Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?

I’m a working psychologist and author.  My recently published memoir, “Home Boys,” available on Amazon as an e-book or paperback,  is the product of my interest and passion for psychology and writing.  

I began writing in elementary school and later took creative writing courses in high school and college.  I’ve always loved the written word as both author and avid reader.  My writing background includes sketches, novel, nonfiction, play, and screenplay.  I’ve had screenplays optioned and plays produced in New York and Los Angeles.

What inspired you to write your book?

I’ve been a clinician since the late 1990s, counseling a wide variety of clients ranging from maximum security inmates to celebrities, working folk, foster care kids, and anyone and everyone in between.  But it was my early career work with Probation youth that deeply shaped my thinking and approach as a clinician.  I had a tremendous affinity for these kids.  They really touched my heart.  “Home Boys” is equal parts remembrance, information, and love.

What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?

One of the themes of “Home Boys” is “Look below the surface.”  A supposedly bad kid may be a traumatized or misunderstood kid.  It’s always worth trying to help him.  Which is not to say that we should excuse or allow criminal behavior, but rather hold out for the possibility that a life can be turned around with structure and guidance.

What drew you into this particular genre?

I am by nature a teacher, and I believed that a memoir would be effective in reaching an audience of early career therapists who would benefit from reading about the successes and missteps of a seasoned clinician.  I thought that a non-clinical audience would be moved by the story of Probation boys struggling to make their way through a difficult world. 

What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?

I post excerpts of “Home Boys” reviews as well as announcements about the book on Instagram and Facebook.  I recently had fun shooting and posting a humorous video featuring my sister, playing the role of an extremely annoying fan, begging me for a printed a copy of my book.  We’ll likely shoot a few more videos featuring her character.  My hope (or fantasy?) was that the video would go viral.  You can see it at Home Boys – The Price of Fame – YouTube.  

What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?

It may seem a bit trite or banal, but I think it’s important to write in your own style.  Be yourself.  There is no right or wrong way to write, only your way.  Place a Kurt Vonnegut novel and a Philip Roth novel side by side and you’ll see what I’m talking about.  Two distinguished writers who could not be more stylistically and thematically different.

What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?

I am co-authoring a nonfiction book, “The Truth About Rehab,” with two colleagues and also plan to re-publish my middle grade novel, “Baymo” (the publishing company went under a few years ago and the rights reverted to me).  It’s the story of a dog who wants to become a man and gets his wish.  

I have several other complete or nearly complete novels and nonfiction works on the shelf.  My goal is to publish them all over the next few years.

A final word:  thanks for reading this interview and much gratitude to Anthony for hosting and posting.  Please look me up on Instagram and Facebook and feel free to write me at drsethck@aol.com.

About the Author

Seth C. Kadish, Psy.D., Director of Group Therapy at PCH in Mar Vista and former Clinical Director of Milestones Ranch Malibu, was a Staff Psychologist at California State Prison, Los Angeles County, counseling maximum-security inmates.  Prior to that, Dr. Kadish worked with Probation youth at Penny Lane in North Hills, CA where he was named Clinician of the Year 2001.  He is the creator of Pattern Identification and Reduction Therapy™, a clinical approach based on his work in prison, group home, private practice and treatment center and is the author of Pop Your Patterns:  The No-Nonsense Way to Change Your Life.  In addition, Dr. Kadish has been featured in a variety of radio broadcasts, documentaries and television series including Ryan and Tatum:  The O’Neals (Oprah Winfrey Network) and the award-winning documentary, Iceberg Slim.

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