Doorknob Comments

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 procrastination, and the importance of self-reflection in understanding one's own motivations and behaviors. Throughout the episode, Fara and Grant draw on psychoanalytic theories, personal experiences, and clinical observations to offer insights into how individuals can better navigate their internal conflicts and make more constructive choices. 

We hope you enjoy. 

Doorknob Comments

https://www.doorknobcomments.com/

Dr. Fara White

https://www.farawhitemd.com/

Dr. Grant Brenner

https://www.granthbrennermd.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/grant-h-brenner-md-dfapa/

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 navigating heartbreak, questioning your relationship, or simply curious about how therapy works, this conversation sheds light on the deep psychological forces that shape our connections with others.

We hope you enjoy.

Resources and Links

Doorknob Comments

https://www.doorknobcomments.com/

Erica Krakovitz

https://www.drkrakovitz.com/

https://www.instagram.com/drericakrakovitz/

Dr. Fara White

https://www.farawhitemd.com/

Dr. Grant Brenner

https://www.granthbrennermd.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/grant-h-brenner-md-dfapa/

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 ethical implications and potential hazards of automating therapy. Professor Eisikovits shares insights from his research on the moral dilemmas surrounding technology and war, questioning whether AI can genuinely replicate human empathy and emotional connections in therapeutic settings. The episode raises critical questions about the future of psychotherapy in an age increasingly influenced by AI advancements.

We hope you enjoy it! 

Resources and Links

Doorknob Comments

https://www.doorknobcomments.com/

Nir Eisikovits

https://www.umb.edu/directory/nireisikovits/

https://prostheticgods.podbean.com/

Dr. Fara White

https://www.farawhitemd.com/

Dr. Grant Brenner

https://www.granthbrennermd.com/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/grant-h-brenner-md-dfapa/  

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 explores the fundamental role of emotions and consciousness in brain function, the importance of understanding subjective experience in mental health, and the potential future of artificial consciousness. Dr. Solms also touches on the relevance of Freud's work in modern neuroscience and psychotherapy, offering valuable perspectives for both professionals and those undergoing psychotherapy

We hope you enjoy it.

Resources and Links

Doorknob Comments

https://www.doorknobcomments.com/

Mark Solms

https://x.com/Mark_Solms

Dr. Fara White

https://www.farawhitemd.com/

Dr. Grant Brenner

https://www.granthbrennermd.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/grant-h-brenner-md-dfapa/

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 balance between schools, parents, and students, providing valuable guidance on navigating the complexities of the education system from kindergarten through college.

We hope you enjoy.

Doorknob Comments

https://www.doorknobcomments.com/

Sharon Thomas

https://www.maiaeducation.com/

[email protected]

212-426-3742

Dr. Fara White

https://www.farawhitemd.com/

Dr. Grant Brenner

https://www.granthbrennermd.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/grant-h-brenner-md-dfapa/

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 Mental Health plays in helping everyday people access the mental healthcare they need. Be sure to check the links in the show notes for more information and resources!

We hope you find it enjoyable.

Resources and Links

Doorknob Comments

https://www.doorknobcomments.com/

Joe Feldman

https://covermymentalhealth.org/

Joe's Email: [email protected]

Dr. Fara White

https://www.farawhitemd.com/

Dr. Grant Brenner

https://www.granthbrennermd.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/grant-h-brenner-md-dfapa/

Other Resources

https://www.nami.org/support-education/publications-reports/survey-reports/the-2024-nami-workplace-mental-health-poll/

https://www.psychiatry.org/news-room/apa-blogs/write-effective-letters-of-medical-necessity

https://www.thekennedyforum.org/blog/10-steps-to-securing-insurance-coverage-for-mental-health-care/

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/experimentations/202410/getting-insurance-to-cover-mental-health

https://covermymentalhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Medical-necessity-letter_best-practices-2024-11.pdf

https://journals.lww.com/practicalpsychiatry/fulltext/2021/07000/providing_a_routine_medical_necessity_letter_to.7.aspx

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 strategies to help individuals overcome their challenges. 

We hope you enjoy. 

Resources and Links

Doorknob Comments

https://www.doorknobcomments.com/

Dr. Scott Shapiro

https://www.scottshapiromd.com/

Dr. Fara White

https://www.farawhitemd.com/

Dr. Grant Brenner

https://www.granthbrennermd.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/grant-h-brenner-md-dfapa/

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.

Doorknob Comments

https://www.doorknobcomments.com/

Dr. Fara White

https://www.farawhitemd.com/

Dr. Grant Brenner

https://www.granthbrennermd.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/grant-h-brenner-md-dfapa/

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!

Doorknob Comments

https://www.doorknobcomments.com/

Dr. Fara White

https://www.farawhitemd.com/

Dr. Angie Tekriwal

https://www.angietekriwal.com/

Dr. Grant Brenner

https://www.granthbrennermd.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/grant-h-brenner-md-dfapa/

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 always, they wrap up with some thoughtful closing remarks and doorknob comments.

We hope you enjoy it.

In This Episode
[0:00] Introduction
[1:20] Episode Overview
[2:00] Synopsis of Inside Out 2
[5:00] Exploring Emotional Representation and Educational Themes
[12:40] Anxiety's Impact on Riley's Journey
[15:40] Anxiety as a Manifestation of Insecurity
[19:00] Sadness and Emotional Integration
[21:00] Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Depicted in the Film
[23:00] Which Emotion Takes the Lead?
[29:20] Navigating Social Challenges and Stereotypes in Adolescence
[33:10] Linking Gendered Social Dynamics Back to Childhood
[36:15] Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks

Resources and Links

Doorknob Comments

https://www.doorknobcomments.com/

Dr. Fara White

https://www.farawhitemd.com/

Dr. Grant Brenner

https://www.granthbrennermd.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/grant-h-brenner-md-dfapa/