Influence of Edith Eger, Viktor Frankl and Bessel Van Der Kolk on Vernon Chalmers
I was recommended to re-visit a few well-selected international influential pioneers and to start learning / and thinking objectively (again), not about the usual individual presumptions (about self), but about life's challenges through select authors / theorists; their different approaches, behavioural, psychological and scientific experiences / guidance. I was therefore encouraged to think existentially 'completely out of the same old norm box'.
Today, I’m enlightened to have walked this road again learning more about Drs. Edith Eger, Viktor Frankl and Bessel and van der Kolk. I spent hours exploring their own life journeys, theses, conclusions and recommendations from an existential motivational perspective - with specific reference to authenticity, freedom of choice and gratitude.
Each of these remarkable individuals brought the (self) narrative of existential philosophies, psychologies and importance of embodiment to my attention. From the academic side I am thankful to my professors, lecturers and my own teachings, but more so for the many people around me lately who's own beliefs, challenges and recommendations are the true real-world guidance. These intermittent discussions keeps me mindful of the contemporary application of many older theories I never really applied when I was younger. - Vernon Chalmers
Edith Eger:
As a Holocaust survivor and therapist, Eger emphasizes that while we cannot change what has happened, we can choose our response. Her message - that healing is possible through acceptance, self-forgiveness, and finding purpose - resonates with Chalmers’ belief in personal transformation. Eger’s work reinforces the idea that trauma does not have to define one’s life, but can instead serve as a springboard for growth and resilience. More about Edith Eager
Viktor Frankl:
Frankl’s logotherapy is grounded in the notion that life retains meaning even in suffering. Chalmers integrates this existential perspective into his work by encouraging individuals to discover a deeper purpose and to use adversity as a catalyst for personal growth. Frankl’s famous insight - that “everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms” - underscores Chalmers’ emphasis on the power of choice in shaping one’s mental state and overall wellbeing. More about Viktor Frankl
Bessel van der Kolk:
Van der Kolk’s research on trauma highlights how traumatic experiences are not only psychological but are also embodied - affecting brain functioning, emotional regulation, and physical health. This neurobiological perspective informs Chalmers’ work by emphasizing that healing from trauma requires addressing both the mind and body. By acknowledging the profound impact of trauma on overall wellbeing, Chalmers is able to advocate for strategies that promote resilience and recovery in a holistic manner. More about Bessel van Kolk
Together, these influences converge in Chalmers’ interdisciplinary approach. He draws on Eger’s compassionate, choice-based path to healing, Frankl’s existential drive to find meaning in every circumstance, and van der Kolk’s scientific insights into the effects of trauma. This blend not only underpins his work in mental health and motivation but also enriches his teachings on personal transformation and the pursuit of a fulfilling life." (Source: ChatGPT 2025)
Vernon Chalmers Existential Motivation