Doorknob Comments artwork

Doorknob Comments

74 episodes - English - Latest episode: 13 days ago -

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.

Mental Health Health & Fitness psychoanalysis therapy doorknob comment advice
Homepage Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed

Episodes

What Does My Therapist Really Think?

July 01, 2024 09:45 - 42 minutes - 58.4 MB

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 to...

The Gaslight Effect with Dr. Robin Stern

June 19, 2024 20:09 - 40 minutes - 55.8 MB

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,...

Therapy Under Fire

May 27, 2024 12:57 - 41 minutes - 56.4 MB

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 indiv...

Psychology Money with George Grombacher

April 10, 2024 15:18 - 39 minutes - 54.6 MB

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 ...

Where Do Doorknob Comments Come From?

March 27, 2024 12:04 - 42 minutes - 59.1 MB

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 ...

Spring Romance

March 12, 2024 13:36 - 45 minutes - 62.6 MB

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 pressure...

Intercultural Relationships

February 27, 2024 16:59 - 40 minutes - 55.7 MB

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 importan...

Developing Engaged Citizens

February 13, 2024 21:51 - 48 minutes - 66.7 MB

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 sit...

Survivor Siblings

January 30, 2024 11:40 - 38 minutes - 52.7 MB

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 the...

GLP-1 Agonists

January 15, 2024 21:45 - 33 minutes - 45.4 MB

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,...

Masochism

January 01, 2024 22:03 - 34 minutes - 47.5 MB

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. 

Endings and Transitions of Therapy

December 18, 2023 19:36 - 43 minutes - 59.6 MB

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 hop...

Resilience with Dr. Jonathan DePierro

December 04, 2023 17:41 - 44 minutes - 61.5 MB

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!

Dear Ani: A Conversation with Keith Wasserman

November 21, 2023 02:06 - 40 minutes - 56.1 MB

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 Insta...

Enactments

October 31, 2023 21:36 - 34 minutes - 47.7 MB

In this episode, Grant and Fara talk about something that psychoanalysts call enactment. They talk about the positive and traumatic experiences that shape enactments, and how we can use these moments for learning and therapeutic benefit—not only during therapy but also in everyday life.  We hope you enjoy.

Transitioning into Winter

October 10, 2023 13:55 - 32 minutes - 44.2 MB

In this episode, Grant and Fara talk about transitioning into winter. They reflect on some of the physical and mental changes that might happen during the winter season, and how we can better react to these changes: seeking help, understanding and listening to our bodies, and more.  We hope you enjoy. 

Authenticity: What is it Good For?

September 05, 2023 09:00 - 33 minutes

In today's episode, Fara and Grant explore the concept of authenticity. They interrogate what it means to be truly authentic, what people strive for when they aim to live authentically, and how we socially make sense of and understand what we call authentic behavior.  We hope you enjoy. 

Learning about Paruresis with Dan Rocker

July 25, 2023 17:31 - 41 minutes

In this episode, Fara and Grant are joined by Dan Rocker, the President of the International Paruresis Association, and the Co-Director of the Shy Bladder Center. Dan Rocker is an expert on Paruresis (significant urinary hesitation and inhibition) and breaks down some myths and misconceptions about the social phobia. We hope you enjoy! Follow us on Instagram at @doorknobcomments, on TikTok at doorknobcomments, and visit our website DoorknobComments.com.

Narratives and Self-Identity

July 03, 2023 17:30 - 34 minutes

In this episode, Fara and Grant talk about the way narratives shape self-identity. They discuss the constraints of certain personal narratives, the effects of trauma on narrative construction, and how altering our perspective on these narratives might offer us more mental and emotional clarity.  We hope you enjoy. 

Making Sense of Intrusive Thoughts

June 19, 2023 09:00 - 29 minutes

In this episode, Grant and Fara discuss intrusive thinking. What it may or may not mean, and ways to make sense of these thoughts. They touch on personal experiences with intrusive thoughts, research on the phenomenon, and pigeons!  We hope you enjoy it. 

To Friend or Not to Friend

June 05, 2023 09:00 - 37 minutes

In this episode, Fara and Grant talk about ways that people make, grow, and end friendships. They discuss the anxiety around reaching out to new people, the difficult conversations that can come with holding friends accountable, and how we might part ways when we feel wronged in existing friendships. 

Navigating the Early Stages: Relationships

May 22, 2023 21:10 - 33 minutes

Today, Grant and Fara talk about navigating those early stages of talking about a relationship: defining the relationship, having a conversation about where things stand, and communicating what we mean to the other person. Are we dating? Netflix-N-Chilling? Just hanging out? Should we even put a label on it? It can be tricky, but hopefully, this episode provides useful tips to help navigate these sometimes sticky situations. 

"Therapy Speak" in Everyday Life: Pros and Cons

May 01, 2023 22:09 - 38 minutes

In this episode, Grant and Fara talk about Therapy Speak outside of the clinical setting and explore the potential benefits. Join in to hear more about the interactional setting of the therapy session and what might be lost in translating this therapy speak to everyday life. 

