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:

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

 

Marriage and Mental Health Daniel Dashnaw Marriage and Mental Health Daniel Dashnaw

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.

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Marriage and Mental Health Daniel Dashnaw Marriage and Mental Health Daniel Dashnaw

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.

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Marriage and Mental Health Daniel Dashnaw Marriage and Mental Health Daniel Dashnaw

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.

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Marriage and Mental Health Daniel Dashnaw Marriage and Mental Health Daniel Dashnaw

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.

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Marriage and Mental Health Daniel Dashnaw Marriage and Mental Health Daniel Dashnaw

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.

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Marriage and Mental Health Daniel Dashnaw Marriage and Mental Health Daniel Dashnaw

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.

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Marriage and Mental Health Daniel Dashnaw Marriage and Mental Health Daniel Dashnaw

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.

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Marriage and Mental Health Daniel Dashnaw Marriage and Mental Health Daniel Dashnaw

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

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