One of the giants of twentieth century psychology has been restored to a board seat on the organization that bears his name, the Albert Ellis Institute. Judge Edward Lehner has ruled (Times / Newsday / Daily News) that the board ouster of Dr. Ellis in September of last year was done in violation of the organization's own by-laws (here's the memorandum ruling; you may be asked to authenticate yourself). Moreover, Judge Lehner discredited the board's explanation that the ouster was to avoid problems with the IRS due to the Institute's payment of Dr. Ellis' large medical bills.
This case has generated some discussion about whether Dr. Ellis is an example of founder's syndrome. The board's lawyers used the term to denigrate Ellis in a New York Times article last October, but others like Matt Dobkin of New York Magazine provide a more complex and more sympathetic reading of the situation.
Founder's syndrome is one of those buzzwords that management consultants throw around, frequently as an alternative to real understanding of complicated social situations. It seems to be quite inappropriate in this case, as we are talking about the founder not just of an organizations, but of a whole paradigm of therapy, cognitive therapy or rational emotive behavior therapy, who is trying to maintain some say over an organization named after himself. At 92, he is clearly declining but still capable.
Thank you for probing for the reality in this situation, beyond the propaganda. It's important to add that Dr. Ellis is responsible for the existence of his own Institute, a six story brownstone building off Madison Avenue, lived there for many years on a meager salary of $12,000 and donated all the royalties of his 75+ books to operate and maintain the Ellis Institute. The small group of individuals who led a coup against him envy his genius but hate his forceful confronting of their attempts to subvert this Institute to something they believe will bring them more power and personal financial benefit.
Thank you for your interest in this situation. Many aged people find themselves victimized by individuals they entrusted to protect their interests. If that is "Founders Syndrome" so be it. "Founders Syndrome" is just another ploy, denigrating Dr. Ellis, by this small group of psychologists and non psychologists, to act on their own selfish interests. They will not succeed.
Multiple actions, legal and ethical, are now underway, by a large group of individuals including a 25 member "Board in Waiting" of which I am a member. We are determined to take back Ellis's rightful place in his own Institute, to stop the financial and personal harassment he is experiencing, and to allow him to continue his work as long as he is able.
If I can be of more help, please feel free to contact me. John Minor, Phd, Manhattan Beach, California
Posted by: John R. Minor, PhD | March 10, 2006 at 12:06 AM