Allen R. Miller, PhD, MBA, Executive Director 

Before I ever met Dr. Aaron T. Beck, he had already had a significant influence on my life. His influence continued for all the years I knew him and now that he is no longer with us, I think of him every day.  

I was familiar with cognitive therapy before meeting ATB (as he was referred to by Beck Institute’s first Executive Director, Dr. Naomi Dank, and is now affectionately known by staff at Beck Institute). However, I did not like the way I saw it applied. I had been trained in behavior therapy, humanistic therapy and other forms of psychotherapy, but there was always a lingering feeling that something was missing. A supervisee of mine repeatedly encouraged me to read a book that they thought I would like. After declining several times, I ran out of resistance and borrowed the book. I devoured it and never returned it to my supervisee. The book was Cognitive Therapy of Depression. 

Beck Institute Founder Aaron Beck

In Cognitive Therapy of Depression, ATB and others consolidated ideas and presented a model that amounted to “the full package.” This book provided evidence-based techniques, session structure, and humanistic, unconditional acceptance of individuals. Captivated by the ideas and impressed with the results, I immediately changed the way I was doing things.  

During this period of my life, Wanda, my fiancée at the time, and I had a ruptured history. We dated for a couple years in college, broke up, married and divorced other people and then reconnected. Suffice it to say, we had issues. We were fortunate to find a Beck-trained therapist who provided guidance based on Dr. Beck’s book, Love is Never Enough. With the help of ideas promoted in the book and the expertise of a well-trained therapist, we married, raised our daughter, and have now been together for over 35 glorious years. His ideas had a profound influence on my professional and personal lives, even before I knew him. 

Shortly after the opening of Beck Institute in 1994, I was accepted into its first training class. I arrived on the first day both excited to learn from Dr. Beck and intimidated by him as he sat at the front of the room. I can’t say that my comfort in the situation came quickly or easily, though it did eventually arrive. Over the years, I found him to be brilliant, insatiably curious, and laser-focused in pursuit of solutions. He was amazing. Despite his stature, he always showed genuine interest in others and was quick to provide encouragement for their efforts. His first question at the beginning of any discussion was “What are you working on now?” His sincerity was disarming. His passion was palpable, and his persistence was unwavering. He wanted to understand you so he could assist. He layered encouragement on top of his passion. He was infinitely generous by offering “I could not have done better myself” as praise after observing a sample of one’s work. 

ATB’s focus was to use CBT to recognize and expand the positive in people. One day when we were having lunch at the office, I told him that I had been asked to give a presentation to a group who, I was told, had no knowledge about CBT. I asked him what would be the most important thing for me to convey to the group about CBT. I expected that he would have me emphasize the scientific approach or the evidence-based techniques, but his response surprised me. He said the most important thing about CBT is: “With it, we help people to have better lives. We help them to be the kind of person they want to be and to have the kind of lives they want to have.” 

The man with a sharp intellect, scientific mind, and dogged determination was also a kind, unassuming, personable individual who did the things he did so other people could achieve their own aspirations. I cannot exaggerate his impact on me. In my humble way I attempt to follow his lead and always try to approach my work with his passion and humanity.

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