Bjørn Blumenthal Honored for Pioneering Work in Norwegian Vegetotherapy

Bjørn Blumenthal, a significant figure in Norwegian psychology and a key proponent of vegetotherapy, passed away on May 23, 2026, at the age of 96. His death was announced on May 30. Blumenthal was a dedicated follower of Austrian psychotherapist Wilhelm Reich, continuing his legacy in Norway after Reich's emigration to the United States. Born May 29, 1930, Blumenthal's work focused on character-analytic vegetotherapy, aiming to release neurotic muscle tension and rebalance bodily energy. Many psychologists, including the author Marion Berntzen Koksvik, expressed deep gratitude for his mentorship. Koksvik recalled participating in group therapy sessions led by Blumenthal in the early 1980s, which utilized Reich's famous Orgone Energy Accumulator. Blumenthal's "outstanding contribution to Norwegian vegetotherapy" was highlighted, with many colleagues owing him thanks for his interest and assistance in their therapeutic practices. The obituary appeared in Aftenposten on July 5, 2026.

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We are many psychologists who today owe him great thanks for his interest in and help to each of us in our therapeutic work.