Arthur Janov was an American psychologist best known for developing the concept of primal therapy. He believed that many psychological issues stem from repressed childhood traumas and that expressing these emotions could lead to healing. Janov's work gained attention in the 1970s, particularly with his book, The Primal Scream, which outlined his theories and therapeutic methods. Janov founded the Primal Institute in Los Angeles, where he conducted therapy sessions and trained others in his approach. His ideas have been both influential and controversial, sparking debates within the fields of psychology and psychotherapy regarding the effectiveness of emotional expression in treatment.