, continued his psychiatric practice, and further developed logotherapy, arguing against reductionist views of human existence and emphasizing the importance of finding purpose. His philosophy and methods have influenced not just psychotherapy but also various fields of study and practice worldwide. Frankl's dedication to understanding the human condition, amidst profound personal loss and adversity, leaves a legacy of insight into the power of finding meaning in life's challenges.