Helene Ollendorff Curth

German psychiatrist and psychoanalyst

Helene Ollendorff Curth (1899–1982) was a prominent German psychiatrist and psychoanalyst known for her contributions to the field of child psychology and her work with refugees during and after World War II.

Early Life and Education

Helene Ollendorff was born in Berlin, Germany, in 1899. She grew up in a family that valued education and intellectual pursuits. Her early interest in the human mind led her to study medicine at the University of Berlin, where she graduated with a degree in medicine in the early 1920s.

Career

After completing her medical degree, Ollendorff Curth specialized in psychiatry and psychoanalysis. She trained under some of the leading figures in the field, including Karl Abraham and Melanie Klein. Her work focused on the psychological development of children, and she became known for her innovative approaches to child therapy.

Helene Ollendorff Curth

Work with Refugees

During the rise of the Nazi regime in Germany, Ollendorff Curth, who was of Jewish descent, fled to the Netherlands and later to the United Kingdom. In the UK, she worked with refugee children who had been displaced by the war. Her work was instrumental in helping these children cope with the trauma of displacement and loss.

Post-War Contributions

After World War II, Ollendorff Curth continued her work in the field of psychoanalysis. She was involved in the establishment of several institutions dedicated to the study and treatment of psychological disorders in children. Her research contributed significantly to the understanding of child development and the impact of early experiences on mental health.

Personal Life

Helene Ollendorff married Ernst Curth, a fellow psychiatrist, and the couple had two children. Her personal experiences as a refugee and a mother deeply influenced her professional work and her understanding of the psychological needs of children.

Legacy

Helene Ollendorff Curth's work laid the foundation for modern child psychology and psychoanalysis. Her innovative approaches to therapy and her dedication to helping those affected by war and displacement have left a lasting impact on the field.

Related Pages

• Psychoanalysis
• Child psychology
• World War II
• Refugee