Michel Efimovich Litvak was born on June 20, 1938, in the city of Rostov-on-Don. His father, Efim Markovich Litvak, was born in 1912 and worked as a physician. He passed away in 1964. Michel’s mother, Berta Izrailevna Litvak, was born in 1912 and worked as a civil servant. She passed away in 1986.
In 1961, Michel Litvak graduated from Rostov State Medical Institute (now a university). After completing his studies, he was drafted into the ranks of the Soviet army for compulsory service. During his military service, he held various positions in army medical institutions.
Since 1967, Michel Litvak worked at the psychiatric clinic of the Psychiatry Department at Rostov Medical University as a psychiatrist. Starting from 1980, he began teaching activities at the Department of Psychiatry of the Continuing Medical Education Faculty, where he was involved in teaching general improvement courses on general psychiatry, narcology, psychotherapy, medical psychology, and sexology.
In his scientific activities, until 1980, he focused on the clinic and treatment of schizophrenia, publishing around 30 articles on this topic. In the 1980s, his scientific and clinical interests shifted towards psychotherapy, psychosomatics, sexology, and medical psychology.
Studying the issue of neuroses through his patients and acquainting himself with the global literature on psychotherapy, Michel Litvak concluded that effective treatment is not always limited to the use of medications. It often requires learning proper self-communication, effective communication with loved ones and others, as well as the ability to successfully solve problems both at work and in personal life.
Michel Litvak developed a methodology that he named “Psychological Aikido,” inspired by the works of predecessors in psychology such as Freud, Adler, Skinner, Berne, and others. This methodology proved to be versatile and found application not only in psychotherapy but also in business, education, and sports.
Furthermore, he developed a method of targeted emotion modeling that was successfully applied in leadership training. His belief that the roots of neuroses trace back to childhood and form unhappy scripts led to the creation of the method of “script reprogramming.”
He transformed several traditional methods of psychotherapy, such as autogenic training, and developed a comprehensive therapeutic program and organizational treatment model for neuroses, which were successfully implemented in clinical practice.
The simplicity of modifying his methods led to their use not only for treatment but also for prevention and health improvement of individuals without any pre-existing conditions. This resulted in the formation of the psychotherapeutic club “KROSS” (Club of Those Resolving Stressful Situations), which gained popularity among a wide range of people.
The treatment results proved to be lasting, and many club participants began to demonstrate social growth, becoming leaders and managers. Methodologies related to management psychology were developed specifically for them, which are now used by top and middle managers in training sessions. Additionally, for those interested in venturing into politics, Michel Litvak organized a series of training programs on the art of public speaking.
Michel Litvak continued his work, developing new techniques and methods in the fields of psychotherapy and communication. He created a public speaking technique that he called “intellectual trance”, and also developed methods for speaking at various events such as weddings, meetings and rallies. These techniques helped his clients win election campaigns, obtain high-level positions, and successfully participate in tenders.
In 1986, Michel Litvak summarized his experience and research in his doctoral dissertation titled “Clinic and Comprehensive Treatment of Neuroses Depending on the System of Personal Relationships,” which he successfully defended in 1989. This dissertation served as the foundation for his subsequent works and books.
Under the influence of the members of the “KROSS” club, Michel Efimovich Litvak began writing books to solidify the knowledge he acquired. His first book, titled “Psychological Aikido,” was published in 1992, followed by other works such as “Psychological Diet” and “Neuroses: Clinic and Treatment.”
To publish his books, he established his own publishing house, where a series of works came to light, including “The Success Algorithm.” A meeting with the “Phoenix” publishing house led to the release of the book “If You Want to Be Happy: The Psychology of Communication” in 1995, which became a bestseller and received numerous reprints.
In addition to that, Michel Litvak released the book “Psychotherapeutic Etudes” and the monograph “Epilepsy” through his own publishing house. “Psychotherapeutic Etudes” was a collection of articles that hadn’t been published in scientific journals due to their “non-scientific” nature but contained valuable psychotherapeutic knowledge.
He was an outstanding author and scientist whose books and educational materials on psychotherapy, communication psychology, and psychopathology had a significant impact on the development of these fields of knowledge. His collaborative works with other authors, such as Yu.A. Kut yavin and V.S. Kovalenko, enabled the creation of valuable educational resources for physicians and mental health professionals.
The book “If You Want to Be Happy” and its subsequent sections, such as “How to Recognize and Change Your Destiny,” “Psychological Vampirism: The Anatomy of Conflict,” and “Command or Obey: The Psychology of Management,” offer valuable knowledge about self-discovery, interpersonal relationships, and leadership that remain relevant and in demand.
His books, such as “The Sperm Principle” and “Sex in the Family and at Work,” reflect his broad outlook and profound knowledge in the fields of psychology and sociology. His work has been acknowledged as scientifically grounded and practically significant, resonating with a wide audience and leading to multiple reprints of his books.
Michel Litvak has left a significant mark in the history of psychotherapy and psychology, continuing to influence the professional and personal development of many individuals even after his departure. His works continue to inspire and assist people in understanding themselves and the surrounding world.
Litvak was an outstanding specialist in the field of psychotherapy and psychiatry, whose work encompassed not only scientific and practical aspects but also public engagement. His books and educational materials have become an integral part of the global psychotherapeutic literature and have had a significant impact on the development of psychology and psychotherapy.
In addition to his writing activities, he actively engaged in public work, educational initiatives, and teaching. His participation in various conferences, congresses, and scientific events attests to his significant contribution to the development of psychotherapy as both a science and a practice.
Thanks to his professionalism and unique approach to work, Michel Litvak gained recognition both in Russia and abroad, as evidenced by certificates and diplomas from various professional associations and organizations.
His attention to various aspects of psychotherapy, communication, and psychology enabled him to provide assistance not only to patients but also to sports organizations, reflecting the breadth of his interests and competence.
The departure of Michel Litvak in 2020 was a loss for the global community of psychotherapists and psychologists. His legacy lives on through his works, which continue to inspire and assist many individuals in their personal and professional growth.