There’s something fascinating about the way emotions typically run high at an iconic Trump rally. It’s not just about politics—it’s about collective energy, belonging, and the thrill of rebellion.

In the world of psychoanalysis, there's a term for this kind of deep, almost excessive enjoyment: jouissance.

French psychoanalyst Jacques Lacan used the word to describe the type of pleasure that’s both thrilling and a little bit uncomfortable, where you push boundaries and break norms.

For Trump supporters, the rallies were more than just political events—they were an emotional experience that tapped into this jouissance by creating a space to defy the status quo, cheer, chant, and push back against what they saw as the "establishment."

But what happens when that pleasure gets disrupted?

Imagine this: Trump loses another election, and just before Thanksgiving, he’s sentenced to 5 years in prison. How does the energy that has fueled his rallies translate into such a sudden, shocking defeat? And most importantly, how will Trump’s most loyal supporters—the so-called "Trump cult"—react?

The End of Jouissance as They Know It?

I get a lot of complaints about pornography use in my practice.

As a science-based couples therapist, understanding the neural mechanisms of associative learning related to internet-use behaviors such as porn can be invaluable in clinical practice.

This recent study, which shows that pornographic stimuli elicit stronger reward responses in the brain compared to monetary and gaming stimuli, provides important insights that can be leveraged in therapeutic settings.

Let’s be honest—if you’ve ever scrolled through Instagram, you’ve probably seen those perfect couples.

You know the ones: always smiling, dressed in coordinated outfits, effortlessly posing in front of breathtaking sunsets.

It’s like they stepped out of a rom-com and onto your feed. But here’s the thing: what you’re seeing is only part of the story.

Welcome to the world of the “Highlight Reel,” where social media often showcases the best and brightest moments of relationships while leaving the messier, more complicated bits off-screen.

If you and your partner spend more time scrolling through your phones than gazing into each other’s eyes, it might be time to consider a digital detox.

Is this a family concern as well?

In today’s screen-saturated world, it’s easy to feel more connected to our devices than to the people we love.

While technology brings us many benefits, too much screen time can take a toll on our mental health, our stress levels, and—let’s face it—our relationships.

But don’t worry, a digital detox doesn’t mean you have to throw your phone into the nearest lake. It’s about finding balance and reconnecting with your partner in more meaningful ways.

Let’s explore how a digital detox can benefit your relationship, the signs that you might need one, and some practical tips on how to implement it.

In today’s world, social media is as much a part of our relationships as candlelit dinners and whispered sweet nothings—only now, the candles are LED, and the sweet nothings are often emojis.

Social media has become a central part of how couples connect, communicate, and navigate their shared lives.

But while it offers new opportunities for intimacy (and the occasional couple selfie), it also presents challenges that our grandparents never had to consider.

As a couples therapist, understanding these dynamics and helping couples navigate them can be crucial to keeping relationships healthy. I’ll include some tips on applying the latest research for my colleagues.

Taylor Swift, one of the most influential figures in contemporary music, has emerged not just as a pop sensation but also as a powerful voice in the ongoing conversation about body image and disordered eating.

Her openness about these struggles is influencing millions of fans, particularly young women, in ways that are both inspiring and complex.

The article “Symbiosexuality: New Study Validates Attraction to Established Couples as a Real Phenomenon” by Eric W. Dolan presents the findings of a study conducted by Sally W. Johnston, which explores a concept referred to as “symbiosexuality.”

The study proposes that some folks experience attraction not just to individuals, but to the dynamic energy between people in a relationship.

While the research claims to break new ground in understanding human desire, a closer examination reveals several weaknesses in its conceptual framework, methodology, and broader implications.

In the digital age, the accessibility of pornography has skyrocketed, making it essential for mental health professionals to understand its potential impact on individuals and relationships.

While some people use pornography without adverse effects, others may develop problematic patterns that can disrupt their daily lives, relationships, and mental health.

To help identify when pornography consumption becomes problematic, researchers have developed the Problematic Pornography Consumption Scale (PPCS).

Memes are more than just amusing internet phenomena; they are cultural artifacts that capture shared human experiences in powerful, relatable ways.

One meme that is emerging but still remains largely under the radar is “the invisible burden.”

This meme poignantly encapsulates the unspoken emotional and mental load carried by many family members, particularly primary caregivers.

This burden is often a significant source of family anxiety, and understanding its roots and implications is crucial for addressing the mental health challenges it creates.

In this post, we will explore how the invisible burden has become such a pervasive issue, discuss its historical and social origins, and consider how we might begin to alleviate this silent weight.

As a family therapist, I observe the impact of this boredom-driven behavior in relationships and communities.

The rise of boredom in the digital age has far-reaching consequences, from interpersonal conflicts to broader societal issues, such as the appeal of populism and radical ideologies.

Understanding the role of boredom is crucial in addressing these challenges and helping individuals find more fulfilling and meaningful ways to engage with the world around them.

Cuffing Season. That magical time of year when the air gets crisp, the days get shorter, and suddenly everyone’s on the hunt for someone to share a blanket—and maybe a Netflix password—with.

If you’ve noticed that your inbox starts buzzing with “Hey, stranger…” texts as soon as the leaves begin to fall, congratulations—you’ve officially entered cuffing season.

While the memes about cuffing season might make you chuckle, a lot is happening behind the scenes. So, grab your pumpkin spice latte, and let’s dive into what makes cuffing season such a big deal.

The conversation around hookup culture, particularly in the context of feminism, has dominated discussions on modern relationships.

But could we be on the cusp of a cultural shift that sees a new prude ethos emerging, one that challenges the casual sexual norms of today?

As a couples therapist, this possibility isn't just intriguing—it's essential to understand the changing dynamics that could reshape how intimacy and commitment are approached in the coming years.