The Spy Whisperer: Psychiatry and Intrigue with Dr. Kenneth Dekleva‍

The Cold War was over by the time US State Department Psychiatrist Kenneth Dekleva arrived in Russia in the early 2000s. The KGB was disbanded but Moscow was still a hardship post. US Embassy staff were watched 24/7 with audio and video surveillance at home and minders on the streets. Occasionally, Russia’s secret police would even break into their apartments.

In one instance, a Moscow diplomat had a family member who was being treated in the US for a serious illness. He arrived home to find a Post-it Note: “How’s your wife?”

The intimidation was designed to pressure the Americans to leave - ‘get off the X', in espionage parlance - and the Russians were world-class experts at it. Dr. Dekleva recalled counseling embassy staff about coping strategies and even found the surveillance exasperating himself at times. “Yes, like everyone. It’s annoying,” Dekleva admits, but he deflected it with humor.

“Once I was hosting a guest from Washington and the surveillance team was waiting at the airport with me. And they came up to me and spoke English and said, “Can I be of help to you? Who are you waiting for?” And I knew who they were, so I didn’t get stressed out. I said, “That’s so kind of you.” I spoke Russian. I softened my voice. I told them: ‘Your help is so deeply appreciated. But I’ve been here before. Can you give me your card in case I need further help?’ And I gave him a card and they disappeared.”

“You have to know how to deal with the surveillance. The bottom line is, you don’t want to alienate them and make them angry.”

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