Abraham Low

Abraham Low
Born	(1891-02-28)28 February 1891 Baranów Sandomierski, Poland
Died	4 January 1954(1954-01-04) (aged 62) Chicago, Illinois, United States
Nationality	American
Occupation	Psychiatrist
Known for	Founder of Recovery International

Abraham Low (February 28, 1891 – January 4, 1954) was a pioneering psychiatrist and founder of Recovery International, a self-help mental health organization. His work focused on developing methods for patients to manage their mental health conditions through self-help techniques and group therapy.

Early Life and Education

Abraham Low was born in Baranów Sandomierski, Poland, in 1891. He immigrated to the United States in 1914, where he pursued his medical education. Low graduated from the University of Illinois College of Medicine in 1919. He completed his residency in psychiatry at the University of Illinois Neuropsychiatric Institute.

Career

Low began his career as a psychiatrist at the University of Illinois, where he served as an associate professor of psychiatry. He was deeply interested in the treatment of mental illnesses, particularly schizophrenia and depression. Low was critical of the prevailing methods of psychiatric treatment, which often involved long-term hospitalization and psychoanalysis.

Development of Recovery International

In 1937, Low founded Recovery, Inc., which later became known as Recovery International. The organization was established to provide an alternative to traditional psychiatric treatment by empowering patients to take an active role in their recovery. Low's approach emphasized self-help, peer support, and cognitive-behavioral techniques.

Low's method, often referred to as "CBT" before the term was widely used, involved teaching patients to change their thought patterns and behaviors. He developed a series of tools and techniques, such as "spotting" and "self-endorsement," to help individuals manage their symptoms and improve their mental health.

Contributions to Psychiatry

Abraham Low's contributions to psychiatry were significant in that he introduced a new model of mental health treatment that focused on patient empowerment and self-help. His work laid the foundation for modern cognitive-behavioral therapy and influenced the development of other self-help groups.

Low's emphasis on peer support and group therapy was innovative at the time and has since become a standard practice in mental health treatment. His methods have helped countless individuals manage their mental health conditions and lead more fulfilling lives.

Legacy

Abraham Low passed away in 1954, but his legacy continues through the work of Recovery International, which remains active today. The organization has helped millions of people worldwide and continues to promote Low's principles of self-help and peer support.

Also see

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Self-help groups
• Peer support
• Mental health
• Psychiatry