Aaron T. Beck Day 2025: Celebrating a Global Movement

On July 18, colleagues around the world marked what would have been our co-founder Dr. Aaron T. Beck’s 104^th birthday. #AaronTBeckDay is an opportunity for both professionals who champion CBT and individuals whose lives have been improved by it to reflect on the astounding contributions Dr. Beck made to the field of mental health.  

Each year, we ask people to take one action to raise awareness of Dr. Beck’s life and work. Participants can email their network with information about Dr. Beck and CBT, post on social media, or create a plan to improve mental health in their communities. This year, for the first time, we asked our friends, colleagues, and trainees to share how Dr. Beck’s work inspired, influenced, or helped them, either personally or professionally. The responses were incredibly moving and highlight Dr. Beck’s enduring legacy.  

Here are just a few of the many we received: 

• “In 1997, I had the privilege of meeting Dr. Beck in person while attending a training at the Beck Institute. His presence as an educator—marked by simplicity, attentive listening, valuing everyone’s perspectives, and unwavering theoretical consistency—was, for me, not only the embodiment of a therapy model but also a model of being human… To me, Dr. Beck is not just a theorist; he is a powerful example of ethical and humane stance as a clinician, researcher, and educator. I am deeply grateful for his life, his work, and the enduring inspiration he offers.” – Hakan T.
• “When I first began practicing, I was searching for a therapeutic approach that was both structured and deeply human—something that respected the complexity of emotion, yet offered real tools for change. That path led me to the work of Dr. Aaron T. Beck, and it transformed not only how I treat others, but how I understand the human mind. CBT gave my clients a voice. It gave them a way to challenge the beliefs that were holding them back, and a map for navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, and even chronic pain. From young adults overwhelmed by pressure, to families healing after years of silence, I have watched lives reshape themselves through the simple yet profound tools Dr. Beck pioneered.” – Twana A.

• “To me, CBT is not just a method; it is a belief. It affirms that people can change, that healing is possible even when the night feels endless… Dr. Beck’s vision lives on—in every story of recovery, in every moment of rediscovered strength. I am grateful to walk part of that path, carrying forward the light he first kindled.” – Leon Y.
• “As a clinical psychologist, [Dr. Beck’s] work has shaped the way I think, listen, and intervene. CBT taught me how to help clients become more aware of their inner dialogue and how to guide them toward more balanced, empowering perspectives. Dr. Beck’s commitment to rigorous research and practical application inspires me daily to ground my clinical work in both empathy and evidence. His contribution is not only scientific—it’s deeply human. He believed in people’s capacity for change, and that belief lives on in every therapeutic session I conduct.” – Elham F.

• “As a psychology graduate and someone who has always been passionate about helping others heal, Dr. Aaron T. Beck’s work has profoundly shaped both my personal and professional life… I remember reading about Dr. Beck and his revolutionary approach—how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are all connected, and how with awareness and gentle guidance, we can change our inner world. CBT empowered me to not only understand my own mind, but to support healing in others. It gave me hope that change is always possible, and that even small shifts in thinking can create waves of transformation.” – Sayeh R.
• “I first came across Dr. Beck’s studies while still an undergraduate in Psychology, and his work has shaped my career as a psychotherapist, psychology professor, and clinical supervisor. I see in each of my interns and patients the transformative impact of his ideas and solid science in the field of mental health. The pioneering movement led by Dr. Beck is a faithful companion in building a better world.” – Armando R.
• “Dr Aaron Beck’s work on cognitive distortions was one of the first things I encountered as a psychology student—and it’s stayed with me ever since. Learning how our thoughts influence our emotions and behaviors not only shaped the way I work with clients today but also helped me develop greater self-awareness and resilience in my own life. Grateful for the profound impact of his work—both personally and professionally.” – Liz C.

In addition to these inspiring words, many people undertook projects or held gatherings to mark the occasion. Here are some of the fantastic events we learned about:

• Gregoris Simos, MD, PhD, President of the Greek Association for Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapies held a live virtual event for the general public on understanding panic disorder and agoraphobia and how CBT can help. Following the presentation, he welcomed questions from the audience and an opportunity for open discussion.

• Cosmin Popa, PhD, of Romania shared, “To honor the legacy of Dr. Aaron T. Beck, I plan to organize a national presentation focused on the cognitive-behavioral model’s application in personality disorders, highlighting both its foundational principles and recent developments. This event will be carried over online and will be addressed to mental health professionals… I am honored to once again have the opportunity to celebrate Dr. Beck’s enduring contributions through this initiative.”

To everyone around the world who joined us in celebrating Dr. Beck’s continued impact, thank you! We are already looking forward to next year’s celebrations.