Moshe Talmon, a clinical psychologist known for pioneering Single-Session Therapy (SST), has made the decision to end his life through assisted dying in Switzerland, a country that permits legal euthanasia for individuals worldwide. Talmon, 76, who is currently in remission from cancer after three separate battles with the disease, explained that his choice stems from a desire for dignity and control in the face of prolonged suffering and a life compromised by illness.
Born and raised on Kibbutz Beit Alpha in Israel’s Jezreel Valley, Talmon pursued psychology at Tel Aviv University before furthering his studies in the United States. His career spanned clinical practice, consulting, lecturing, and therapy. He founded SST, a therapeutic approach centered on the belief that a single, focused session can produce meaningful psychological benefits by emphasizing optimism and resilience in the present moment, even amid severe distress.
Talmon’s decision to pursue assisted suicide follows years of reflection influenced, in part, by his work with Holocaust survivors and residents of communities in Israel’s western Negev, areas recently affected by trauma and violence. He described witnessing firsthand the “nightmares” stemming from events on October 7, which intensified his sense of burden and contributed to his resolve to seek what he called a “good ending.”
By “good ending,” Talmon refers to a death characterized by peace and dignity, in contrast to the protracted medical interventions and diminished quality of life he associates with terminal illness. Despite being in remission, he views the prospect of cancer’s return and ongoing treatments as an uncertain and intolerable reality. “Remission is just a respite,” he said, rather than a cure or a guarantee of prolonged life as he wishes to live it.
Talmon acknowledged the difficulty his choice poses for loved ones, including his wife Anat and their children, who wish for him to continue living. He suggested this tension arises from limitations in empathy and understanding, noting that those not suffering his level of distress may find it hard to fully grasp his perspective. Nonetheless, he emphasized that his decision is an assertion of personal responsibility and autonomy over his life and death.
He stressed the importance of control in his choice, describing assisted dying as a means of reclaiming agency lost to disease and treatment. In Switzerland, after careful medical and legal review, the individual must actively administer the life-ending medication, symbolizing the final exercise of control. Talmon contrasted this with palliative sedation, which he views as less appropriate due to its prolonged and uncertain process, potentially burdening family members.
Talmon has carefully prepared for the procedure, highlighting the rigorous documentation and medical evaluations required by organizations such as Dignitas, the Swiss nonprofit that facilitates assisted dying. He views the Swiss model as methodical and respectful, offering a clear alternative to the often ambiguous and burdensome end-of-life options available under other jurisdictions, including Israel.
Reflecting on his life and career, Talmon connected his choice to the psychological concept of meaning, drawing inspiration from Viktor Frankl’s work on finding purpose even in suffering. He considers the right to a dignified death not only a personal entitlement but also an act of heroism, one that challenges societal attitudes toward life, death, and autonomy.
Throughout his discussions about his decision, Talmon maintained a composed acceptance of death, expressing no fear of the procedure or of dying itself. He framed his choice as consistent with a life lived fully and meaningfully, asserting that allowing oneself a dignified and self-determined death is a compassionate and rational option for those facing relentless suffering.