The best couples therapy dives deep into the human condition, beyond just treating symptoms.

It embraces life's uncertainties and absurdities, encouraging us to face our freedom, isolation, mortality, and quest for meaning.

This journey isn't easy; it demands honesty, courage, and a willingness to truly know oneself.

All in pursuit of reclaiming intimacy in a marriage…

In the Split-Self Affair, the marriage must work for the sake of appearances, and appearance is everything.

These unions seamlessly function because they avoid the challenging work of nurturing a loving, emotional connection.

The Zeigarik Effect impacted couples therapy by suggesting that attachment injuries, such as regrettable incidents, and the equally regrettable resentments which follow, are “undelivered plates” which loiter in the kitchen sink of memory.

Collect too many of these undelivered plates, and your kitchen is one inconsolable mess…

Whether you’re aiming to excel in your career, improve your health, or achieve personal goals, maintaining momentum can feel like an uphill battle.

But fear not, gentle reader!

Here are 20 powerful psychological strategies to help you stay motivated.

From mindset changes and practice improvement tips to goal-setting hacks and social motivation, these methods are backed by research in the psychology of motivation. Dive in and discover how to turn your dreams into reality!

During an age of profound self-absorption, cognitive biases play an enormous role in relationship dynamics, often leading to miscommunication, conflict, and resentment.

When these biases are amplified by cultural narcissism, particularly prevalent in American society, the effects can be even more pronounced.

Let’s consider a few of cognitive biases, how they manifest in relationships, and how Cultural Narcissism emerges as a force multiplier.

While conventional wisdom has long touted compassion as the secret sauce for relationship success, this study flips the script.

The traditional narrative tells us that couples who shower each other with compassion are happier, more caring, and more committed.

They're the ones who cancel plans to be with their partner, write love notes on the bathroom mirror, and remember to pick up their partner's favorite snacks.

But hold onto your hats, folks, because this study suggests that not everyone is on board with this lovey-dovey approach.

Neurodiverse couples, where one or both partners are on the autism spectrum or have other neurodivergent traits like ADHD, being twice-exceptional, (or just being wicked smart), often face unique, sometimes hilarious challenges that can impact their relationships.

Let’s explore the top 9 issues and sprinkle in some storytelling along the way.

One phenomenon that continues to captivate my interest is the notion of Benign Narcissism.

This term, which used to describe the ability to straddle the line between healthy self-regard and destructive self-obsession, is particularly relevant in the context of American culture.

Let’s consider some of the dynamics of Benign Narcissism and its cultural manifestations and implications for individuals and society.

Working memory, the brain's temporary storage system, is like a mental sticky note for tasks at hand.

It helps us hold and manipulate information for a short period, enabling us to perform complex cognitive tasks like learning, reasoning, and understanding.

However, working memory is not one-size-fits-all.

Its capacity and efficiency can vary significantly between neurotypical and neurodiverse folks.

Let’s consider some of these differences, and discuss brain hacks and interventions.

A few days ago my client Harry, a 30-something show-runner, found himself in a peculiar situation during a recent visit to his emotionally distant elderly parents.

His wife, Marjorie, recounted how Harry seemed to zone out and suddenly seemed to ‘wake up’ in the middle of an argument with her about his missing their agreed-upon curfew to leave.

I've seen this scenario play out many times, often stemming from dissociation linked to traumatic or emotionally constipated childhoods.

Let's consider the concept of dissociation, how our childhood experiences can trigger it, and best practices to improve situational awareness when revisiting your childhood home.

Divorce is rarely easy, but when your partner is a psychopath, the process can become exponentially more challenging.

Psychopaths, with their lack of empathy, manipulative tendencies, and propensity for causing emotional havoc, present unique hurdles that require strategic planning and a strong support system.

Let’s consider how to go about divorcing a psychopath. Yeah, I’ll discuss the narcissists too…

Welcome to the 21st century, where your smartphone is your new best friend, and your digital cart is always ready for some action.

As a marriage and family therapist, I've seen the strains that shopping addiction can place on relationships.

So today, let's focus on the folks who can't resist the siren call of a good deal.

Online shopping addiction isn't just about the thrill of the purchase; it's a complex dance with dopamine, the brain's feel-good chemical.