Judith Ruskay Rabinor
Judith Ruskay Rabinor, PhD, is a clinician, author, writing coach, speaker, and workshop leader. In addition to her New York City private psychotherapy practice, she offers remote consultations for writers, clinicians and families. She has published dozens of articles for both the public and professionals and has authored three books, The Girl in the Red Boots: Making Peace with My Mother (She Writes Press, 2021), A Starving Madness: Tales of Hunger, Hope and Healing in Psychotherapy (Gurze Books, 2002) and Befriending Your Ex After Divorce: Making Life Better for You, Your Kids and Yes, Your Ex (New Harbinger Publications, 2012). A sought-after speaker and workshop leader, Judy speaks at national and international mental health conferences and runs workshops at spas, colleges and universities and retreat centers.
Twitter: @DrJudyRabinor
Instagram: @DrJudyRabinor
Is there a genre of music the influences your writing/thinking? Do you listen to music while you write?
Classical music is my favorite writing background. I am fortunate to be married to an amazingly talented pianist; Bach, Schubert and Chopin are his current favorites. When he isn't practicing, he studies master recordings, so music fills our home. My love of classical music is rooted in my childhood: I still see myself sitting on the cozy living room couch listing to Beethoven sonatas and arias from Tosca and Aida with my father.
Is your go to comfort food sweet or savory? Is it something you make yourself? Does food inspire your writing?
I love to reward myself with my favorite food: lobster. Steamed lobster, lobster salad and macaroni and lobster all inspire me and lift my mood. I do not make them, I shop at a gourmet seafood market. Lobster has an emotional draw to it: A favorite childhood memory is being at lobster clambakes on hot summer nights at the beach with my family.
Have you ever experienced Imposter Syndrome?
The Imposter Syndrome is unfortunately, familiar to me. Sometimes I still can’t believe I am considered an “expert” in three areas, having published three books. The Imposter Syndrome is an old friend - I remember when I got my PHD and was first called “Doctor.” I couldn’t get used to my new title. I think my situation is common for many women of my generation who did not expect to have careers.
Not all books are for all readers… when you start a book and you just don’t like it, how long do you read until you bail?
I try to give myself two chapters or fifty pages before I bail. Life is too short to read books that don’t engage me, even when they come highly recommended.
Is there a work of art that you love. Why? Have you ever visited it in person?
A work of art that still compels me is Rodin's sculpture, The Burghers of Calais. I spent my junior year of college in Aix-en-Provence, France; I chose Rodin for my thesis project. I went to the Rodin Museum in Paris many times then and throughout my life as well. I was particularly swept away by this statue, "The Burghers of Calais," a tribute to man’s internal struggle.