Happiness and Satisfaction: Fleishman Is in Trouble

April 17, 2023 20:41 - 37 minutes

In today's episode, we're going to talk about the trials and tribulations facing people in the middle and upper middle classes as they try to work out what is meaningful in life. Is it about worldly success, money, and the schools you go to? Is it about how you live and how spend your time and with whom?  We'll be exploring the television series, Fleishman Is in Trouble, as an entry point for our conversation.

Noise and Disinformation: Mental Health Treatment and Social Media

April 03, 2023 20:48 - 46 minutes

Today we cover what we see as some of the noise and disinformation around mental health treatment. We explore social media's benefits and pitfalls as a space for learning about potential remedies: from giving patients greater autonomy and information, to unsafe substance usage with potentially harmful outcomes. We hope you enjoy it and take something away.

New Years Resolutions and Motivation

March 21, 2023 18:45 - 42 minutes

Today we talk all about motivation and New Year's resolutions. The episode was recorded early in January, but the conversation may be even more important today. Throughout the episode, try to reflect on some of the goals you may have set for yourself this year. And if you’re struggling with  some of these goals, how might you reframe your motivations in a healthy manner? Thinking about the benefits can help respark motivation! And remember to give yourself credit for the progress you’ve made!

Mental Health Stigma: From NYC to the Workplace

January 02, 2023 16:25 - 31 minutes

In this episode, Fara and Grant discuss recent mental health initiatives in NYC for hospitalizing unhoused people, school policies that may be harmful or stigmatizing to students, and the foundations of stigma and the implications for individuals and society. 

Welcome Back! Taking Time Off and Coming Back Strong.

December 20, 2022 18:15 - 26 minutes

Welcome Back to Season 2 of Doorknob Comments! Fara and Grant talk about taking time off and coming back strong.

The Importance of Taking Breaks

December 01, 2021 05:00 - 29 minutes - 41 MB

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. 

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

November 03, 2021 04:00 - 32 minutes - 44.5 MB

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

Making the Most of Life by Facing Mortality

October 27, 2021 04:00 - 34 minutes - 47.2 MB

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.

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

October 14, 2021 00:38 - 27 minutes - 37.7 MB

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.

Episode 37: Navigating A Professional Relationship That May Feel Personal

September 22, 2021 04:00 - 38 minutes - 52.4 MB

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...

Episode 36: Back To School in COVID Times

September 08, 2021 04:00 - 37 minutes - 51.3 MB

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.

Episode 35: Real Therapy, Virtually

August 25, 2021 04:00 - 34 minutes - 47.6 MB

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

Episode 34: The Paradox of Change

July 28, 2021 04:00 - 49 minutes - 67.4 MB

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.

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

July 14, 2021 04:00 - 49 minutes - 67.9 MB

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

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

June 30, 2021 04:00 - 33 minutes - 46.7 MB

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

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

June 16, 2021 04:00 - 48 minutes - 66.6 MB

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

Episode 30: The Many Faces of Dependency

June 09, 2021 13:43 - 33 minutes - 45.8 MB

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".

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

May 26, 2021 04:00 - 42 minutes - 58.2 MB

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.

Episode 28: Understanding The Basic Elements Of The Therapeutic Relationship

May 19, 2021 04:00 - 40 minutes - 56 MB

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.

Episode 27: Driving The Other Person Crazy

April 29, 2021 13:26 - 44 minutes - 61.6 MB

Fara and Grant discuss examples of how and why people drive each other "crazy", and what we can do about it. Read more here:  https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/experimentations/202103/the-effort-drive-the-other-person-crazy

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

April 21, 2021 04:00 - 36 minutes - 49.7 MB

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

Episode 25: Smarter Parenting with Dr. Sarah Bren

March 31, 2021 20:04 - 38 minutes - 53.5 MB

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.

Episode 24: What We Owe Our Veterans

March 24, 2021 04:00 - 39 minutes - 54.8 MB

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.

Episode 23: What is A Doorknob Comment Anyway?

March 03, 2021 05:00 - 32 minutes - 45 MB

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.

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

February 17, 2021 16:50 - 44 minutes - 60.9 MB

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.

Episode 21: Miracles and Manifestations | A Conversation with Harvard Psychiatrist Srini Pillay

January 25, 2021 15:00 - 46 minutes - 63.5 MB

On this episode of Doorknob Comments, Fara and Grant talk with Srini Pillay, a remarkable coach, author and business person who is adept at opening up minds, fostering creativity and unhinging people in the most delightful and loving way. Learn about his book Tinker, Dabble, Doodle, Try, including simple ways to optimize your creative problem-solving skills, and join in our lively and mind-altering conversation. Learn more from Srini Pillay here: https://twitter.com/srinipillay and https:/...

Episode 20: Personality Talks

January 18, 2021 14:00 - 26 minutes - 35.8 MB

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?

Twitter Mentions

@srinipillay 1 Episode
@reulayoasis 1 Episode
@lizmiele 1 Episode
@niobe_way 1 Episode