Marriage and Mental Health Daniel Dashnaw Marriage and Mental Health Daniel Dashnaw

The mind after midnight hypothesis: What really happens to your brain when you stay up late

When the clock strikes midnight and you're still awake, you're entering a realm where your brain might not be at its best.

This phenomenon, known as the "Mind After Midnight Hypothesis," suggests that our brains become more prone to negative thoughts, risky behavior, and emotional instability during late-night hours.

This post explores what happens to your brain after midnight and why you might want to consider getting some sleep instead of binge-watching your favorite series or scrolling through social media.

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Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw

5 ways to spot a Christian narcissist: When piety and ego collide

In a world where virtues like humility and love are extolled, it seems paradoxical that narcissism could find a foothold within Christianity.

Yet, the phenomenon of Christian narcissism exists, blending self-righteousness with an inflated sense of importance.

Here’s a field guide to spotting a Christian narcissist, all while keeping your sense of humor intact.

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Neurodiverse Couples Daniel Dashnaw Neurodiverse Couples Daniel Dashnaw

Neurodiversity and Mentalization

When it comes to relationships, understanding each other's inner worlds can be as tricky as finding a parking spot in downtown Manhattan.

This process is called mentalization—it’s the imaginative mental ability to understand and interpret one's own and others' thoughts, feelings, and intentions.

Now, throw in neurodiversity—a term that acknowledges and celebrates the variety of human brains and cognitive functioning—and you have a recipe for some truly fascinating dynamics. I’ll also touch on Bi-polar disorder as well.

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Neurodiverse Couples Daniel Dashnaw Neurodiverse Couples Daniel Dashnaw

5 Ways to get into a flow state that you maybe never heard of

Unlocking the secret to achieving a flow state can transform how you work, create, and live.

For my gentle neurodiverse readers, understanding and entering this heightened state of focus and creativity can be both a challenge and a game-changer.

While traditional advice on achieving flow often includes familiar, ho-hum strategies like setting clear goals or minimizing distractions, here are five lesser-known techniques that can help you tap into your flow state.

Let's dive in!

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Marriage and Mental Health Daniel Dashnaw Marriage and Mental Health Daniel Dashnaw

The narcissist's guide to perspective-taking activities: it's not all about you

Perspective-taking is a crucial skill in any relationship, allowing us to understand and empathize with others.

However, for narcissists, this concept can be as elusive as a unicorn at a business meeting.

In this post, we'll discuss narcissism and perspective-taking, exploring why it's so challenging for narcissists and offering insights for those who love, live, or work with them.

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Marriage and Mental Health Daniel Dashnaw Marriage and Mental Health Daniel Dashnaw

How complex trauma leads to narcissism

Narcissism is often misunderstood as mere self-absorption or vanity, but its roots often lie much deeper.

I frequently encounter the repercussions of narcissistic behavior in relationships, which can often be traced back to complex trauma.

In this post, we will explore the connection between complex trauma and narcissism, drawing on research and insights from thought leaders in the field.

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Marriage and Mental Health Daniel Dashnaw Marriage and Mental Health Daniel Dashnaw

How couples can boost dopamine for a healthier relationship

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in our brain’s reward and pleasure systems.

As a couples therapist, I’ve seen firsthand how understanding and intentionally boosting dopamine can rejuvenate relationships. These interventions are like a broad menu for dopamine enhancement.

Let’s explore some effective ways to introduce more dopamine into each other’s brain and nervous system.

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What Happy Couples Know Daniel Dashnaw What Happy Couples Know Daniel Dashnaw

Get the Gouge and Embrace the Suck for Life and Legacy

In military slang, "the gouge" refers to vital information, tips, or insider knowledge that helps service members prepare for tests, evaluations, or assignments.

This concept can be wonderfully applied to science-based couples therapy, which offers essential tools, hacks, and strategies for navigating and enhancing intimate relationships.

Additionally, the military phrase "embrace the suck," which means to accept and endure difficult situations, also holds valuable wisdom for couples therapy. Let’s explore how these concepts from military slang can be applied to couples therapy to improve life and legacy.

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Extramarital Affairs Daniel Dashnaw Extramarital Affairs Daniel Dashnaw

How to end an affair with a married man

Ending an affair with a married man is a complex and emotionally charged process. It requires a deep understanding of personal boundaries, emotional resilience, and often, the support of professional guidance.

This post will discuss the essential steps to end such an affair, informed by social science research and expert insights on infidelity.

We will also explore the intricate dynamics when both parties in the affair are married and what recent research in the USA has revealed about such situations.

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