Lawrence Cohen

Biography of a Renowned Psychologist and Family Therapist

Full Name and Common Aliases

Lawrence Fisher Cohen was born on October 6, 1930, in New York City, USA. He is commonly known as Larry Cohen.

Birth and Death Dates

Birth: October 6, 1930
Death: November 20, 2015

Nationality and Profession(s)

Cohen was an American psychologist and family therapist of Jewish descent. Throughout his career, he worked extensively in the fields of psychology, education, and social work.

Early Life and Background

Born into a middle-class family in New York City, Cohen developed an early interest in psychology and human behavior. His family's strong emphasis on education instilled in him a passion for learning that would guide his future endeavors. As a young man, Cohen attended the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned his undergraduate degree in 1952.

Major Accomplishments

Cohen's work has had a profound impact on the field of psychology and family therapy. Some of his notable accomplishments include:

Development of Family Therapy: In collaboration with Milton Erickson, Cohen made significant contributions to the development of strategic family therapy. This approach emphasizes empowering clients to change their behavior by leveraging their existing strengths.
Innovative Therapeutic Techniques: He is credited with developing innovative techniques such as "paradoxical intervention," which involves making a statement that appears illogical or contradictory in order to elicit a desired response from the client.
Bestselling Author: Cohen co-authored several bestselling books on family therapy and psychology, including "Family Therapy: An Intergenerational Approach" (1967).

Notable Works or Actions

Some of his notable works include:

"You Can Be A Better Husband" (1973): This book provided practical advice for men looking to improve their relationships with their wives.
* "The Family Therapist's Casebook" (1992): In this collection of case studies, Cohen shared insights into his therapeutic approach and the challenges he faced in working with families.

Impact and Legacy

Lawrence Cohen's contributions to family therapy have been widely recognized. His work has had a lasting impact on the field, influencing generations of therapists and researchers.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered

Cohen's ideas and methods continue to inspire new approaches to family therapy and psychology. His emphasis on empowering clients and leveraging their existing strengths remains a cornerstone of contemporary therapeutic practice.