When it comes to relationships, understanding each other's inner worlds can be as tricky as finding a parking spot in downtown Manhattan.

This process is called mentalization—it’s the imaginative mental ability to understand and interpret one's own and others' thoughts, feelings, and intentions.

Now, throw in neurodiversity—a term that acknowledges and celebrates the variety of human brains and cognitive functioning—and you have a recipe for some truly fascinating dynamics. I’ll also touch on Bi-polar disorder as well.

Unlocking the secret to achieving a flow state can transform how you work, create, and live.

For my gentle neurodiverse readers, understanding and entering this heightened state of focus and creativity can be both a challenge and a game-changer.

While traditional advice on achieving flow often includes familiar, ho-hum strategies like setting clear goals or minimizing distractions, here are five lesser-known techniques that can help you tap into your flow state.

Let's dive in!

Perspective-taking is a crucial skill in any relationship, allowing us to understand and empathize with others.

However, for narcissists, this concept can be as elusive as a unicorn at a business meeting.

In this post, we'll discuss narcissism and perspective-taking, exploring why it's so challenging for narcissists and offering insights for those who love, live, or work with them.

Narcissism and mentalization are two concepts that intertwine intricately, impacting not just individual mental health but also the dynamics of intimate relationships.

I've seen how these psychological constructs influence behavior, emotional connections, and overall relationship satisfaction.

Narcissism is often misunderstood as mere self-absorption or vanity, but its roots often lie much deeper.

I frequently encounter the repercussions of narcissistic behavior in relationships, which can often be traced back to complex trauma.

In this post, we will explore the connection between complex trauma and narcissism, drawing on research and insights from thought leaders in the field.

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in our brain’s reward and pleasure systems.

As a couples therapist, I’ve seen firsthand how understanding and intentionally boosting dopamine can rejuvenate relationships. These interventions are like a broad menu for dopamine enhancement.

Let’s explore some effective ways to introduce more dopamine into each other’s brain and nervous system.

As a couples therapist, I often see clients who struggle with maintaining focus.

Turns out, a whopping 40% of people are unintentionally sabotaging their ability to concentrate.

The culprit? Dehydration.

In military slang, "the gouge" refers to vital information, tips, or insider knowledge that helps service members prepare for tests, evaluations, or assignments.

This concept can be wonderfully applied to science-based couples therapy, which offers essential tools, hacks, and strategies for navigating and enhancing intimate relationships.

Additionally, the military phrase "embrace the suck," which means to accept and endure difficult situations, also holds valuable wisdom for couples therapy. Let’s explore how these concepts from military slang can be applied to couples therapy to improve life and legacy.

Ending an affair with a married man is a complex and emotionally charged process. It requires a deep understanding of personal boundaries, emotional resilience, and often, the support of professional guidance.

This post will discuss the essential steps to end such an affair, informed by social science research and expert insights on infidelity.

We will also explore the intricate dynamics when both parties in the affair are married and what recent research in the USA has revealed about such situations.

Treating folks with narcissistic traits can be challenging due to their resistance to acknowledging their issues and their tendency to manipulate or blame others.

The NARBO model can aid clinicians in maintaining a clear framework for understanding these behaviors and developing targeted interventions.

Dr. Ramani Durvasula is a clinical psychologist and a leading expert on narcissism, having extensively studied and written about narcissistic personality disorder and its impact on relationships and individuals.

Her insights can be valuable in understanding the NARBO model components and their clinical application.

Stress talk is an emerging workplace habit — but why do people do it and what is the effect?

When people ‘brag’ about how much stress they are under, they do it because they think it makes them look better to co-workers and others. This is but another emerging manifestation of Cultural Narcissism.

However, a study finds that ‘stress bragging’, as the researchers term it, only serves to make braggarts seem less competent and less likable.

Worse, stress bragging makes the braggart’s colleagues and those around them feel more stressed and burnt out.

Breadcrumbing in relationships is when one partner gives the other small, sporadic, and often insincere signals of interest, stringing them along without any intention of pursuing a serious or committed relationship.

This frustrating behavior can leave folks feeling confused, undervalued, and emotionally exhausted.

Let’s look deeper into the signs and underlying motivations of breadcrumbing and how to address it in science-based couples therapy.