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Doorknob Comments

Doorknob Comments

By Dr. Fara White & Dr. Grant Brenner

Doorknob Comments was named for a phenomenon that sometimes happens at the end of a therapy session, when the patient may mention something important and riddled with conflict, right as you’re walking out the door. Equal parts frustrating and enlightening, it surfaces key issues which may--or may not!-- get addressed anytime soon.
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Episode 15: Holidays or Holi-daze? Connecting in the Time of COVID

Doorknob CommentsNov 26, 2020

00:00
24:01
The Importance of Taking Breaks

The Importance of Taking Breaks

As we wrap up season 1 of Doorknob Comments, Fara and Grant discuss the importance of taking calculated breaks as an act of self compassion and care. 

Dec 01, 202129:45
Boys and Friendship: No Exception To The Need for Human Connection

Boys and Friendship: No Exception To The Need for Human Connection

Dr. Niobe Way talks about her research showing the crucial importance of friendship for boys. Friendship is healthy and normal for boys even though they may be taught as they get older to play cool. There are many simple things parents and educators can do to alleviate the problem.


Find more here:


https://steinhardt.nyu.edu/people/niobe-way

https://www.tedmed.com/speakers/show?id=729990


https://twitter.com/niobe_way


Nov 03, 202132:23
Making the Most of Life by Facing Mortality

Making the Most of Life by Facing Mortality

Fara and Grant discuss Terror Management Theory, which helps us understand  how we cope individually and collectively when fears of death are heightened, and ways people can cope with mortality and help others around them do so as well.

Oct 27, 202134:14
Health and Illness: At the Intersection of Psychiatry, Therapy and Wellness

Health and Illness: At the Intersection of Psychiatry, Therapy and Wellness

In this episode, co-hosts Fara and Grant talk about their experience as psychiatrists who practice therapy. Listen in as we discuss important themes including the difference between treating illness and pursuing personal development, how to balance clinical care with coaching and self-help, and other key considerations in the complex, evolving landscape of wellness and self-care.

Oct 14, 202127:27
Episode 37: Navigating A Professional Relationship That May Feel Personal

Episode 37: Navigating A Professional Relationship That May Feel Personal

Fara and Grant speak with Jacob Appel, psychiatrist, author, and bioethicist, about important ways that the therapist-patient relationships may feel like a friendship (or just feel confusing). Well-intentioned actions may have unintended consequences when they cross the boundaries between clinician and friend.  Dr. Appel helps give us clarity on how to manage when these moments come up, and advises us on how to preserve the treatment and act in the best interest of the patient.


Find more on Dr. Appel here:


https://www.mountsinai.org/profiles/jacob-m-appel

Sep 22, 202138:02
Episode 36: Back To School in COVID Times

Episode 36: Back To School in COVID Times

Fara and Grant host a wide-ranging conversation about the many things to think about as kids are returning to school as COVID continues to linger, ranging from complex emotional considerations, to social factors, to the political context, and beyond.



Sep 08, 202137:19
Episode 35: Real Therapy, Virtually

Episode 35: Real Therapy, Virtually

Fara and Grant speak with therapist and psychoanalytic candidate-in-training Hannah Weiss about therapy during the pandemic, video and in-person, our relationships with our bodies, and the future of psychoanalysis.

Read more:

Hannah Weiss: https://hannahweiss.org/index.html

Chicago Psychoanalytic Institute: https://chicagoanalysis.org

Aug 25, 202134:31
Episode 34: The Paradox of Change

Episode 34: The Paradox of Change

Fara and Grant discuss reasons it can be so hard to change even when we know what needs to happen, ways to become more aware when we don't know, and ways we can connect our dots to catalyze growth and change.

Jul 28, 202148:58
How We Approach Interpersonal Problems: The Good, The Bad and the Lovely

How We Approach Interpersonal Problems: The Good, The Bad and the Lovely

Fara and Grant discuss common ways we approach challenges in personal and professional relationships. Using real-world examples, we bring in key concepts including attachment style, common pitfalls including ways we self-sabotage, and tips for successfully navigating tough situations.


Read more:


https://medium.com/beingwell/exploitable-me-how-we-leave-ourselves-open-to-people-who-use-others-9dfef7c43747

Jul 14, 202149:21
Episode 32: Creativity In Wonderland: A Conversation with Dr. Leanne Domash

Episode 32: Creativity In Wonderland: A Conversation with Dr. Leanne Domash

Fara and Grant speak with psychologist and psychoanalyst Leanne Domash about her new book Imagination, Creativity and Spirituality in Psychotherapy: Welcome to Wonderland (Psyche and Soul). Join us for a lively and pragmatic conversation about unleashing creativity in the pursuit of authenticity.


Find Dr. Domash here:

https://www.leannedomash.com

Dr. Domash's book: https://www.amazon.com/Imagination-Creativity-Spirituality-Psychotherapy-Wonderland-ebook/dp/B08HSMX7CD

Jun 30, 202133:54
Cats, Comedy and Caring: A Conversation with Comedian Liz Miele

Cats, Comedy and Caring: A Conversation with Comedian Liz Miele

Fara, Liz and Grant discuss relationships, hardship, and the crucial role of humour and empathy in overcoming challenges on the path to healing.

