Judith Kestenberg

Judith Kestenberg was a psychiatrist and psychoanalyst known for her work on how early childhood experiences, especially in traumatic situations like war or loss, affect emotional development. She studied the psychological impact of parental loss, such as during the Holocaust, and introduced the concept of "repetitive rhythms" in infants' responses to trauma. Her research helped deepen understanding of attachment, resilience, and how early life events influence later mental health, providing valuable insights for therapists working with trauma and bereavement.