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The Room on the Right: A Memoir of Despair, Hope, and Reckoning in the Face of Abuse, Trauma, and PTSD
A heart-wrenching yet hopeful story of facing trauma, abuse, and PTSD—and the heroic path to healing.
To others, Dr. Lawrence Mieczkowski (Dr. Mitch) was a successful physician, caring father, and good husband—but inwardly, he was suffering from deep despair. When the 1999 Columbine shootings triggered a descent into near madness, he lost his ability to fight off the demons dragging him further into the darkness of depression and hopelessness. Something had to be done.
Finally seeking help in 2001, Dr. Mitch found a trusted psychiatrist and embarked on a yearslong journey that unlocked the deepest parts of his childhood and adult life—painful memories of abuse, neglect, and trauma. In this memoir, he recounts the struggles, fears, and successes on his path to healing with clarity and directness, proving that even in the face of overwhelming odds, it’s possible to find a path to the light.
The Room on the Right is a poignant story of endurance and survival that will inspire readers for years to come.
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Reviews
“The Room on the Right is a compelling look at post-traumatic stress disorder and the ways in which symptoms can come and go throughout one’s life. A sweet reminder of what childhood can and should be, it also highlights the tragedy of many peoples’ experiences with hunger, neglect, and abuse. An accurate depiction of supportive psychodynamic psychotherapies, it shows readers what ‘therapy’ can look like; both the triumph and the heart-wrenching work that is involved in healing.”
—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