Among the scientists whose work has left an indelible mark on psychology, Wilhelm Reich stands out. One of the founders of the European school of psychoanalysis, Reich was rightly considered the best student of Freud. The controversial personality of a brilliant scientist throughout his life attracted the views of the public. And his theoretical views were so unusual that to this day they are criticized.
Wilhelm Reich was not spoiled for life. His childhood passed in Austria-Hungary. The father of the future psychologist was an extremely powerful man who held pro-German nationalist views and was critical of any manifestations of religiosity. From an early age, Reich, in connection with his father’s prohibitions, was deprived of the opportunity to fully communicate with peers, most of whom were Jews and Ukrainians. Mother, after violent family troubles, committed suicide, and a few years later her father and brother who were victims of tuberculosis did not die.
Features of education left an imprint on the character of William. Throughout his life he lacked warmth, sincere gentleness and flexibility in behavior. As a result, he turned into a man who was short-tempered, often quarreled with others, not finding a common language with them and not trying to be compliant in relations.
But Reich's intelligence was excellent. No wonder he was recognized as the first of the students of Sigmund Freud. A year after training, Reich opened his own successful medical practice. But personal characteristics made themselves felt. Reich very quickly quarreled with many colleagues, including the famous teacher. The fact is that William was extremely committed to his beliefs and remained unshakable in his views, which he considered the only true ones.
The views of the scientist were revolutionary at that time. Reich made an attempt to combine psychoanalysis with Marxism, which caused Freud's displeasure. Needless to say, neither the supporters of psychoanalysis nor the adherents of orthodox Marxism found these ideas of support. In subsequent years, Reich moved away from the communist worldview, because he did not find in him an orientation toward human values.
Disappointed with an ideology that puts social reorganization of society at the forefront, Wilhelm Reich completely switched to psychoanalysis. He justified a new method in psychology, which subsequently laid the foundation for body-oriented therapy. According to the scientist, a person has two types of "shell" - psychological and physical, which reflect the protective reactions of the individual. And Reich very skillfully diagnosed the psychological characteristics and problems of patients, using his technique.
The extreme radicalism of views characteristic of Wilhelm Reich made him an undesirable person in those countries that the scientist chose to live. In the late 30s of the XX century, he settled in the United States. Fascinated by his next discovery, the so-called "orgone energy, " Reich began to seek confirmation of his findings, constructing devices to cause rain and cancer treatment. This could not but lead to a conflict with the authorities and the scientific community. As a result, Reich's books were banned, and he was put on trial.
At a hearing on his case, Reich, with his intrinsic restraint, said that he did not consider the judicial board competent in resolving scientific issues. For such disrespect for the judiciary, the scientist was sentenced to two years in prison, where he died a few months later from heart disease.
But even after the death of Reich, his followers and opponents continued to argue about the legitimacy of his scientific approach to explaining the "inexplicable" phenomena of the psyche. Over time, the ban on his works was lifted, but in Russia translations of Reich's books appeared only at the end of the 20th century. The founders of body-oriented therapy are still considered to be either a crazy science fiction or a brilliant scientist who is much ahead of his time.
