On today’s episode of Doorknob Comments, Fara and Grant are joined by Dr. Daven Morrison, a psychiatrist with deep expertise in organizational and occupational psychiatry. A member of the Group for the Advancement of Psychiatry and an officer of the Academy of Organizational and Occupational Psychiatry, Dr. Morrison shares insights into the psychological dimensions of workplace life. From managing mergers and downsizing to fostering self-aware leadership, he walks us through the core principles ...
Jun 17, 2025•45 min
In today's episode of Doorknob Comments, Fara and Grant are joined by Kate Werble, a longtime friend of Fara's and founder of her own New York City art gallery. They talk about the intimidating world of contemporary art, breaking down the mystique of the gallery scene and offering practical advice on how to begin engaging with galleries. Kate emphasizes that looking at art is a skill developed over time, encouraging curiosity over expertise for newcomers interested in learning how to engage with...
May 26, 2025•33 min
In today’s episode of Doorknob Comments, Grant and Fara sit down with Dr. Glenn Saxe to discuss the development and impact of Trauma Systems Therapy (TST), a model that addresses both emotional regulation in traumatized children and the complexities of their social environments. Dr. Saxe highlights how TST’s open-source approach has allowed practitioners worldwide to innovate and adapt the model for diverse settings, from child welfare to refugee care. The conversation explores the importance of...
Apr 20, 2025•55 min
On today's episode of Doorknob Comments Fara and Grant are joined by Dr. Michael Levin, the Vannevar Bush Distinguished Professor of Biology and the Director of the Allen Discovery Center at Tufts University. Dr. Levin publishes across developmental biology, computer science, bioengineering, and philosophy of mind, with work spanning from fundamental conceptual frameworks, to applications in birth defects, regeneration, and cancer. Fara and Grant discuss Dr. Levin's groundbreaking research, how ...
Mar 24, 2025•53 min
On this episode of Doorknob Comments, Fara and Grant focus on why people often struggle to do things that are good for them while continuing habits that might be harmful. They discuss the concept of multiple self-states or personality parts that can sometimes conflict with each other, leading to procrastination, guilt, and difficulty in enjoying leisure activities. The conversation touches on topics such as the challenges of balancing productivity with self-care, the role of brain activity in pr...
Mar 03, 2025•43 min•Season 2Ep. 40
On today's episode of Doorknob Comments , Grant and Fara sit down with Erica Krakovitz, a clinical psychologist and marriage and family therapist, to explore the complexities of relationships, self-trust, and emotional healing. They dive into the patterns that keep people stuck in toxic dynamics, the role of intuition in recognizing red flags, and how different therapeutic approaches—like Internal Family Systems (IFS) and EMDR—can help people rebuild their sense of self. Whether you’re navigatin...
Feb 10, 2025•33 min
On this episode of Doorknob Comments, Fara and Grant are joined by Professor Nir Eisikovits, a philosopher and the founding director of the Applied Ethics Center at UMass Boston. They delve into the intersection of artificial intelligence , ethics , and psychotherapy , exploring how AI technologies can impact therapeutic practices. The discussion highlights the growing loneliness crisis and the potential role of chatbots in providing accessible mental health support, while also addressing the et...
Jan 18, 2025•45 min
In this episode of Doorknob Comments, Fara and Grant are joined by Mark Solms, a renowned neuropsychologist and psychoanalyst. Dr. Solms discusses his groundbreaking work in neuropsychoanalysis, which bridges the gap between neuroscience and psychoanalysis. He shares insights from his 30-year project of retranslating Freud's complete works, including previously untranslated neuroscientific papers, revealing how this process has deepened our understanding of Freud's ideas. The conversation explor...
Dec 27, 2024•1 hr 4 min
In this episode of Doorknob Comments, Fara and Grant Brenner are joined by Sharon Thomas, the founder and CEO of MAIA Education Resource Center. Sharon is a child development and learning specialist with expertise in one-on-one academic interventions and school and college placement. With over two decades of experience, she shares her insights on school placement, learning challenges, and the crucial role of executive function skills in achieving academic success. Sharon discusses the delicate b...
Dec 09, 2024•53 min
In this episode, Grant and Fara are joined by Joe Feldman, the president and founder of Cover My Mental Health, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping patients and their families secure proper insurance coverage for mental health services. Joe began advocating for access to mental healthcare after facing challenges related to insurance denials for his daughter’s residential care. During the conversation, Grant and Fara discuss these obstacles with Joe and explore the role that Cover My Me...
