Otto Rank

Biography

Otto Rank (1884–1939) was an Austrian-American psychoanalyst and influential student of Sigmund Freud. A pioneering figure in psychoanalytic theory, Rank made significant contributions to the understanding of human psychology, particularly regarding the trauma of birth and the dynamics of creativity and will.

Though he eventually diverged from some of Freud's core theories, developing his own therapeutic approach, Rank remained a central figure in the psychoanalytic movement. His work bridged European and American psychology, and his ideas continue to influence contemporary therapeutic practice.