Irvin D. Yalom is an American psychiatrist and psychotherapist, born on June 13, 1931. He is best known for his work in the field of existential psychotherapy, which focuses on the human experience and the search for meaning. Yalom has authored several influential books, both fiction and non-fiction, including Love's Executioner and The Gift of Therapy. In addition to his contributions to psychotherapy, Yalom is a professor emeritus at the Stanford University School of Medicine. His writings often explore themes of mortality, freedom, and the human condition, making complex psychological concepts accessible to a broader audience.