May, Rollo

Biography

Rollo Reece May (1909-1994) was a pioneer and popularizer of humanistic psychology best known for applying European existential thought to American psychotherapy. He received a master of divinity degree in 1937 and subsequently spent two years as a Congregationalist minister before deciding to return to school (Columbia University) to study clinical psychology. May was an instructor, a psychotherapist, and author of more than a dozen books. His Love and Will (1969) was highly regarded by social and political activists of the time. He received the American Psychological Association's prestigious gold medal for his distinguished career in psychology, as well as numerous other awards and honors.