The American meme of "mastery of self" is both celebrated and critiqued in the context of a culture that increasingly values individualism, self-sufficiency, and personal achievement.

It is a concept that taps into the very heart of what it means to be American, with roots in the Protestant work ethic and the myth of the self-made man. Yet, as we delve deeper into this meme, it becomes clear that its implications are not purely positive.

On a bitterly cold winter’s night, in the quiet, wooded landscape of Western Massachusetts, Sarah and Tom’s lives were forever changed by a late-night collision with a deer.

The accident left them both with minor physical injuries but significant emotional scars.

Now, two years later, they are sitting in my office, trying to navigate the long-lasting effects of that traumatic night.

Grief is an inevitable part of life, but when it remains unresolved, it can quietly undermine the fabric of a marriage.

The loss of a parent or child is among the most profound experiences one can endure, and its emotional repercussions often extend far beyond the individual, deeply affecting the entire family system.

Within a marital context, unresolved grief can lead to emotional distance, communication breakdowns, and reduced intimacy, ultimately diminishing marital satisfaction.

In this post, we will explore the impact of unresolved parental grief on marital dynamics, drawing on recent research in grief, attachment theory, and marital therapy.

A "happy mood" isn't just a fleeting feeling; it's something that can be cultivated and sustained through intentional practices.

Thanks to advances in neuroscience, we now understand that the brain is remarkably plastic, capable of being rewired to support a more positive outlook on life.

In today’s deeply extractive, fast-paced world, maintaining a healthy relationship can be as challenging as navigating a minefield.

Relationship burnout, an increasingly common issue, can sneak up on even the strongest couples, leaving them feeling disconnected, exhausted, and unfulfilled.

Furthermore, your culture might be hostile to authentic intimacy. Yikes.

Understanding the signs and finding ways to address relationship fatigue is crucial for long-term happiness and connection.

Daniel: Good afternoon, BetteSue. How are you feeling today?

BetteSue: (sighs) Confused, Daniel. I’ve been thinking a lot about our last session, and I'm starting to wonder, am I the narcissist, or is he?

Daniel: That's a profound question, BetteSue. What experiences have led you to ask that?

BetteSue: (sips her coffee) Well, let me start with last week. We were supposed to have dinner with my sister and her new fiancé. I was running late because of a hair appointment. Henry, my husband, waited for me, but when we finally arrived, he was sulking. He barely spoke during dinner and made these passive-aggressive comments about my lateness.

Tossing and turning, counting sheep until they unionize?

You're not alone.

Around 30% of adults have short-term sleep issues.

Many people say a good night's sleep is at the top of their wish list for a better life. But let's face it: getting quality sleep can feel as tricky as finding a unicorn in your backyard.

Poor sleep can mess with your memory, attention, performance, and overall alertness. But. fear not, gentle reader!

Here are 11 tips that are sure to turn your sleep from a nightmare into a dreamland.

Many people struggle to understand their depression due to the way it's described by professionals.

Depression, as a diagnosis, is simply a description of symptoms, not an explanation of their causes. Contrary to common belief, a low mood isn't caused by depression—it's a symptom of it.

However, many authoritative websites misleadingly portray depression as the cause of its own symptoms.

A study analyzing leading mental health organizations, such as the American Psychiatric Association and the World Health Organization, found that most describe depression as causing low mood, lack of motivation, and other related symptoms.

Defense mechanisms are psychological strategies that folks use to protect themselves from anxiety, unacceptable thoughts, and feelings.

These mechanisms often operate unconsciously and can significantly influence behavior and emotional responses.

James F. Masterson, a pioneering figure in the field of psychiatry, has made substantial contributions to understanding defense mechanisms, particularly in the context of personality disorders.

This post considers Masterson's insights on defense mechanisms, exploring how they manifest and affect human lives impacted by “personality disorders.”

James F. Masterson, a pioneering figure in the field of psychoanalysis and personality disorders, introduced the concept of Self-Activation as a critical component in understanding and treating personality disorders, particularly Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD).

As a marriage and family therapist, it’s helpful to grasp Masterson’s ideas on self-activation to effectively support clients struggling on the continuum of these complex conditions.

What is Self-Activation?

James F. Masterson, a pioneering figure in the field of psychotherapy, left an indelible mark on the treatment of personality disorders.

His innovative theories, particularly concerning Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD), have significantly influenced contemporary psychotherapeutic practices.

Masterson's contributions are widely recognized, yet his professional journey was not without controversy, notably his conflict with Jay Haley, another influential figure in psychotherapy.

This post considers Masterson's legacy, exploring his groundbreaking theories and his infamous clash with Jay Haley.

Contrary to common misconceptions, folks with Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) can experience meaningful change through dedicated therapy, according to Dr. Elinor Greenberg.

Elinor says that while it’s a challenging process requiring an extensive, long-term commitment, effective treatments do exist.

Here’s a closer look at the 10 stages involved in treating Narcissistic Personality Disorders, highlighting the potential for growth and transformation in her model.