Category: Self Examination

Looking beneath the surface to understand why we do what we do

West Coast Philly-Cheesesteaks? Huh? by Art Smukler, MD, Inside the Mind of a Psychiatrist

by artsmuklermd, posted in MY NOVELS, Penn State, Psychiatry, Self Examination, Writing

I hope diehard Geno’s Steak aficionados don’t attack me too much, but I’ve developed a taste for cheesesteaks right here in Los Angeles. For those of you who aren’t from Philly, Geno’s is a South Philly restaurant credited with inventing the cheesesteak in 1933. 

I was so enamored with the greasy cuisine, that I had Joe Belmont, my main character in Little Italy, a psychological suspense novel, enjoy one just the way I like it. Geno’s is also on the cover.

Now, after decades of living in sunny California, I’ve completely turned the page (bad pun) and won’t streak to Gino’s when I visit Philly. 

Also, I have to admit, I’m whispering this, very softly, I care more for the Rams than the Eagles. Okay. Okay. I’m still a good person. Fly Eagles Fly!

On the other hand, Penn State football is still my Saturday obsession. It’s untreatable. Even Lexapro won’t work. Hail to the Lions! Since UCLA and USC are now in the Big Ten they’ll be out here playing and I can sit in the stands, wear my Nittany lions cap, and eat my LA cheesesteak from Jersey Mike’s. 

Who cares, right?

I do. 

Sometimes it’s just the simple things that bring us joy. 

Have a great day. Art

#Pennstatefootball, #Bigten, #Nittanylions, #Littleitaly, #Phillycheesesteaks, #Gino’s, #Collegefootball

Goodbye, Tales From Smukler’s Couch, by Art Smukler, MD, author & psychiatrist

by artsmuklermd, posted in MY NOVELS, Psychiatry, Self Examination, Writing

It seems like just yesterday, but it’s been several years since I retired from my psychiatric practice. My well-worn couch is probably gathering dust in someone’s basement.

But half a century of being a psychiatrist certainly altered the way I think about life, whatever the subject. 

Recently I met a good friend for breakfast in Manhattan Beach. We walked up a steep hill and sat down on the curb to catch our breath. Sitting there next to my buddy was exactly how I felt when I was 10 years old hanging out with another good friend. Two guys just sharing whatever popped into our heads. A stream of consciousness that felt so connected, peaceful, and fulfilling. It doesn’t get any better.

So I’m calling my blog what it really is, Inside the Mind of a Psychiatrist. Like Popeye said, “I am what I am.”

Some things never change and shouldn’t. And today that’s what’s inside the mind of this psychiatrist.

Feel free to share your thoughts. I’m happy to respond.

Thanks, Art

If you’re in the mood for a good psychological suspense novel, check out what came from my mind.

Little Italy, Patient X, or The Secret of Carol Rosa.

#LittleItaly, #PatientX, #Thesecretofcarolrosa, #Insidethemindofapsychiatrist, #psychiatry, #writing