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.

 

Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw

The psychological impact of working with Artificial Intelligence Systems

As artificial intelligence (AI) systems become increasingly integrated into workplaces, understanding their psychological effects on employees is crucial.

Research indicates that folks working extensively with AI are more likely to experience loneliness, which can lead to mental health issues such as increased alcohol consumption after work and insomnia.

Geez…

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Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw

Does the conscious mind hinder our ability to detect a lie?

Discerning truth from lies often feels like navigating a minefield blindfolded.

Surprisingly, it's not just an impression—studies consistently reveal how challenging it is for human beings to detect deception.

Dr. Leanne ten Brinke, who has delved into this perplexing arena, points out:

"Our research was prompted by the puzzling but consistent finding that humans are very poor lie detectors, performing at only about 54% accuracy in traditional lie detection tasks."

Given that a coin toss gives you a 50% chance, our lie-detection skills seem barely better than chance. But why is this the case, and what can we do about it?

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Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw

The whispers of safety and the roar of freedom

In the year 2624, the ancient city of Boston was a beacon of technological marvels, towering skyscrapers kissed by the clouds, and streets humming with the rhythm of progress.

Yet beneath this glittering surface, an unseen force dictated the lives of its inhabitants: the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP). Originally developed to promote well-being, the SSP had become an omnipresent whisper in the ears of every citizen, a tool for control rather than healing.

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Social Media and Relationships Daniel Dashnaw Social Media and Relationships Daniel Dashnaw

Harnessing the power of the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) for nervous system regulation and well-being

The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is an innovative therapeutic intervention designed to support nervous system regulation and enhance overall well-being through specially filtered music.

Developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, the researcher behind Polyvagal Theory, SSP has garnered significant attention for its potential benefits in addressing trauma, anxiety, sensory sensitivities, and emotional dysregulation.

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

What does familiarity breeds contempt mean?

Ever heard the phrase "familiarity breeds contempt"? According to psychologists, the more we know about someone, the less we might actually like them.

Surprising, right? Especially given how many of us are eternal optimists about forming new relationships.

Let's explore this phenomenon and understand why too much familiarity can sometimes lead to disappointment.

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Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw

Gaslighting in America

Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation that can have devastating effects on a person's mental health and sense of reality.

As a couples therapist, I sometimes encounter folks who struggle to understand and identify this insidious form of abuse.

This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of gaslighting, including its signs, effects, and, in particular, strategies for recognizing and addressing it.

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

Will Crypto become the currency of Cultural Narcissism?

In a survey of 2,001 Americans, crypto ownership was also associated with being male and high-income, consuming fringe media, and reporting feelings of victimhood.

Owning cryptocurrency isn't just about dodging financial norms—it's about embodying a certain set of personality traits and demographics, according to a study published on July 3, 2024, in the open-access journal PLOS ONE.

Shane Littrell from the University of Toronto, along with colleagues from the University of Miami, USA, spearheaded this dive into the psyche of crypto enthusiasts.

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Extramarital Affairs Daniel Dashnaw Extramarital Affairs Daniel Dashnaw

The All-American Affair: How Cultural Narcissism fuels the infidelity industry

In the land of the free and the home of the brave, a rather unflattering trait has taken root: cultural narcissism.

This national self-obsession isn't just about Instagram selfies and TikTok dances—it's driving an entire industry dedicated to extramarital affairs.

Yes, you heard it right.

The infidelity industry is booming, catering to those whose narcissistic tendencies push them towards seeking validation outside their marriages. So, buckle up as we dive into the paradoxical world of American narcissism and its thriving infidelity business.

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