Remembering Dr. Daniel Eckstein

I first was introduced to Dr. Eckstein when I was managing editor for The Family Journal. Dr. Eckstein was at Sam Houston State University and became a great mentor to me in the realm of research and publication. I worked on several projects with Dr. Eckstein and I truly respected his work as well as being a colleague.

Dr. Eckstein’s words about mentorship: “Mentoring is one of the most sacred and in its own way, intimate, relationships we can have on our career path. It’s nice to give back to you what was so freely given and is still given to me in like manner.” There are no words to encompass the remarkable man Dr. Eckstein was. His passion, wisdom, and encouragement as a professor and a mentor were extraordinary. He had a unique gift of touching the life of another even if the exchange was a silent or brief moment. The person I am today significantly results from Dr. Eckstein’s influence both personally and professionally. He exemplified and illuminated leadership by encouragement… He fostered growth by teaching me to throw the books aside and to reach deep within myself to genuinely connect with others and not be afraid to experience the depths of a moment. My time with him was truly transformative. His loss has a profound affect on many. I will cherish the journey I experienced with Dr. Eckstein and carry his spirit forward. Dr. Eckstein made invaluable contributions to our field. I am forever honored and fortunate that I had the privilege of having him as my mentor. Dr. Eckstein—Thank you. You will be greatly missed. “A blessing on your soul.”

I got to know Daniel in 2006 when he came to teach at Sam Houston State University. At the time, I was a doctoral fellow (graduate research assistant) there so I got to assist him in his teaching and research. Later on, he opened a door for me to not only assist him but also become a part of his many projects. We then wrote and published together and also presented in several professional conferences. Our long-term collaboration also led him and my family to become close.

After he left Texas for his teaching position in Saba, he continued to keep the connection going with us. Over the years, he has been a loyal and caring friend to me and my family. Every year around Christmas time, he made plans to come to Dallas to visit us. He would sing and dance with his “little friend,” my daughter Annabelle. He, my husband, and I continued to share many dreams for the counseling profession as well as for our personal lives.

It is hard to say good bye to Daniel. Here it is anyway. Daniel, you are a mentor, a friend, and a role model to me. From my Asian perspective, your true openness to what life has offered you is rarely found among Americans. I am honored to have been a small part of your beautiful life journey and will always miss you and hear you sing that wonderful theme song with Annabelle.

Dr. E., as I affectionately called him during my years as a student, embraced every opportunity to live life to the fullest. While others might rush through life mindlessly, Dr. E. keenly observed the world and people around him. He used these observations to engage others with genuine interest and care. I first met Dr. E. in my post as managing editor of The Journal of Individual Psychology when I was a mere first year doctoral student. Here, I was talking to one of the leading psychologists in the Adlerian world, and he wanted to know about me! Despite my lack of credentials or power, Dr. E. treated me as his equal. Regardless of position in life, those who experienced his boisterous laughter and full attention invariably felt encouraged. He adeptly highlighted one’s strengths. In our initial meeting, Dr. E. emphasized my strengths and began encouraging me to build on those by coauthoring manuscripts with him and others—many were published in The Family Journal. Ultimately, his teachings improved my skills as a therapist and author. More importantly, however, Dr. E.’s interactions with me and modeling encouraged and empowered me to live life fully and to show kindness to others. I am just one of many who have been touched by his generosity. The news of Dr. E’s recent passing leaves me deeply saddened. His passing is a loss not only to those who knew and loved him, but also to the profession of psychology. For those who were touched by Dan Eckstein’s life, we are privileged by the opportunity to continue his legacy of social interest and encourage others in the same manner that he encouraged us.

I had the very good fortune of being introduced to Dr. Daniel Eckstein through my mentor Dr. Malcolm Gray shortly after I had finished my PhD in family psychology. Dr. Eckstein was interested in my work regarding decision making within couples and agreed to coauthor an article with me regarding this topic. Since getting to know him, I have been very impressed with the contribution Dan has made to the field of family psychology and even more impressed with his kindness in being willing to work with me. When I heard that we would be getting our article published by The Family Journal I was so grateful to be associated with a person like Dan. I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with him in my limited way and thank you to Dr. Eckstein again for all his great work and for taking the time to reach out to other psychologists like myself, he will be greatly missed.