Tag: books

What Does a Psychiatrist Really Think When You’re Talking? by Art Smukler, MD

by artsmuklermd, posted in Childhood Trauma, Psych residency, Psychiatry, Psychoanalysis, psychosis, Psychotherapy, Self Examination, the mind

What does a psychiatrist really think while you’re talking? How can his fantasies help you? Can you actually enter your own unconscious mind?

Inside the Mind of a Psychiatrist: Enter the Mind. Discover the mystery. A Memoir

Top reviews from the United States

David Y. Palmer          5 out of 5 stars

Helpful, interesting and easy to read Reviewed in the United States on July 25, 2026 Format: Paperback Verified Purchase As a Facebook follower of Art Smukler and brother of a psychiatrist, I was very curious to know what really goes on inside of a psychiatrist’s mind. The book was well written, easy to read and I was able to discover some of the answers I was seeking. On a personal level, I appreciated being able to identify the reasons why psychiatry has changed during the past twenty or so years from being a patient-oriented profession to becoming more focused on pill management. Thank you, Art!

SW      5 out of 5 stars

An enjoyable and engaging read! Reviewed in the United States on June 1, 2026 Format: Kindle Verified Purchase I resumed doing psychotherapy four years ago after studying psychodynamic psychotherapy in the 90s. Feeling a bit insecure about my skills, I did a lot of reading and peer consultation to brush up and familiarize myself with the changes in the field. This book has been inspirational and extremely helpful, reminding me of the importance of compassion and the therapeutic relationship. The patient stories were both touching and instructional. The personal anecdotes were super enjoyable! It was a surprisingly engaging read and hard to put down!!

Barry Weinstein, MD             5 out of 5 stars

Clinical expertise in psychiatry Reviewed in the United States on May 3, 2026 Format: Paperback Verified Purchase beautifully written with Dr. Smukler’s great sense of sensitivity to his patients and excellent clinical skills. Should be required reading for all psychiatric residents with an interest in psychotherapy.

Cindy S           5 out of 5 stars

Thoughtful, Insightful, and Worth Reading Reviewed in the United States on March 30, 2026 Format: Paperback Verified Purchase What a rare glimpse into the mind of a psychiatrist. Dr. Smukler provides a window into his life as a psychiatrist, man, and human. His reflections are thoughtful, vulnerable, and grounded in real experience. The book really gave me an understanding of the person behind the profession.

Richard P        5 out of 5 stars

A Journey to Self-Discovery Reviewed in the United States on April 5, 2026 Format: Paperback Verified Purchase Dr Smukler shares with the reader the path he took to become a psychiatrist. By exploring his own mind, he developed insight into how to reach his patients. His skill and compassion are readily apparent in his treatment of patients with a variety of psychological issues. Dr Smukler shows his humanity and a desire to learn from his patients which makes him an even better psychiatrist. This well written book should prove helpful to anyone who is interested in better understanding oneself.

Ed Caine, MD             5 out of 5 stars

Reading Inside the Mind of a Psychiatrist was a treat Reviewed in the United States on March 23, 2026 Format: Paperback Verified Purchase The memoir, Inside the Mind of a Psychiatrist, by Dr. Art Smukler, MD, was wonderful. Dr. Smukler shares his thoughts and feelings about his personal history, psychoanalysis, and medical training. His experiences in the military and how he started his private practice will make you smile and reflect. The patients that he describes during his over 40 years of practice will keep you turning the pages and wondering what will come next. Each chapter ends with messages that will help you solve your own personal psychological challenges. I’d recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn what it’s really like being a psychiatrist and wants to understand the nuances of the mind.

John M            5 out of 5 stars

Can’t recommend this enough! Reviewed in the United States on June 23, 2026 Format: Paperback Loved this book! It’s such a personal and deeply honest journey into what it’s like to be a psychiatrist. The rewards, the weight, and the endlessly fascinating workings of the human mind. Smukler has a rare gift for making complex psychological territory feel completely accessible. You feel like you’re right there with him, session by session, discovery by discovery. Thank you for taking me along for such an entertaining and genuinely moving ride. Can’t recommend enough!

Amazon Customer     5 out of 5 stars

Why am I like this? Reviewed in the United States on May 19, 2026 Format: Kindle So well written, this book dives into psychiatric conditions by exploring the issues of several of the author’s patients over his career, as well as his own. Most chapters end with encouraging insights for friends or family of readers who may have mental issues. Personal, authentic, sensitive, it always seemed honest and real.

Other books by Art Smukler, MD.

Little Italy, The Secret of Carol Rosa, Patient X

#memoir, #psychotherapy, #psychoanalysis, #unconscious, #themind

Patient X, 5 star review by Readers’ Favorite, Art Smukler, MD, author & psychiatrist

by artsmuklermd, posted in Writing

Patient X, a psychological suspense novel

5 Stars – Congratulations on your 5-star review!

Patient X by Art Smukler, MD is a gripping mystery that begins with a startling scene—Jake Bennett sees his brother Nelson, who died two years earlier, alive in a crowded Santa Monica street. This moment sets off a chain of events that pulls Jake into a world of confusion, loss, and unexpected danger. As Jake tries to make sense of what he saw, the story reveals his struggles as an aspiring writer, his complicated relationship with Gina, and his day-to-day life as a waiter. The plot thickens when Jake’s path crosses with Dr. Todd Horowitz, a psychiatric resident, and their lives become linked through Jake’s stay at Nine North, a psychiatric unit. The story weaves together Jake’s search for answers, the secrets of his brother’s past, and the lives of those around him, all while exploring themes of grief, identity, and the thin line between reality and fantasy.

Art Smukler’s writing is clear and vivid, making it easy to picture each scene and feel the characters’ emotions. The plot moves quickly, with just the right mix of suspense and personal moments to keep you turning the pages. The dialogue feels natural, and the characters are believable and easy to care about, especially Jake, whose pain and hope come through strongly. The action is well-paced, with moments of tension balanced by quieter, reflective scenes. Themes of family, mental health, and self-discovery are woven throughout the narrative in a meaningful way. I found myself invested in Jake’s journey and enjoyed how the story kept me guessing. Patient X is perfect for anyone who likes mysteries with real emotional depth and characters you can root for.

Thank you for the 5 star review.

Art

#Patient X, #suspense, #fiction, #award winner, #psychological suspense, #Inside the mind of a psychiatrist