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 art. Finally, they talk about what art is ultimately about and what it offers psychologically. 

We hope you enjoy it. 

Resources and Links

Doorknob Comments

https://www.doorknobcomments.com/

Kate Werble

https://www.katewerblegallery.com/

https://www.instagram.com/kate_werble_gallery/?hl=en [https://med.nyu.edu/departments-institutes/child-adolescent-psychiatry/trauma-systems-therapy-training-center]

Dr. Fara White

https://www.farawhitemd.com/

Dr. Grant Brenner

https://www.granthbrennermd.com/

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



Looking at Art with Kate Werble

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 honoring intergenerational wisdom while adapting to new challenges like cyberbullying and the digital age. They also touch on the promise of causal data science to advance psychiatric research and the need to embrace complexity rather than oversimplify mental health solutions. 

We hope you enjoy. 

Resources and Links

Doorknob Comments

https://www.doorknobcomments.com/

Dr. Glenn Saxe

https://med.nyu.edu/faculty/glenn-saxe [https://thoughtforms.life/]

https://med.nyu.edu/departments-institutes/child-adolescent-psychiatry/trauma-systems-therapy-training-center 

Dr. Fara White

https://www.farawhitemd.com/

Dr. Grant Brenner

https://www.granthbrennermd.com/

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

If you like our podcast, please leave a review! Thanks in advance!

Bringing Clarity to Psychiatric Chaos

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.

We hope you enjoy.

Resources and Links

Doorknob Comments

https://www.doorknobcomments.com/

Dr. Michael Levin

https://thoughtforms.life/ [https://www.farawhitemd.com/]

https://drmichaellevin.org/

Dr. Fara White

https://www.farawhitemd.com/

Dr. Grant Brenner

https://www.granthbrennermd.com/

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

Engineering Body and Mind with Michael Levin

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. 

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/

Embracing Your Many Sides for Growth & Productivity

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.umb.edu/directory/nireisikovits/]

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/

Valentine's Day Episode: Relationships, trauma and psychotherapy with Dr. Erica Krakovitz

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/  







Would You Rather Have An AI or a Human Therapist?

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/

Neuropsychoanalysis, Revisiting Freud, and Living Well: A Conversation with Dr. Mark Solms

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.

Resources and Links

Doorknob Comments

https://www.doorknobcomments.com/

Sharon Thomas

https://www.maiaeducation.com/

info@maiaeducation.com

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/

Navigating Education Challenges with Sharon Thomas

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 [joe@covermymentalhealth.com?]: joe@covermymentalhealth.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/

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

Overcoming Insurance Obstacles with Joe Feldman #76

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/ [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/

Navigating Adult ADHD with Dr. Scott Shapiro

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.