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
Is your personality more influenced by genetics, upbringing, or something else?
Have you ever wondered why you're the way you are?
A recent study suggests we might share more personality traits with our parents than we previously thought, but it might matter far less than you can imagine…
Snack Attacks: How loneliness hijacks your diet and sanity
Feeling lonely and craving that second slice of chocolate cake? You’re not alone—literally!
Turns out, loneliness isn't just a bummer for your social life; it’s a recipe for dietary disaster too.
A recent study reveals that lonely women are more likely to indulge in calorie-packed comfort foods like cakes and chocolates.
Why? Because these sweet treats offer a temporary fix to the sting of social isolation. …But why?
Can even only moderate levels of exercise improve your personality? Yup.
Regular exercise doesn't just boost your health; it can also transform your personality for the better.
Research shows that moderate exercise can make people more extraverted and agreeable. Let’s jump in!
So, if your partner's a bit grumpy, maybe a jog around the block could help! Let's dive into how these habits are initiated and the benefits they bring.
The impact of sleep deprivation on relationships and society
How does lack of sleep affect relationships and social connections?
As a couples therapist, it's crucial to recognize how various aspects of health, including sleep, impact relationships.
Research shows that around half of people in developed societies do not get enough sleep. This lack of sleep does more than just affect individual well-being—it significantly impacts relationships and societal interactions.
The art and science of generative conversations in couples therapy
As a couples therapist, I often emphasize the transformative power of Generative Conversations.
One particularly impactful method is the Anatol Rapoport Intervention, an integral part of Gottman Theory.
This intervention, rooted in the work of Russian mathematical genius Anatol Rapoport, offers profound insights into improving communication between partners.
Who Was Anatol Rapoport?
Context over emotion: A neuroscience-based approach to disturbing emotional flashbacks
Could focusing on the context rather than the emotion be a breakthrough in managing recurring negative memories? According to a recent study, this technique holds promise for those plagued by disturbing emotional flashbacks.
The study suggests concentrating on the context instead of rehashing the painful emotions of a negative memory.
For instance, when recalling a funeral, focus on what you wore or who attended rather than dwelling on your feelings.
Do lifelong readers enjoy cognitive and health benefits from reading fiction?
Reading fiction has been linked to better linguistic skills, according to recent research.
It doesn't matter if the fiction is as fantastical as Harry Potter or as classic as Charles Dickens; people who read fiction for pleasure tend to have superior language skills.
This contrasts with folks who read solely for information, often out of necessity, who score lower on language tests.
Depressed again in just 2 Weeks? Here Are the 5 behaviors you must maintain!
Who knew that slacking off on certain activities could make you feel so down?
It turns out, a fascinating series of studies has identified 5 types of activities crucial for mental health.
Stop doing them, and you might find yourself on a fast track to depression.
But don't worry, I've got the scoop on what you need to keep those blues at bay. Let’s jump in!
How depression can harm marriages: insights for couples during stressful times
Mental health problems can create a vicious cycle that severely damages relationships, especially during historically stressful times.
As a couples therapist, it’s essential to understand how depression affects both partners in a marriage and to use this knowledge to help couples navigate their struggles.
Research reveals that women who are depressed lose their ability to read emotions accurately, which negatively impacts their relationships.
This phenomenon, known as the loss of ‘empathic accuracy,’ causes significant strain and can lead to a cycle of increasing depression and relational distress.
The simple activity that reduces depression and blood pressure
Did you know that spending just 30 minutes a week in a park can significantly boost your mental health and lower your blood pressure?
Australian researchers have uncovered compelling evidence that frequent visits to green spaces are linked to better mental and physical health.
Exploring the surprising role of antibiotics, fatty acids, and toxic chemicals in predicting autism and ADHD
Neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), intellectual disabilities, communication disorders, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have been linked to gut microbiota disturbances during the first year of a child’s life.
Emerging research reveals that gut microbiome disruption during infancy significantly impacts a child’s future intellectual ability.
Are you a recovering supermom? Here are 9 crucial Steps to take now!
I have worked with clients who wore the mantle of a “supermom” as a family badge of honor.
While others complain about flowing like a river to the point of exhaustion.
This leaves them unable to harbor even the fleeting shadow of a selfish thought.
If you’re a woman who does too much, a supermom, does this also translate into “over-achieving” in managing your mental health?