Bhaskar Sripada explores the analytic challenges of treating grief and suicidal depression in his memoir When Suicide Beckons. Written for laypersons and practicing clinicians, the book offers insight into how analysis works from both the patient's and analyst's point of view. Dr. Sripada discusses how his professional analytic training and patient-evoked reactions shaped his actions. Additionally, this book clarifies the benefit of a psychoanalytic perspective in today's troubled world.

-Mark D. Smaller, Ph.D.; Past President, American Psychoanalytic Association




Contemporary psychoanalysis is a co-creative activity that heals psychological suffering at its core. This memoir by Bhaskar Sripada gives us an intimate glimpse into this process. Psychoanalytic ideas and their real-life applications are presented masterfully in this story about a healing human connection. It will educate and entertain all those interested in learning about psychoanalysis today.

-Neal Spira, M.D. Past Dean at the Chicago Institute for Psychoanalysis




Like Captain Kirk, Dr. Sripada boldly goes where no analyst has gone before. While elaborating on his own history, emotions, and feelings, he takes us with him on his journey of successfully analyzing a patient lured to the very edge of suicide.

-Cliff Wilkerson, M.D. Training and Supervising Analyst at the Chicago Institute for Psychoanalysis