Welcome to my Blog
Thank you for stopping by. This space is where I share research, reflections, and practical tools drawn from my experience as a marriage and family therapist.
Are you a couple looking for clarity? A professional curious about the science of relationships? Or simply someone interested in how love and resilience work? I’m glad you’ve found your way here. I can help with that.
Each post is written with one goal in mind: to help you better understand yourself, your partner, and the hidden dynamics that shape human connection.
Grab a coffee (or a notebook), explore what speaks to you, and take what’s useful back into your life and relationships. And if a post sparks a question, or makes you realize you could use more support, I’d love to hear from you.
Be Well, Stay Kind, and Godspeed.
~Daniel
P.S.
Feel free to explore the categories below to find past blog posts on the topics that matter most to you. If you’re curious about attachment, navigating conflict, or strengthening intimacy, these archives are a great way to dive deeper into the research and insights that I’ve been sharing for years.
- 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
What is Motivation?
Motivation is like a mythical creature—everyone talks about it, but few understand its true nature.
Let's unravel the mysteries of motivation, separate fact from fiction, and learn how to keep the motivational fire burning…
The fear of a major depression returning…
Around three-quarters of humans who have experienced major depression express ongoing fears of its return, according to a recent study.
These fears are often triggered by events or emotions linked to their past depressive episodes, such as work stress, loneliness, or periods of loss and grief.
Girls Labelled 'Fat' at 10… likely to be obese at 19, study reveals
A recent study conducted in Northern California examined 1,166 girls and revealed a concerning trend: girls who were told they were "fat" at the age of 10 were more likely to be obese at 19.
This message and label could have come from various sources… such as teachers, parents, siblings, classmates, or friends.
Remembering Susan Johnson, co-founder of Emotionally-Focused Therapy
With heavy hearts, we bid farewell to Sue Johnson, a visionary pioneer in the field of couples therapy, who passed away at the age of 76 on April 23, 2024.
As the co-founder of Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT), Sue's profound impact on the lives of countless individuals and families is immeasurable.
How high-functioning psychopaths and sociopaths slip into power unnoticed…
Research indicates that high-functioning psychopaths and sociopaths, who also possess high IQs, are adept at concealing their true nature.
This ability sheds light on how individuals who exhibit dangerous, risk-taking behaviors can successfully infiltrate powerful management positions.
Understanding Psychopathy: Primary vs. Secondary Psychopaths…
Psychopathy is a complex personality disorder characterized by callousness and unemotional traits.
While these traits are central to all psychopaths, Research from the Journal of Management tells us that there are distinct differences between the two main types: primary and secondary psychopaths…
Let’s jump in!.. carefully…
The Impact of the 2015 Ashley Madison Data Breach on Relationships… a long look back…
The Ashley Madison data breach of 2015 sent shockwaves through the online dating world, revealing the personal information of millions of users seeking extramarital affairs.
This breach not only raised questions about data security but also provided a unique opportunity for researchers to study the impact of infidelity on relationships.
Several studies have since been conducted to analyze the fallout from the Ashley Madison breach, shedding light on various aspects of relationships and privacy in the digital age.
Alexithymia and marital conflict
Some people struggle when asked to explain or share and their emotions. This personality trait is known as Alexithymia.
Folks with Alexithymia can describe their physiological reactions to events (such as a rapid heartbeat or a queasy stomach), but they are unable to identify any specific emotions.
Here’s what we know…
Is confronting your husband’s affair partner a good idea?
The “safe” advice most all-purpose therapists typically offer is that confrontation is a bad idea.
Confronting your husband’s affair partner indeed confirms their significance, and in many cases, that could be a strategic error from the get-go.
Here’s some practical advice…
11 Proven secrets for second marriage success…
Identifying the factors that promote second marriage success is significant for American couples therapists because, overwhelmingly, most Americans who enter a second marriage are not widows or widowers.
Their first marriage ended in divorce…
Existentialism & Couples Therapy
Existentialism offers a unique perspective on couples therapy, emphasizing themes such as freedom, responsibility, authenticity, and the search for meaning.
Incorporating existentialist ideas into therapy can deepen the couple's understanding of their dynamics and help them navigate challenges more effectively.
Anticipatory anxiety and wishful thinking…
Wishful thinking is a captivating subject that reveals into the complexities of human cognition and emotion.
Recent research has shed light on how this phenomenon influences decision-making and success, particularly in times of uncertainty and anxiety.
Studies have shown a strong correlation between feelings of anxiety and insecurity and the propensity for wishful thinking.
When faced with uncertainty, individuals often turn to wishful thinking as a coping mechanism, seeking comfort in optimistic beliefs.