Tribute

Dr. Steven M. Southwick

(1948-2022)

On April 20, 2022, The Viktor Frankl Institute of Logotherapy lost an honored colleague and friend with the death of Dr. Steven M. Southwick.  He was a lifetime member of our institute and active member of our board of directors. In 2019, Dr. Southwick was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award in grateful recognition of his promoting internationally the work of Viktor E. Frankl, MD, PhD. Even during his illness, Dr. Southwick was participating in Institute board meetings as recently as this past February. He was key-note speaker at the Twenty-second World Congress of Viktor Frankl’s Logotherapy held in Dallas, Texas.

Irmeli Ivalo Sjølie

(1928-2021)

Irmeli Ivalo Sjølie of Helsinki, Finland, known at the godmother of Logotherapy, transitioned into eternity November 27, 2021.  To quote Dr. Alexander Batthyany, “She was the epitome of European elegance, education, style and individuality which is becoming increasingly rare these days. And wit!”  To the Logotherapy community, she was our mentor, our patron, and most importantly our friend.  Anyone who encountered her was truly blessed by her spirit.

Dr. Robert Carroll Barnes

(1937-2021)

 28 years ago, in a private conversation with Dr. Viktor Frankl, Dr. Barnes pledged that he would do all he could to further the work of Logotherapy with the remainder of his life.  Having served faithfully as the President of the Institute for 28 years, and leading efforts for 14 World Congresses, Dr. Barnes kept his word, and people around the globe have benefitted.  Up until his last conscious breath, he was concerned with the business of the Institute.