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.

 

Daniel Dashnaw Daniel Dashnaw

Why therapists sometimes suffer from emotional contagion…

Research has revealed a method to pinpoint therapists who may unknowingly be at higher risk of emotional contagion, particularly in the context of therapists and other professionals who interact with distressed humans.

These professionals can inadvertently absorb negative emotions from their clients, potentially leading to personal struggles with depression.

This phenomenon, known as emotional contagion, occurs automatically and unconsciously, making it challenging for therapists to recognize…

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Attachment Issues Daniel Dashnaw Attachment Issues Daniel Dashnaw

Loving someone with Avoidant Attachment…

Research into attachment style compatibility highlights the most challenging combination for personal relationships, revealing that the Anxious and Avoidant Attachment Styles are the least compatible.

But isn’t this sort of armchair astrology playing God? I strongly condemn the trend of identifying the “worst” attachment style combination…

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Extramarital Affairs Daniel Dashnaw Extramarital Affairs Daniel Dashnaw

What is Sexual Narcissism?

What is Sexual Narcissism?

For the sake of our discussion here today, let’s keep in mind that Sexual Narcissists exhibit not only a general sense of self-importance but also a specific belief in their entitlement to sexual gratification, often at the expense of their relationships.

Narcissists tend to prioritize their own desires over their partner's, with little regard for the consequences…

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What are the 2 most common personality changes between 18 and 40?

Research suggests that our goals in life evolve alongside our personalities.

A common trend observed between 18 and 40 is a shift towards greater agreeableness and conscientiousness.

Agreeable humans are characterized by their friendliness, warmth, and tactfulness, often prioritizing others' feelings.

Conversely, conscientious folks exhibit self-discipline and strive for achievement.

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Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw

Psychopathy vs. Sociopathy…

Psychopathy and sociopathy are terms often used interchangeably in clinical contexts, both referring to individuals with antisocial personality disorders.

While these terms are commonly understood to mean the same thing, there are nuanced differences that can impact how these disorders are perceived and treated.

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Extramarital Affairs Daniel Dashnaw Extramarital Affairs Daniel Dashnaw

What is the science behind forgiving and forgeting?

Forgiveness, a seemingly simple concept, often carries profound implications, especially in the context of infidelity.

Mahatma Gandhi's words, "The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong," resonate deeply, highlighting the strength and resilience required to forgive someone who has caused us immense pain.

Is there any science behind the idea for forgiving and forgetting?

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Family Life and Parenting Daniel Dashnaw Family Life and Parenting Daniel Dashnaw

Generation Apathy: How Parental Disengagement Shapes Youth Politics…

A recent German study has uncovered a significant link between parental political disengagement and the apathy their children feel towards politics.

This phenomenon appears to be particularly pronounced in close parent-child relationships. These findings shed light on the growing disinterest in politics observed in democracies worldwide…

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