Victor Yalom Life and Legacy

Victor was my classmate at Oberlin, and lived down the hall from me sophomore year. For some odd reason, he popped into my memory today, and as one does, I looked him up online to see what he was up to. I am so sad and shocked to learn of his passing . He was funny and kind, and while we didn't keep in touch after graduation, I always thought well of him. What a loss.

Victor, Your deeply beautiful spirit will remain a light, for each one of us that you have touched. Your suffering was as deep as your beauty, and now you are free. Shalom.

Hi all Via a series of seemingly random events and relationships, I first met Victor when he invited me to help create the DSM Psychodiagnostic video series many years ago. While we kept it professional at first, our shared love of sarcasm and sometimes dark humor quickly found each other. Our conversations and creative processes on that and follow-up projects were always filled with a thousand laughs between the "Ok - let's get back to work". I wish there was an outtake tape from the videos because we could've been a great stand up act at some nerdy psych conference. That's what I'll remember most and hold close - the bounces between an intensely serious back and forth to just some random hilarity. This continued for the years between over many conversations - sometimes for no other reason than to just talk. I would immediately drop whatever I was doing if I saw his name come up on my phone. My relationship with Victor and the other folks at psychotherapy.net was and is a blessing in my life. He brought me to his house in the redwoods of Mill Valley having hardly met me, allowed me to speak my mind and share a platform despite my sometimes off-the-center-line way of talking about the DSM, and, through this, brought out the best, I think, in both of us. I am forever grateful. Sleep in the stars, Victor. Dry your eyes on the wind.

Victor, it was my honor to work with you and the Psychotherapy.net team. Thank you for everything, and my heartfelt condolences to your family. 🙏

It is very hard to say goodbye to Victor. He was such a loving and lovable man, to know that that he was suffering unbearable pain is anguishing. Although I miss him, I am glad that he is now at peace. I am also deeply grateful for his generosity and his open arms. When I sought his advice about finding a home for a film library I’d created on the arts therapies, much to my surprise and delight he offered instead an invitation and a warm welcome. In this troubled world Victor embodied sincerity, creativity, and a kind of empathy that is rare and profound. He was an absolute joy to work with, a truly beautiful soul.

Appreciate for all your contribution!

My deepest condolences to the entire Yalom family, Victor's many friends, colleagues, and those who admired him through his highly impactful work. May his memory be a blessing. זכרונו לברכה

A deep deep gratitude to you, Victor, for all that you offered to us through your videos and insights. It's something I will continue to treasure. I wish you peace

I'm so sad to learn today, Victor is no longer with us. I'm really sad and shocked. He has inspired me to become a better therapist and he will continue to inspire me through his work and training videos.

It's heartbreaking to know that you've ended his life. Thank you for your work in psychotherapy and mental well-being. I'm one of the many many students who benefited from your videos. Life is truly not easy, and human is vulnerable, that's why we support and care for each other. I hope we always get the warmth and strength we need when we're desperate. RIP.