Alexander Lowen
Encyclopedia
Dr. Alexander Lowen was an American
psychotherapist. A student of Wilhelm Reich
in the 1940s and early 1950s in New York
, he developed Bioenergetic Analysis
, a form of mind-body psychotherapy
, with his then-colleague, John Pierrakos (February 8, 1921 – February 1, 2001). Lowen was the founder and former executive director of the International Institute for Bioenergetic Analysis in New York City.
Born in New York City
, Lowen received a bachelor's degree in science and business from City College of New York
and an LLB from Brooklyn Law School
. His interest in the link between the mind and the body developed during this time. He enrolled in a class on character analysis with Wilhelm Reich. After training to be a therapist himself, Lowen moved to Switzerland to attend the University of Geneva
, which awarded him an M.D. in June, 1951.
Lowen lived and practiced for the majority of his life in New Canaan
, Connecticut
. He suffered a stroke in July 2006.
In April 2007, The Alexander Lowen Foundation was founded to continue Dr. Lowen's legacy.
Lowen died on October 28, 2008 at the age of 97.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
psychotherapist. A student of Wilhelm Reich
Wilhelm Reich
Wilhelm Reich was an Austrian-American psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, known as one of the most radical figures in the history of psychiatry...
in the 1940s and early 1950s in New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
, he developed Bioenergetic Analysis
Bioenergetic analysis
Bioenergetic Analysis is a form of body psychotherapy , based upon the work of Wilhelm Reich, but adding a number of innovations...
, a form of mind-body psychotherapy
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is a general term referring to any form of therapeutic interaction or treatment contracted between a trained professional and a client or patient; family, couple or group...
, with his then-colleague, John Pierrakos (February 8, 1921 – February 1, 2001). Lowen was the founder and former executive director of the International Institute for Bioenergetic Analysis in New York City.
Born in New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
, Lowen received a bachelor's degree in science and business from City College of New York
City College of New York
The City College of the City University of New York is a senior college of the City University of New York , in New York City. It is also the oldest of the City University's twenty-three institutions of higher learning...
and an LLB from Brooklyn Law School
Brooklyn Law School
Brooklyn Law School is a law school located in Brooklyn Heights, in Downtown Brooklyn, New York.-History:Founded in 1901 by William Payson Richardson and Norman P. Heffley, Brooklyn Law School was the first law school on Long Island. Using space provided by Heffley’s business school, the law...
. His interest in the link between the mind and the body developed during this time. He enrolled in a class on character analysis with Wilhelm Reich. After training to be a therapist himself, Lowen moved to Switzerland to attend the University of Geneva
University of Geneva
The University of Geneva is a public research university located in Geneva, Switzerland.It was founded in 1559 by John Calvin, as a theological seminary and law school. It remained focused on theology until the 17th century, when it became a center for Enlightenment scholarship. In 1873, it...
, which awarded him an M.D. in June, 1951.
Lowen lived and practiced for the majority of his life in New Canaan
New Canaan, Connecticut
New Canaan is a town in Fairfield County, Connecticut, United States, northeast of Stamford, on the Fivemile River. The population was 19,738 according to the 2010 census.The town is one of the most affluent communities in the United States...
, Connecticut
Connecticut
Connecticut is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is bordered by Rhode Island to the east, Massachusetts to the north, and the state of New York to the west and the south .Connecticut is named for the Connecticut River, the major U.S. river that approximately...
. He suffered a stroke in July 2006.
In April 2007, The Alexander Lowen Foundation was founded to continue Dr. Lowen's legacy.
Lowen died on October 28, 2008 at the age of 97.
External links
- Bioenergetics Press, republishing many of Lowen's books
- Alexander Lowen Foundation, contains historical material
- International Institute of Bioenergetic Analysis