During Covid, depression increased exponentially among aging women. For many, including Joan Cusack Handler, quarantine precluded the preferred treatment of psychotherapy. As a licensed psychologist with forty years’ experience treating patients, Handler turned to her own pathology to teach herself and others how to survive emotionally. Anxiety and a sense of impending mortality intensified as she faced the death of her older sister and the guilt that erupted when she learned that no memorial service was possible. Lights in Cold Rooms chronicles Handler’s confrontation with 80 years of complex family dynamics and often difficult love, and explores the path she took to work through depression and ultimately return to wellness.
Joan Cusack Handler is a distinguished poet, novelist, and psychotherapist whose work delves into the intricate landscapes of human experience. Her writing, often raw and honest, explores themes of family dynamics, personal identity, spirituality, and the universal journey of life and loss.
Known for her evocative verse and poignant prose, Joan’s ability to weave personal narrative with broader existential questions resonates deeply with readers. Her contributions to contemporary literature have garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated readership.