Nov 25, 2024•44 min
In this episode, Grant and Fata are joined by Dr. Scott Shapiro. Dr. Scott Shapiro, a leading expert in Adult ADHD trained at Harvard Medical School, provides specialized care in New York City, combining psychopharmacology, medical psychiatry, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. He also is a Corporate Executive Coach, helping professionals enhance their performance, productivity, and communication skills. Dr. Shapiro shares his expertise as a specialist in Adult ADHD, its treatment, and practical ...
Nov 04, 2024•52 min
In this episode, Grant and Fara delve into the topic of insight. They discuss its meaning, the benefits of having insight, and the various ways in which insight can be lacking. They also explore strategies for enhancing one's insight into their mental health and the role of therapy in encouraging patients to critically engage with their mental illness. We hope you find it enjoyable. Resources and Links Doorknob Comments https://www.doorknobcomments.com/ Dr. Fara White https://www.farawhitemd.com...
Oct 08, 2024•51 min•Season 2Ep. 33
In this episode of Doorknob Comments Grant and Fara are joined by Angie Tekriwal, owner of Silver Lining Counseling LLC and counselor specializing in treating adolescents, young adults, and families at her private practice in Montclair, New Jersey. Angie is also a mother and a good friend of Fara. They talk about the impact of media consumption on kids, inside scoop on the mom experience, and a range of other subjects. We hope you enjoy it! Resources and Links Doorknob Comments https://www.doork...
Sep 24, 2024•59 min
In this episode, Grant and Fara dive into the animated film Inside Out 2 , exploring its creative depiction of emotions and the educational value it offers. They begin by providing a synopsis of the film, followed by an in-depth discussion on how emotions like anxiety and sadness play a crucial role in the protagonist Riley’s conflicts and emotional growth. The conversation also touches on the portrayal of emotional frameworks in the film and how they reflect real-life therapeutic approaches. As...
Aug 19, 2024•41 min•Season 2Ep. 31
In this episode, Grant and Fara are joined by Dr. Alexey Tolchinsky, a clinical psychologist, adjunct professor at George Washington University, and clinical fellow of the International Neuropsychoanalysis Association. He works with neurodiverse patients and young adults struggling with life transitions. Today, they discuss his peer-reviewed research, namely what he refers to as narrative fallacy in psychotherapy. Dr. Tolchinksky explains what he thinks are the dangers of narrative fallacy in ps...
Aug 05, 2024•46 min
In this episode, Grant and Fara are joined by esteemed neurophysicist and authority on brain imaging, Dr. Karl Friston. His revolutionary impact on studies of the brain derives from his inventive use of probability theory to analyze neural imaging data. They discuss how we might think about psychotherapy from the point of view of Dr. Friston’s work and briefly touch on artificial general intelligence, AGI, through Karl’s work on VERSES AI. We hope you enjoy! In This Episode [0:00] Introduction [...
Jul 15, 2024•1 hr 20 min•Season 2Ep. 29
In this episode, Fara and Grant approach the sticky subjects in therapy, such as: billing, scheduling, boundaries, connection... and whether I really AM my therapist's favorite patient!! They provide insights into the challenges associated with managing this relationship and offer guidance on how to effectively communicate with your therapist. How do you bring up your concerns? Is it wrong to feel emotionally or romantically attracted to your therapist? This episode covers a wide range of topics...
Jul 01, 2024•43 min•Season 2Ep. 28
In this episode, Grant and Fara have a conversation with Dr. Robin Stern, the Co-Founder and Senior Advisor for the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence. Dr. Stern is also the author of The Gaslight Effect and the host of The Gaslight Effect Podcast . They delve into Dr. Stern's journey in exploring gaslighting, the common tactics used by gaslighters in relationships, the role of shame and isolation for victims, and much more. Drawing from her 30 years of experience in treating individuals, co...
Jun 19, 2024•41 min•Season 2Ep. 27
In this episode, Grant and Fara discuss the recent criticism that therapy has faced following the release of several publications, particularly "The Therapist Who Hated Me" by Michael Bacon. They delve into the dynamics of the therapist-patient relationship in various therapeutic approaches and the potential challenges that may arise. They emphasize that there is no universal solution for therapy and stress the importance of evaluating treatment options to find what works best for each individua...