Find Liz here:

https://lizmiele.com

https://www.instagram.com/lizmiele/

https://www.youtube.com/user/LizMiele

https://twitter.com/lizmiele

https://www.facebook.com/lizmielecomedy

Guardian Article referenced by Liz:

https://www.theguardian.com/science/2021/may/24/research-reveals-why-some-find-the-sound-of-others-eating-so-irritating

Jun 16, 202148:23
Episode 30: The Many Faces of Dependency

Episode 30: The Many Faces of Dependency

Fara and Grant discuss the purpose of dependency, how it can be both problematic and useful, and work through ways of building mutuality through healthy interdependence. We also look at counterdependency, codependency, and the pattern of shared dysfunction called "irrelationship".

Jun 09, 202133:16
Episode 29: Relationship Boundaries: What They Are and How to Negotiate Them

Episode 29: Relationship Boundaries: What They Are and How to Negotiate Them

Fara and Grant talk about how people set the ground rules for relationships. Boundaries define areas which are off-limits, areas where we can freely interact, and the gray zone where effective communication is critical. With insightful examples, good humor and guidelines for how to navigate tricky situations, this episode is useful and engaging.

May 26, 202142:15
Episode 28: Understanding The Basic Elements Of The Therapeutic Relationship

Episode 28: Understanding The Basic Elements Of The Therapeutic Relationship

Grant and Fara break down some basic tenets of therapy, and give listeners some insight about the inner workings of the process. On this episode, we explore how we can make the most of the time with our therapists as a path to growth and change.

May 19, 202140:40
Episode 27: Driving The Other Person Crazy
Apr 29, 202144:43
Episode 26: Everything Is Everything: Transpersonal Therapy, Complexity and the Self

Episode 26: Everything Is Everything: Transpersonal Therapy, Complexity and the Self

Join Fara and Grant with Dr. Terry Marks-Tarlow, psychologist, scientist, artist, author, and yogini for an eye-opening discussion of how we can understand the deep interconnections between people through the lens of fractal mathematics and psychology. Fractals show how nature and the mind is structured, giving us in sight into who we are and how we move through the world.


Read more at:

www.markstarlow.com

Apr 21, 202136:08
Episode 25: Smarter Parenting with Dr. Sarah Bren

Episode 25: Smarter Parenting with Dr. Sarah Bren

Fara and Grant discuss how to approach parenting by valuing the child's perspective, keeping firm boundaries and exploring one's own inner child to build a healthy, open connection with one's kids to last a lifetime.

Mar 31, 202138:54
Episode 24: What We Owe Our Veteran, A Frank Talk with "Doc" Dr. Andrew Berry

Episode 24: What We Owe Our Veteran, A Frank Talk with "Doc" Dr. Andrew Berry

We speak with Andrew "Doc" Berry, a seasoned psychologist who specializes in working with combat veterans and first responders. We talk with him about what it is really like for veterans, and how we can best recognize and respond to the needs of those who offer great sacrifice and service.

Mar 24, 202139:48
Episode 23: What is A Doorknob Comment Anyway?

Episode 23: What is A Doorknob Comment Anyway?

In this episode Fara and Grant discuss doorknob comments in more detail, the meaningful comments people make just as they are leaving a meeting when there won't be time to discuss them, and their implications for therapy.

Mar 03, 202132:41
Episode 22: Dr. Meggie Smith on Fertility and Family Planning

Episode 22: Dr. Meggie Smith on Fertility and Family Planning

We hope you enjoy this fascinating conversation with Nashville-based reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Meggie Smith. She is everything you’d want your doctor to be: open, honest and transparent. We talk about the issues surrounding family planning and how we can best make use of the latest medical advances.

Feb 17, 202144:18
Episode 21: Miracles and Manifestations | A Conversation with Harvard Psychiatrist Srini Pillay
Jan 25, 202146:12
Episode 20: Personality Talks

Episode 20: Personality Talks

Grant and Fara discuss the different models of personality and break down some of the major traits.  Where do these traits come from? More importantly- can they be changed?

Jan 18, 202125:60
Episode 19: Jonathan Demar on the Importance of Intimacy and Meaningful Collaboration

Episode 19: Jonathan Demar on the Importance of Intimacy and Meaningful Collaboration

We are joined by this talented producer, singer-songwriter, and native New-Yorker for a discussion on how to design a fulfilling career and a supportive peer group alongside.

Jan 11, 202143:58
Episode 18: The Arts and Mental Health with Rachel Maran

Episode 18: The Arts and Mental Health with Rachel Maran

Grant and Fara speak to an old friend who's leaving entertainment after nearly a decade of managing actors, and hear about why shifting to a career in therapy makes a lot of sense.

Dec 16, 202030:43
Episode 17: Moving On From 2020

Episode 17: Moving On From 2020

Grant and Fara discuss how to let go of (and heal from!) a pretty rough year.  We touch on what it means to reflect during this time and think about ways that 2021 can be better for us- on both an individual and collective level.

