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 he came to his research interests, and the potential linkages or applications his research might have for the future of therapeutic care.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In this episode, Grant and Fata are joined by Dr. Scott Shapiro. Dr. Shapiro shares his expertise as a specialist in Adult ADHD, its treatment, and practical strategies to help individuals overcome their challenges.

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.

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.

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.

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 psychotherapy, how it plays out between therapists and patients, and ways that we can consider re-thinking ingrained narratives in the therapeutic encounter.

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.

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 to hopefully ease some of your anxieties.

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 treating individuals, couples, and families, Dr. Stern offers valuable insights into gaslighting dynamics and the steps to reclaiming one's narrative.

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 individual.

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 impact of trauma on self-care, including financial health, and the importance of designing a life aligned with personal values. Grombacher's journey from a corporate environment to a more creative financial advisory role illustrates the transformative power of addressing one's relationship with money.

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 physical health, while tackling challenges posed by clients with trauma or depression. The paramount importance of prioritizing client well-being resonates throughout the discussion.

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 find "the one."

Join Fara and Grant on the latest episode of the Doorknob Comments podcast as they dive deep into the beautiful complexities of intercultural marriage. We 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 open communication and understanding each other's cultural backgrounds. They share personal anecdotes and insights, highlighting the need for creating a shared cultural space within the relationship.