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.

Let’s discuss the essential skills of Dialectical Behavior Therapy.

Originally developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan to treat Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), has proven to be an effective antidote to the emotional dysregulation and interpersonal chaos often associated with BPD.

But don't let the clinical jargon scare you off—DBT skills are essentially life skills that can help anyone navigate the choppy waters of their emotional life with greater ease and grace.

Imagine having a toolkit to help you stay calm during a heated argument, communicate your needs without escalating tensions, and even find inner peace amidst life's inevitable ups and downs.

Sounds like magic, right? Well, it’s not magic, but it is incredibly effective.

As a couples therapist, I've occassionally encountered folks who struggle with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) in a way that doesn't fit the classic, more observable symptoms.

This subtler presentation is known as "quiet borderline" personality. Unlike their more overt counterparts, those with quiet BPD direct their intense emotions inward rather than outward, making their struggles less visible but equally challenging.

"What is a CSA survivor?" This crucial question addresses the experiences of folks who endured Childhood Sexual Abuse (CSA) and its profound impact on their adult lives, especially within intimate relationships.

I've seen firsthand the complexities and challenges that CSA survivors face in their romantic partnerships.

This blog post considers the long-lasting effects of CSA, how these issues manifest in couples therapy, and strategies for fostering healing and intimacy.

\

Doom scrolling is the compulsive consumption of problem-saturated media content.

The scroll describes the endless feed of posts, memes, and articles many of which feed our plugged-in brains with doom, gloom, and drama.

This intense information that is readily available on your screens pulls you out of your current realities. It can cause us to neglect our own self-care.

The anxiety-producing and addictive nature of doom scrolling might be taking a toll on your marital happiness, too…

The most extensive study yet on body temperature and depression has revealed that folks with depression tend to have higher body temperatures, suggesting that cooling the body might be a potential treatment for depression.

As a couples therapist, I understand that depression can have a profound impact on relationships, affecting not just the individual but their partner and the dynamics between them.

Clinical depression affects around 350 million people worldwide, yet only a small fraction receive the best care.

Here, I'll outline 10 new, scientifically backed treatments for depression, emphasizing their potential benefits for folks within a relationship context.

A few days ago my client Harry, a 30-something show-runner, found himself in a peculiar situation during a recent visit to his emotionally distant elderly parents.

His wife, Marjorie, recounted how Harry seemed to zone out and suddenly seemed to ‘wake up’ in the middle of an argument with her about his missing their agreed-upon curfew to leave.

I've seen this scenario play out many times, often stemming from dissociation linked to traumatic or emotionally constipated childhoods.

Let's consider the concept of dissociation, how our childhood experiences can trigger it, and best practices to improve situational awareness when revisiting your childhood home.

When one thinks of Roman Catholicism, images of grand cathedrals, incense-filled rituals, and Latin hymns might come to mind.

But what about Roman Catholic eroticism? Yes, you read that right.

As a couples therapist, I recently had the privilege of working with a couple set exploring the paradigm of Roman Catholic eroticism. Although I was a bit taken aback, I found fascinating insights into the interplay between faith, love, and intimacy.