Dec 09, 202036:44
Episode 16: Vanessa Calderon On Dance, Movement and Messages

Episode 16: Vanessa Calderon On Dance, Movement and Messages

Vanessa is a multi-talented artist with a lot to say about violence towards women.  We hear how she uses performance to shine the spotlight on difficult topics.

Nov 27, 202036:16
Episode 15: Holidays or Holi-daze? Connecting in the Time of COVID

Episode 15: Holidays or Holi-daze? Connecting in the Time of COVID

Fara and Grant offer up strategies for coping with difficult family dynamics, accepting and embracing "the new normal", and making the most out of the season this year.

Nov 26, 202024:01
Episode 14: Reality-based Thinking with Mardoche Sidor

Episode 14: Reality-based Thinking with Mardoche Sidor

Dr. Sidor is an esteemed colleague, psychiatrist, and educator who joins Grant and Fara to discuss the science of suffering and the importance of a good team.

Find more about his work here: https://www.sweetinstitute.com/

Nov 19, 202036:51
Episode 13: Family Matters with Dr. Harvey White

Episode 13: Family Matters with Dr. Harvey White

Dr. Harvey White, psychiatrist and family therapist talks to us about how to stay connected (but not too connected!) to our families during COVID-19.  Managing stress, isolation and uncertainty is challenging but made easier with these sound suggestions.

Nov 09, 202038:38
Episode 12: Your Brain on Food with Uma Naidoo, MD.

Episode 12: Your Brain on Food with Uma Naidoo, MD.

 We are honored to be joined by psychiatrist Uma Naidoo, a trained chef and leader in the field of nutritional psychiatry.  Here, she graciously talks about some of the most important parts of the mind-gut connection.

Oct 30, 202024:42
Episode 11: How to Deal with Existential Overload

Episode 11: How to Deal with Existential Overload

Drs. Brenner and White talk about everything that is going on nowadays - COVID, global events, the US election, and how to navigate the great sense of uncertainty, even dread, with which so many are confronted.

Oct 29, 202026:48
Episode 10: You Are What You Sleep with Josh Tal, PhD.

Episode 10: You Are What You Sleep with Josh Tal, PhD.

Sleep expert Josh Tal, PhD joins us to discuss some common sleep issues and treatment options for insomnia.  We were delighted to hear about his boot camp approach, which incorporates CBT-I to effectively improve sleepless nights.

Oct 23, 202036:55
Episode 9: Breaking Up is Hard To Do. And Undo.

Episode 9: Breaking Up is Hard To Do. And Undo.

Grant and Fara discuss the many reasons that people break up and get back together.  We explore how self-concept clarity plays into our relationship habits.

Oct 16, 202025:46
Episode 8: Finding your Therapist: What Nobody Tells You

Episode 8: Finding your Therapist: What Nobody Tells You

Fara and Grant discuss key elements of traditional insight-oriented talk therapy, focusing on what to consider when searching for a well-suited therapist.

Sep 07, 202031:31
Episode 7: Working through Conflict to Enhance Personal and Professional Relationships

Episode 7: Working through Conflict to Enhance Personal and Professional Relationships

Mark Borg joins us to reflect on years of co-authorship with Grant Brenner and Danny Berry. Hear different perspectives on the same experience to learn how the "Three Amigos" have produced two books together, with a third on the way!

Sep 07, 202029:52
Episode 6: Healing from Trauma with Johanna Dobrich

Episode 6: Healing from Trauma with Johanna Dobrich

Johanna Dobrich talks to us about dissociation, disabled siblings, and how to navigate complicated family dynamics and challenging life experiences.

Sep 07, 202040:46
Episode 5: The Performing Art of Therapy
Aug 18, 202030:11
Episode 4: Self-Care: More Complicated Than It Sounds

Episode 4: Self-Care: More Complicated Than It Sounds

Drs. White and Brenner discuss self-care, compassion, and the promises and challenges of cultivating a deep and fulfilling relationship with yourself. Treat yourself right and others will treat you right, too.

Aug 07, 202031:54
Episode 3: Profile: Jacob Appel, Writer, Psychiatrist, and Social Critic Discusses his Area of Expertise: Bioethics

Episode 3: Profile: Jacob Appel, Writer, Psychiatrist, and Social Critic Discusses his Area of Expertise: Bioethics

Join us for a unique conversation between Drs. White and Appel. Hear from this thought leader as he asks tough questions, and unpacks some of the complexities of human decision-making.

Find more on Jacob Appel here: https://www.mountsinai.org/profiles/jacob-m-appel


Aug 07, 202044:05
Episode 2: Real lessons from a Fake Therapist: with Special Guest Lisa Levy
Aug 07, 202046:28
Episode 1: What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and How Can It Help Me?
Aug 07, 202038:50
Doorknob Comments: Season 1 Trailer

Doorknob Comments: Season 1 Trailer

Welcome to Doorknob Comments! Doorknob Comments was named for a phenomenon that sometimes happens at the end of a therapy session, when the patient may mention something important and riddled with conflict, right as you’re walking out the door. Equal parts frustrating and enlightening, it surfaces key issues which may--or may not!-- get addressed anytime soon.

Aug 01, 202002:09