The Room on the Right: A Memoir of Despair, Hope, and Reckoning in the Face of Abuse, Trauma, and PTSD

The abuse began when I was four years old and continued for decades. Just when my life was moving forward after college, a life-and-death encounter with my mentally ill older brother worsened my mental trauma. This is my story of crossing the threshold into counseling, opening the doors to the past, and the hard work required over eight years to push away the darkness and step into the light.

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  • “A raw and heartbreaking story of the enduring effects of chronic abuse. Compelling and touching in its exploration of the power of hope, love, and redemption.”

    Jennifer Lewis, PhD, clinical psychologist, Cincinnati VA Trauma Recovery Center

  • “This is a book that you absolutely cannot put down. . . . The candor and authenticity are a tribute to the strength of the author. . . . Job-related reading is a large part of my life, and I’ve read many accounts of neglect, abuse, etc., but none that touched me in this way. For anyone considering a field of social work, psychology, sociology, or related occupations, this book should be required course reading.”

    —Linda M., Goodreads reviewer

  • “The Room on the Right is more than just a memoir; it is a lifeline for those who have faced trauma and an inspiring reminder that healing is possible. It is a must-read for anyone seeking a story of resilience, empathy, and the profound impact one person can have on the lives of others.”

    —Teresa G., Goodreads reviewer

  • “What makes this memoir so compelling is Mieczkowski’s ability to bring readers into his world with vivid storytelling and emotional depth. His journey—from a young boy enduring neglect and abuse to a successful physician grappling with internal turmoil—highlights the complexity of trauma and the courage it takes to confront it. His descriptions of therapy sessions, flashbacks, and breakthroughs offer a powerful insight into the process of healing, making this book not just a personal story but also a beacon of hope for others who have faced similar struggles.”

    —Mehrdad Khatib, Goodreads reviewer

Headshot of author Lawrence Mieczkowski standing in front of a tree in the fall

About the Author

Lawrence Mieczkowski, MD, is an award-winning physician, speaker, and author. After graduating from Carnegie Mellon University, he completed medical school at the University of Cincinnati and an internal medicine residency at UPMC Mercy. Since retirement, he has been an advocate for ending the silence of mental illness and dysfunctional medical care. His articles have been published on HuffPost, Doximity, and the CPTSD Foundation website. He is a volunteer speaker for the local chapter of NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

He lives with his wife in Ohio.