Viktor Frankl's Legacy of Self-Transcendence with Alexander Vesely
Transforming Trauma
Brad Kammer
4.6 • 140 Ratings
🗓️ 27 August 2025
⏱️ 52 minutes
🧾️ Download transcript
Summary
On this episode of Transforming Trauma, host Emily Ruth invites Alexander Vesely, award-winning documentary filmmaker, psychotherapist, and the grandson of Dr. Viktor Frankl, to share anecdotes about his grandfather and the evolution of Logotherapy.
The pair recalls Viktor's deportation to a Nazi concentration camp and his heartbreaking experiences there. The devastation eventually informed Viktor's theory, known as Logotherapy, which posits that those who are oriented towards finding meaning even in the most dire circumstances are more likely to feel fulfilled. Alexander also discusses his film Viktor & I, an intimate portrait of his grandfather as revealed by those who worked with, studied under, and loved him.
About Alexander Vesely:
Alexander Vesely, M.Sc., Dr. h.c., is an award-winning documentary filmmaker, licensed psychotherapist specializing in Logotherapy and Existential Analysis, and the grandson of Dr. Viktor Frankl, author of the classic Man's Search for Meaning. Vesely serves as Director of the Viktor Frankl Media Archives in Vienna, Co-Founder of the Viktor Frankl Institute of America, and Director of the Online Academy for Logotherapy at the Elisabeth Lukas Archive. His work uniquely bridges the worlds of psychology and cinema, carrying forward his grandfather's legacy through both film and therapeutic practice.
Vesely's films – such as the acclaimed Viktor & I and Wizard of the Desert – explore the lives and philosophies of influential figures in psychology, earning international awards and recognition. Beyond the screen, he is a sought-after speaker on meaning-centered psychotherapy, teaching and lecturing worldwide. Vesely lives in Vienna with his wife and son, where he also maintains a private psychotherapy practice.
Learn More:
Viktor Frankl Institute of America
Online Academy for Logotherapy at the Elisabeth Lukas Archive
***
To read the full show notes and discover more resources, visit https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/transformingtrauma
SPACE:
SPACE is an Inner Development Program of Support and Self-Discovery for Therapists on the Personal, Interpersonal, and Transpersonal Levels offered by the Complex Trauma Training Center. This experiential learning program offers an immersive group experience designed to cultivate space for self-care, community support, and deepening vitality in our professional role as therapists. Learn more about how to join.
***
The Complex Trauma Training Center:
https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com
View upcoming trainings:
https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/schedule/
***
The Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC) is a professional organization providing clinical training, education, consultation, and mentorship for psychotherapists and mental health professionals working with individuals and communities impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Complex Trauma (C-PTSD). CTTC provides NARM® Therapist and NARM® Master Therapist Training programs, as well as ongoing monthly groups in support of those learning NARM. CTTC offers a depth-oriented professional community for those seeking a supportive network of therapists focused on three levels of shared human experience: personal, interpersonal & transpersonal. The Transforming Trauma podcast embodies the spirit of CTTC – best described by its three keywords: depth, connection, and heart - and offers guidance to those interested in effective, transformational trauma-informed care.
We want to connect with you!
Transcript
Click on a timestamp to play from that location
| 0:00.0 | Welcome to the Transforming Trauma podcast. |
| 0:08.0 | Transforming Trauma is presented by the Complex Trauma Training Center. |
| 0:11.8 | I'm your host, Emily Ruth, and I'm so glad you've joined us today. |
| 0:16.4 | Hi, Transforming Trauma listeners. |
| 0:18.3 | If you're a mental health professional working with complex trauma |
| 0:21.8 | and are interested in learning the neuroaffective relational model, we're excited to share with you |
| 0:26.7 | about our upcoming NARM Therapist trainings. The NARM Therapist Training is an advanced clinical training |
| 0:32.2 | designed for licensed mental health professionals, current mental health graduate students, and active |
| 0:37.0 | clinical interns and trainees, where you will get trained in a comprehensive developmental framework |
| 0:42.0 | and clinical approach for resolving the long-term impacts of ACEs and CPTS. |
| 0:47.7 | As you are learning and integrating NARM, you will receive individualized support from a team |
| 0:52.3 | of skilled, passionate, and supportive trainers, |
| 0:55.1 | led by faculty members Brad Cammer, Stephanie Klein, and Marsha Black. If you're working in the |
| 1:00.2 | field of complex trauma, we encourage you to register now to get trained in NARM. For more |
| 1:05.2 | information and to reserve your spot, please visit Complex Trauma Training Center.com. |
| 1:11.8 | And now for our interview. |
| 1:14.4 | Alexander Vasselli is an award-winning documentary filmmaker, licensed psychotherapist |
| 1:19.4 | specializing in logotherapy and existential analysis, and the grandson of Dr. Victor Frenkel, |
| 1:25.1 | author of the classic Man Search for Meaning. |
| 1:28.1 | Veseli serves as director of the Victor Frankel Media Archives in Vienna, |
| 1:32.1 | co-founder of the Victor Frankel Institute of America, |
| 1:34.7 | and the director of the online academy for logotherapy at the Elizabeth Lucas Archive. |
... |
Please login to see the full transcript.
Disclaimer: The podcast and artwork embedded on this page are from Brad Kammer, and are the property of its owner and not affiliated with or endorsed by Tapesearch.
Generated transcripts are the property of Brad Kammer and are distributed freely under the Fair Use doctrine. Transcripts generated by Tapesearch are not guaranteed to be accurate.
Copyright © Tapesearch 2026.