The Room on the Right
A Memoir of Despair, Hope, and Reckoning in the Face of Abuse, Trauma, and PTSD
by Lawrence Mieczkowski, MD
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Pub Date Jun 03 2025 | Archive Date Jun 02 2025
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Description
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.
A Note From the Publisher
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Lawrence Mieczkowski, MD, (Dr. Mitch) is an award-winning physician, speaker, and author. After graduating from Carnegie Mellon University with a degree in applied mathematics, he completed medical school at the University of Cincinnati and a three-year internal medicine residency before participating in research on heart disease prevention. He was then selected by the National Institutes of Health for a leadership role educating other physicians and became a sought-after speaker in the US and abroad. Dr. Mitch is the author or coauthor of numerous scientific articles and op-eds. He lives with his wife in Ohio.
Advance Praise
“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
Marketing Plan
- Targeted outreach to author's community
- Digital galley distribution on NetGalley
- Foreword Clarion Reviews submission
- Ingram Reviews Program
- Readings and book events
- Targeted op-ed pitching
- Post publication eBook discount promotion
Available Editions
EDITION | Paperback |
ISBN | 9781964721712 |
PRICE | $17.95 (USD) |
PAGES | 288 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews

4⭐️
[a copy of this book was provided to me by the published from netgalley. thank you!]
a powerful and hopeful memoir about overcoming abuse and trauma

In "The Room on the Right," Dr. Lawrence Mieczkowski presents a poignant yet hopeful narrative detailing his experiences with trauma, abuse, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While he outwardly exemplifies the persona of a successful physician and devoted family man, Dr. Mitch struggled with profound despair in the aftermath of the Columbine shootings in 1999. Through the course of therapy, he began to confront the painful recollections of his childhood and adult experiences, revealing a history marked by prolonged trauma and neglect. His memoir vividly illustrates the arduous journey of healing, underscoring the possibility of recovery even amidst the most challenging circumstances.
The memoir's engaging quality stems from Dr. Mieczkowski’s skillful storytelling, which immerses readers in his lived experiences. He candidly narrates his upbringing in an abusive environment and the effects of repressed memories on his mental well-being. The narrative chronicles his transformation from a neglected child to a physician grappling with internal struggles, highlighting the intricate nature of trauma. His vivid portrayals of therapy sessions and the emotional breakthroughs he achieved offer profound insights into the process of healing, rendering this memoir not only deeply personal but also a source of hope for others facing similar adversities.
While "The Room on the Right" addresses somber and distressing themes, it ultimately conveys a narrative of resilience and survival. Dr. Mieczkowski’s frank reflections serve as a testament to the notion that healing is attainable through courage, introspection, and the pursuit of appropriate support. This makes this memoir an inspiring resource for those interested in mental health and personal growth. In conclusion, "The Room on the Right" transcends the boundaries of a conventional memoir; it stands as a compelling testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance review copy in exchange for my review.
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