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.

 

Neurodiverse Couples Daniel Dashnaw Neurodiverse Couples Daniel Dashnaw

High-Functioning Autism and Tics

High-functioning autism, also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a neurological developmental disorder characterized by difficulties with social interaction, communication challenges, and repetitive behaviors.

A lesser-explored aspect within high-functioning autism is the occurrence of tics, which can significantly impact the quality of life and daily functioning.

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Neurodiverse Couples Daniel Dashnaw Neurodiverse Couples Daniel Dashnaw

High-Functioning Autism and School Refusal

School refusal is a significant issue that many parents and educators face, especially when it involves children with high-functioning autism.

High-functioning autism, often referred to as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) without intellectual disability, includes folks who are capable of managing daily life independently but still struggle with social interactions, communication, and behavioral flexibility.

Understanding the intricate relationship between high-functioning autism and school refusal is crucial for developing effective strategies to support these children and their families.

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

What Are PDAs in Relationships?

Public displays of affection, commonly referred to as PDAs, are physical acts of intimacy shown between partners in public.

These acts can range from holding hands to kissing and hugging.

PDAs are often viewed as a way for couples to express their affection and connection to each other, even when they are in the presence of others.

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Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw

Life is hard, get a helmet: navigating modern relationship challenges

Relationships today are a lot like riding a roller coaster blindfolded, in a hailstorm, with a dubious safety harness.

In other words, life is tough, get a helmet!

Modern couples face an array of challenges that can make even the most stable relationship feel like it's teetering on the edge of a cliff.

From financial woes and work stress to digital distractions and societal pressures, the path to a happy, healthy partnership can be as tricky as navigating a minefield on a pogo stick.

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Couples Therapy Daniel Dashnaw Couples Therapy Daniel Dashnaw

What is two person integrity?

As a couples therapist, the concept of two-person integrity is pivotal in understanding healthy relationships.

It refers to the delicate balance between maintaining one's individuality and being committed to the partnership.

Think of two-person integrity as walking a tightrope while juggling—challenging but essential for a harmonious relationship. This balance is crucial for both personal well-being and the health of the relationship.

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Extramarital Affairs Daniel Dashnaw Extramarital Affairs Daniel Dashnaw

Bipolar Disorder and Infidelity: understanding the complex connection

Infidelity is a challenging and often painful issue in any relationship.

When intertwined with bipolar disorder, the dynamics can become even more complex.

Let’s explore the intricate relationship between infidelity and bipolar disorder, reviewing academic research to provide insights to help those affected navigate this difficult terrain.

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Extramarital Affairs Daniel Dashnaw Extramarital Affairs Daniel Dashnaw

Infidelity and Forgiveness: navigating the complex terrain of betrayal

Infidelity is one of the most challenging issues a relationship can face.

When a partner strays, the breach of trust can be profound and deeply painful.

However, understanding infidelity and forgiveness can help couples navigate this tumultuous terrain.

Let’s explore the psychological, social, and emotional aspects of infidelity, such as forgiveness, cultural narcissism, acceptance, forbearance, and the concept of inconsolability as described by John Gottman.

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

The mental health benefits of Yoga: better sleep, reduced depression and more

Yoga offers numerous mental health benefits in addition to its well-known physical advantages.

This is largely due to yoga's meditative aspect, which encourages participants to focus on their breathing.

One of the most popular styles in the West is Hatha yoga, an ancient practice that involves a series of postures, meditation, and focused breathing.

Despite the meaning of "Hatha" as "force" or "violence," the movements in this form of yoga are typically gentle and easy to learn.

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Extramarital Affairs Daniel Dashnaw Extramarital Affairs Daniel Dashnaw

PTSD and Infidelity: Understanding the connection and implications

Infidelity is a challenging topic in any relationship, but when coupled with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), the complexities deepen.

PTSD, a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, can significantly impact relationships, often leading to emotional and behavioral changes that contribute to infidelity.

Let’s explore the intricate relationship between PTSD and infidelity.

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Extramarital Affairs Daniel Dashnaw Extramarital Affairs Daniel Dashnaw

Testosterone injections and infidelity

Testosterone, the primary male sex hormone, is often associated with virility, strength, and overall male vitality.

With the rise of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), especially in the form of injections, there is increasing interest in understanding its broader impacts.

One area of concern is whether testosterone injections might influence behaviors related to infidelity.

Let’s discuss the research on testosterone injections and infidelity, examine the role of narcissism and body image, and see what we have got.

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