Thomas Anthony Harris, born in 1910 in Texas, was an influential American psychiatrist and author renowned for his book “I’m OK – You’re OK.” This book, published in 1969, became a bestseller and a staple in the self-help genre, introducing the principles of Transactional Analysis to a broad audience. Harris’s work emphasized that understanding and changing our interactions with others could lead to significant personal and psychological growth.

Before becoming a prominent psychiatrist, Harris received his medical degree and started his career in the Navy, where he served as a psychiatrist during and after World War II. After leaving the Navy, he entered private practice and collaborated closely with Dr. Eric Berne, the founder of Transactional Analysis. His approach to psychiatry was practical and accessible, aiming to empower individuals to achieve the mindset of “I’m OK, You’re OK,” which signifies being at peace with oneself and others. Harris continued to practice and teach until his passing in 1995, leaving a lasting impact on psychotherapy and self-help literature.