Arthur Janov

Arthur Janov, Ph.D. (1924-2017) was an American psychologist, psychotherapist and writer who pioneered a theory that most physical ailments were ultimately the result of pain and trauma going back to the time of birth (and perhaps even earlier). He held the belief that love is a biological need and that by revisiting and re-experiencing painful early traumas patients could improve both their physical and mental health. He was the founder and director of the Primal Center, located in California, where patients were treated by means of his theories. He was the author of numerous books, most memorably The Primal Scream.