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Musings a Decade after "That’s How the Light Gets In: Memoir of a Psychiatrist"

Career
Keys to the Work in Therapy

Susan Rako M.D. on October 22, 2020

What makes a difference to the patient in therapy? A key very often comes as a surprise.

What makes a difference to the patient in therapy? A key very often comes as a surprise.

Child Development
The Power of Naming

Susan Rako M.D. on February 13, 2018

"Ethnic Cleansing," "Chain Immigration": are we numb to what these sneaky phrases really mean?

"Ethnic Cleansing," "Chain Immigration": are we numb to what these sneaky phrases really mean?

Attention
Nourishing Attention, the Self, and Self-Esteem

Susan Rako M.D. on January 23, 2018

How deep are the roots of your patient's troubles? Exploring them can be a curative in itself.

How deep are the roots of your patient's troubles? Exploring them can be a curative in itself.

Psychiatry
All Things Considered

Susan Rako M.D. on August 1, 2017

How can we help our patients make peace with what they have in life?

How can we help our patients make peace with what they have in life?

Relationships
Can a Woman or a Man Love More Than Once?

Susan Rako M.D. on July 3, 2017

Can a woman, or a man, love more than once? Here are some thoughts on the Original Love Triangle.

Can a woman, or a man, love more than once? Here are some thoughts on the Original Love Triangle.

Relationships
Couples Who Fight as a "Way of Life"

Susan Rako M.D. on June 3, 2017

"Some couples get a lot of love out of fighting like hell for years." -- Elvin Semrad

"Some couples get a lot of love out of fighting like hell for years." -- Elvin Semrad

Guilt
How Can We Help a Person to Overcome Chronic Guilt?

Susan Rako M.D. on April 17, 2017

When your patient is suffering from chronic guilt, could it be that something else is really at issue?

When your patient is suffering from chronic guilt, could it be that something else is really at issue?

Memory
How a Poem Gave Direction in Therapy

Susan Rako M.D. on January 25, 2017

Why is this patient feeling sad? A poem speaks directly to the heart of the matter in therapy.

Why is this patient feeling sad? A poem speaks directly to the heart of the matter in therapy.

Memory
Why Is Christmas a Painful Time for So Many?

Susan Rako M.D. on December 16, 2016

Christmas time is a challenge for many. Can it be an opportunity for growing and healing?

Christmas time is a challenge for many. Can it be an opportunity for growing and healing?

Anxiety
Panic: A Workable Approach

Susan Rako M.D. on September 12, 2016

The symptom of panic escalates urgency and creates drama. We can de-escalate and ground our patient into useful therapeutic work with this effective approach.

The symptom of panic escalates urgency and creates drama. We can de-escalate and ground our patient into useful therapeutic work with this effective approach.

Grief
Surrendering, Giving Up, Resignation, Grief, and Growth

Susan Rako M.D. on July 31, 2016

Are you feeling hopeless about moving your life forward in some direction? Giving up can yield unexpected consequences.

Are you feeling hopeless about moving your life forward in some direction? Giving up can yield unexpected consequences.