Rachel Goldsmith Turow Ph.D.

About

Rachel Goldsmith Turow, Ph.D., is a psychotherapist, research scientist, mindfulness teacher, and an adjunct faculty member at Seattle University and at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Her current work highlights self-criticism and self-compassion. Those tendencies substantially impact people's mental health and well-being, and they can be changed through practicing specific techniques. After two decades of research and clinical practice focused on psychological trauma and recovery, Turow now addresses how best to help everyone cultivate strategies to handle stress and to build resilience.

She has provided classes, workshops, seminars, and conference presentations for diverse audiences that include mental health professionals, cancer researchers, high school teachers, medical students, veterans’ advocates, and mindfulness scholars. She has also trained military medical personnel to manage others’ trauma responses during deployment.

Turow is currently involved in developing programs to enhance coping skills, resilience, and self-compassion among university students. She has written dozens of scientific articles and book chapters, along with the books The Self-Talk Workout: Six Science-Backed Strategies to Dissolve Self-Criticism and Transform the Voice in Your Head (2022; Shambhala) and Mindfulness Skills for Trauma and PTSD: Practices for Recovery and Resilience (2017; Norton Professional Books).

Books by Rachel Goldsmith Turow Ph.D.

Recent Posts

Can a Break From Social Media Improve Mental Health?

Many people want to reduce their social media use. A short break from social media—or limiting use to 15-30 minutes per day—leads to meaningful benefits in mental health.

A Cautionary Tale of Two Matthews

Two Matthews (McConaughey and Perry) wrote memoirs about their acting careers. However, only one memoir reflected how multiple sources of meaning can promote happiness.

Swimsuit Anxiety Is Real

Miss America, "Cathy" comics, and 7th-grade boys made me self-conscious in a bathing suit. But I've learned how to manage internalized criticism and to love swimming at the pool.

Mindfulness Vs. Self-Compassion: Which Matters More?

As mindfulness and self-compassion approaches become increasingly popular, research illuminates the main reasons why they benefit mental health.

Depression and Self-Criticism

Depression characterized by harsh self-criticism may respond best to specific treatment approaches.

Changing the Habit of Self-Criticism

Self-criticism is strongly linked with mental health difficulties, including depression and anxiety—but it’s a habit that can be changed with specific techniques.