May 27, 2024•41 min•Season 2Ep. 26
In this podcast episode, George Grombacher, a seasoned finance professional, joins psychiatrists Fara and Grant to explore the psychological dimensions of financial behavior. They discuss how childhood experiences and observed behaviors from adults shape our financial habits, whether we lean towards saving or spending. Grombacher emphasizes the need to confront limiting beliefs about money, drawing parallels between people's discomfort with finances and math. The conversation touches on the impa...
Apr 10, 2024•40 min
Join hosts Fara and Grant on the latest Doorknob Comments podcast episode, where they delve into the intricate dynamics shaping the therapist-client relationship. They dissect the subtleties of this bond, emphasizing its profound impact on therapy efficacy. Ethical dilemmas like confidentiality and intervention in client danger are explored, alongside the significance of self-awareness and transparent communication. The episode navigates the therapist's role in addressing risk behaviors and phys...
Mar 27, 2024•43 min•Season 2Ep. 24
Tune in to the latest episode of the Doorknob Comments podcast, where hosts Fara and Grant take a candid dive into the intricate world of love and dating, perfectly timed for the approaching Valentine's Day. From dissecting the dynamics of romantic relationships to scrutinizing the impact of social media on our perceptions of love, they leave no stone unturned. Drawing parallels from the relationships of celebrities like Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, they shed light on the societal pressures to...
Mar 12, 2024•46 min
Join Fara and Grant on the latest episode of the Doorknob Comments podcast as they dive deep into the beautiful complexities of intercultural marriage. Le like to think that love knows no borders, but what about the hurdles that come with actually making it work? Together, they explore the ups and downs of love across cultures, from navigating emotional expressions to dealing with societal pressures and language barriers. In this heartfelt conversation, Fara and Grant emphasize the importance of...
Feb 27, 2024•41 min
In this episode of the Doorknob Comments podcast, we are excited to sit down with Dr. Edward Shapiro, a distinguished author and psychoanalyst. During our conversation, we discuss his book "Finding a Place to Stand .” We explore the significance of family dynamics, institutional roles, and citizenship. He highlights the value of self-reflection and the challenges of leadership in a polarized society. Dr. Shapiro also shares a story illustrating the importance of action in confrontational situati...
Feb 13, 2024•49 min•Season 2Ep. 21
In this episode of the Doorknob Comments podcast, we are thrilled to be joined by psychoanalyst and author Johanna Dobrich. In our conversation, Johanna discusses her book " Working with Survivor Siblings " and her research into the unique challenges faced by individuals who grew up with chronically or severely disabled siblings. The conversation examines the profound impact these sibling relationships have on personal development, the influence of parental dynamics, and the necessity for therap...
Jan 30, 2024•38 min•Season 2Ep. 20
Have you considered how diabetes medication might affect your mental health and body image? While managing diabetes, it's essential to recognize the potential psychiatric implications of these medications. In this episode of the Doorknob Comments podcast, Fara and Grant discuss the psychiatric effects of a new class of diabetes medications. They examine research on these drugs, their role in mental health treatment, and the influence of social media and celebrity endorsements. Additionally, they...
Jan 15, 2024•33 min
In this episode, Grant and Fara discuss the topic of masochism. They explore what it means, how it shows up in our social media habits during difficult times, its connection to "doom scrolling", and strategies for coping with our potentially masochistic tendencies as we prioritize our mental health. We hope you enjoy.
Jan 01, 2024•35 min
In this episode, Fara and Grant talk about the endings and transitions of therapy. They talk about why saying goodbye in therapy can be tough for both therapists and patients, highlighting the significant importance of the process. They share practical advice on how to navigate the challenges of therapeutic termination, providing an approach to closure that suits individual needs. It's an insightful conversation that encourages reflection on the various aspects of concluding therapy. We hope you...
Dec 18, 2023•43 min
In today's episode, Fara and Grant have a conversation with Dr. Jonathan DePierro, an Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and the Associate Director of the Center for Stress, Resilience and Personal Growth. Dr. DePierro talks with Fara and Grant about the research his team conducts on resilience, and how we might more productively think about resilience in our everyday lives through practice. We hope you enjoy!
Dec 04, 2023•45 min
Today, Grant and Fara are joined by Keith Wasserman, who is a producer and a major figure in the film "Dear Ani". In this episode, they have a conversation with Keith about his life, the process of making the film, and his relationship with and understanding of his experiences of mania. " Dear Ani " is a journey that explores music, art, and mania. We hope you enjoy listening to this episode of the podcast. You can follow Keith on Instagram at @the_deep_wink . You can also follow us on Instagram...
Nov 21, 2023•41 min•Season 2Ep. 15
