Meet John Toker, Author of Conflicting Sanity
By Patricia Leslie
 An artist's rendering of the new Burke Centre Library scheduled to be completed in spring 2008. Rendering courtesy Fairfax County Public Library. |
"My book was written for those alienated by working in an environment where dreams and goals are not fulfilled, where frustration can lead to illness," said the 38-year-old who has practiced psychotherapy in Maine and in Maryland.
An abstract art class at Marymount University in Arlington spurred his thinking about a resource to help overcome his own particular problems stemming from working in a bureaucracy, which Toker says blocked him from working more effectively with patients. After college he had become isolated from friends as they gradually separated and moved away to begin their own careers.
He became overwhelmed and searched for a book in area bookstores and online to help him resolve his problems. Finding none, Toker set off to put the words on paper he so keenly felt. The book became therapy for him.
How often do you hear people say: "I love my work, and I can't believe I am being paid to do what I love!"? Do you feel envy? Toker is writing about those feelings.
The story takes place in the Washington area and is loosely based on his life and his mental health practice. It is modeled on real-life situations although no real names of patients or places are included. A blurb from World Talk Radio describes the book as "a psychological novel that inspires soul-searching" as the reader follows the practice of a psychotherapist, in his dealings with his patients and his own wrestle with internal turmoil.
"Through the thoughts and dreams of Frank Thomas, [the novel] offers a vicarious medium for soul-searching," claims a sentence on the back cover, which is generally echoed by readers offering critiques at the Barnes and Noble Web site.
"It's an everyday book and not a technical book." Toker said. His patients inspired him to begin writing. "I know a lot of people need a book like this for they are not living their passions and their dreams, and my purpose in writing was to help guide readers in trying to overcome problems, to find meaning and enjoy their passions. The book describes authentic experiences," which is why the book is intended for the lay reader and mental health provider, too.
Problems often begin to surface after age 17, Toker explained. "There are indications earlier" if someone is likely to need therapy later. "Emotional issues are waiting to be turned on."
All this from an abstract art project? Toker believes art is therapeutic and recommends it to everyone. Art can be a remedy as much as or more so than medication, he believes. He created and drew the cover for the book, which took him more than two years to write.
Toker grew up in Bethesda and lived for a number of years in Maine where he worked in a hospital emergency room. He was often sent to jails and homes of patients. He holds two master's degrees, one in psychological services with a concentration in counseling, and the second in learning disabilities, both from Marymount.
Nowadays he tutors and helps clients who have learning disabilities. And he signs books. His next signing will be June 17, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Waldenbooks at Tysons Corner Galleria. The book sells for $14.95 and is available in local bookstores and online. It is his first book.
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