Psychology has shaped how we understand the human mind, behavior, relationships, and even mental health treatment. Over the past century, several landmark cases have not only influenced research but also transformed how therapists and counselors work with clients.

At Relationships and More, we believe knowing these cases helps people appreciate how far therapy has come — and how it continues to evolve to meet today’s challenges in couples therapy, marriage counseling, and individual therapy.

Here are the top 10 psychology cases in history that continue to shape modern therapy and mental health practices.

1. Phineas Gage (1848) — Personality and the Brain

Phineas Gage was a railroad worker who survived a horrific accident when an iron rod pierced his skull. Though he lived, his personality drastically changed.

Impact: This case showed the connection between brain injury and behavior, sparking early neuroscience.
Relevance today: Brain trauma can deeply affect relationships, requiring therapy to rebuild trust and communication.

👉 Learn more about how therapy supports trauma recovery: Individual Counseling.

2. Little Albert (1920) — Classical Conditioning and Fear

Conducted by John B. Watson and Rosalie Rayner, this experiment conditioned a baby (Albert) to fear a white rat by pairing it with loud noises.

Impact: Demonstrated that emotions like fear can be learned.
Relevance today: It informs therapies for phobias, anxiety, and trauma — such as exposure therapy.

👉 Anxiety often strains couples. Explore Couples Therapy to work through fear and stress together.

3. Anna O. (1880s) — The Birth of Psychoanalysis

Known as Freud and Breuer’s famous patient, “Anna O.” experienced paralysis, hallucinations, and speech difficulties. She coined the term “talking cure,” which became the foundation of psychoanalysis.

Impact: Opened the door to modern psychotherapy.
Relevance today: Talking openly in therapy remains central to healing.

👉 Start your own “talking cure”: Marriage Counseling.

4. Kitty Genovese (1964) — The Bystander Effect

Kitty Genovese’s tragic murder in New York became a pivotal case in social psychology when reports claimed dozens of witnesses failed to help.

Impact: Led to research on the bystander effect — why people fail to act in groups.
Relevance today: Understanding group dynamics helps in addressing conflict, bullying, and community responsibility.

👉 Healthy relationships require action, not silence. Couples Therapy can teach proactive communication.

5. The Stanford Prison Experiment (1971) — Power and Behavior

Philip Zimbardo’s experiment placed college students in roles of guards and prisoners. It was stopped early due to abuse and distress.

Impact: Showed how quickly people conform to authority and roles.
Relevance today: Helps therapists address toxic relationship dynamics, including power imbalances and abuse.

👉 If control issues are hurting your marriage, consider Marriage Counseling.

6. Pavlov’s Dogs (1890s) — Classical Conditioning

Ivan Pavlov discovered that dogs could be conditioned to salivate at the sound of a bell when paired with food.

Impact: Laid the foundation for behavioral psychology.
Relevance today: Informs therapy techniques for habit formation and breaking negative cycles.

👉 Therapy helps couples replace unhealthy patterns with positive ones: Couples Therapy.

7. H.M. (Henry Molaison, 1950s) — Memory and the Brain

After surgery for epilepsy, H.M. lost the ability to form new long-term memories.

Impact: His case revealed critical insights into how memory works.
Relevance today: Memory disorders impact relationships, requiring support for both individuals and families.

👉 Learn how therapy helps families cope: Family Counseling.

8. The Milgram Experiment (1961) — Obedience to Authority

Stanley Milgram’s participants believed they were delivering painful shocks to others. Many continued under authority, despite distress.

Impact: Demonstrated how authority influences obedience.
Relevance today: Helps us understand relationship control, coercion, and even abuse dynamics.

👉 Therapy can empower individuals to set boundaries: Individual Counseling.

9. David Reimer (1960s–2000s) — Gender Identity and Ethics

David Reimer was raised as a girl after a failed circumcision, part of a gender identity study. His life revealed the dangers of forced identity.

Impact: Highlighted the importance of autonomy and ethics in psychology.
Relevance today: Informs gender identity support and inclusive therapy.

👉 Our therapists respect and affirm identities: Culturally Sensitive Therapy.

10. Genie Wiley (1970s) — Language and Deprivation

Genie was discovered after years of extreme isolation and abuse, unable to develop normal language.

Impact: Showed how socialization shapes language and development.
Relevance today: Underscores the lasting impact of trauma and the need for early intervention.

👉 Trauma-informed counseling can help survivors rebuild.

Why These Cases Still Matter for Therapy Today

These historic cases remind us that:

Mental health is deeply influenced by biology, environment, and relationships.
Therapy evolves as we learn from past successes and mistakes.
Understanding human behavior helps couples, families, and individuals heal.

How Relationships & More Builds on This Legacy

At Relationships & More, we apply the lessons of psychology’s history to modern challenges. Whether you’re:

Struggling with anxiety or depression
Facing conflict in your marriage
Coping with trauma or grief

…our therapists provide compassionate, evidence-based care to help you thrive.

👉 Explore our services:

Final Thoughts

The top 10 psychology cases are more than history lessons — they shape every therapy session today. From conditioning experiments to stories of trauma and resilience, they show why compassionate, professional counseling matters.

If these cases resonate with your own experiences, know that support is available. You don’t have to navigate life’s challenges alone.

👉 Contact Relationships and More today to take the first step toward healing.