Welcome to my Blog
Most people don’t arrive here because something dramatic has happened.
They arrive because something feels… different.
The relationship still works. Conversations still happen. Life continues.
But something important is no longer organizing it the way it used to.
This space is where I write about that shift.
Not just what breaks relationships—but what quietly changes them:
how desire adapts.
how attention moves.
how meaning erodes or deepens over time.
These patterns are not random.
They tend to unfold in a predictable sequence.
If you’re here, you’re likely in one of those moments:
trying to understand what changed.
trying to decide whether it matters.
trying to figure out what to do next.
Start anywhere.
But if something here feels familiar, don’t treat it as abstract.
It usually isn’t.
Where to Begin
If you’re not sure what you’re looking for, these are a few good entry points:
Marriage Is Still Chosen — Even by Those Who Once Stood Outside It.
Epistemic Safety: What It Is and Why It Matters in Relationships.
The Relationship Consequences of Living in a Permanent News Cycle.
The Two Types of People Narcissists Avoid (And Why You Might Be One of Them).
When Narcissists Grieve: Why Their Mourning Looks Cold, Delayed, or Self-Centered
The 3-6-9 Dating Rule: Why Most Relationships Change at Month 3, 6, and 9.
The First Listener Shift: A Precise Relationship Diagnostic Most Couples Miss.
Why Curiosity Is Sacred in Relationships (And What Happens When It Disappears).
If You’re Looking for More Than Insight
Understanding is useful.
But at a certain point, most couples realize they can explain their relationship clearly—and still not change it.
That’s where focused work becomes effective.
I offer structured, high-impact couples intensives designed to produce meaningful movement in a compressed period of time.
Before We Decide Anything
A brief consultation helps determine:
whether this is what you’re dealing with.
whether this format fits.
and whether we should move forward.
Get a Clear Read on Your Relationship
Take your time reading.
But if something here lands in a way that feels specific—pay attention to that.
That’s usually where this work begins.
Continue Exploring
If you prefer to browse more broadly, you can explore posts by topic below.
But most people don’t find what they need by browsing.
They find it when something they read feels uncomfortably accurate.
Be Well, Stay Kind, and Godspeed.
~ Daniel
- Attachment Issues
- Coronavirus
- Couples Therapy
- Extramarital Affairs
- Family Life and Parenting
- How to Fight Fair
- Inlaws and Extended Families
- Intercultural Relationships
- Marriage and Mental Health
- Married Life & Intimate Relationships
- Neurodiverse Couples
- Separation & Divorce
- Signs of Trouble
- Social Media and Relationships
- What Happy Couples Know
New study links body temperature to depression: implications for treatment
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.
10 breakthrough treatments for depression most folks have never tried
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.
Are you zoning out while visiting your childhood home?
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.
Roman Catholic Eroticism and the Theology of the Body
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.
Jewish Eroticism: a celebration of the sensual and the sacred.
It is a rich tapestry of cultural, religious, and historical influences that celebrate the sanctity of the body and the sacredness of desire.
Jewish eroticism has deep historical and religious foundations. It is a celebration of the sensual and the sacred.
The long-term impact of antidepressants on quality of life
While antidepressants are known to reduce depression symptoms in the short term, their long-term effects on overall quality of life are less clear.
Recent research suggests that antidepressants may not significantly improve quality of life over time.
A long-term analysis comparing folks with depression who took antidepressants to those who did not reveals that, after two years, there is no notable difference in their quality of life.
How antidepressants affect your ability to enjoy activities you once loved
Antidepressants can be a double-edged sword. While they help alleviate the psychological pain of depression, they can also dull the pleasure from activities that once brought joy.
This phenomenon, known as "emotional blunting," affects about half of all patients on these medications. Let's dive into why this happens and how it impacts everyday life.
How do antidepressants influence memory bias in depression?
Here’s the nub of the problem: Depressed folks often remember negative events more vividly than positive ones.
This cognitive bias can significantly impact their overall view of themselves and their lives.
However, a recent study suggests that antidepressants may help counteract this tendency by reducing the bias towards negative memories.
The power of belief: How presentation affects antidepressant efficacy
Did you know that the effectiveness of antidepressants might hinge more on belief than on the pill itself?
Research reveals that 3X as many people respond positively to antidepressants if they believe the drug will work.
This intriguing finding underscores the significant role of expectations in treating depression and anxiety.
The amazing new science behind a long-term relationship
In later life, a good marriage is highly protective of your mental and physical health.
But a bad marriage characterized by bickering and nagging will have the opposite effect.
The older we get, the more the quality of our long-term relationship impacts our overall quality of life.
Vitamin B12 deficiency: A hidden risk to memory and cognitive function
Around one-in-eight people suffer from a vitamin B12 deficiency, which can lead to difficulties with memory and thinking skills, research finds.
Struggling to recall memories or to concentrate has been linked to a deficiency in this essential vitamin.
The reason may be that vitamin B12 deficiency can accelerate cognitive aging, making it vital to maintain adequate levels as we get older
The surprising truth about antidepressants: Should we be more cautious?
Have you ever wondered why so many people are popping antidepressants like candy? Well, you're not alone.
About one-in-six folks take antidepressants, with the rate being 50% higher among women.
But should we be more cautious about prescribing these meds? A new review of their withdrawal effects suggests we should.