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
Do people really learn from their mistakes?
The Common Belief in Learning from Mistakes
There is a pervasive belief in the power of failure to teach valuable lessons. Business leaders often promote this notion, which is echoed in popular media.
It is a robust American trope.
The idea is that while failure is challenging, it ultimately fuels success.
However, recent research paints a different picture: people generally struggle to learn from their mistakes.
Micro-Cheating: understanding and navigating the modern infidelity
In the age of social media and constant digital connectivity, the landscape of romantic relationships has evolved, giving rise to a new form of infidelity known as "micro-cheating."
This term refers to seemingly minor actions that suggest a person is emotionally or physically focused on someone outside their relationship.
While these actions may not constitute outright cheating, they can still damage trust and intimacy between partners.
What does it mean to be Boysober?
"Boysober" is not just a trend; it might be a cultural shift.
Originating from the witty brain of Brooklyn-based comedian Hope Woodard, the term refers to a self-imposed hiatus from romantic and sexual relationships.
This break allows folks to detox from the emotional and psychological hangovers caused by toxic dating patterns and to re-center themselves.
Think of it as a romantic reset button, a chance to turn off the notifications from dating apps and tune into the rhythm of your own life.
What is Emotional Infidelity? a science-based exploration
Emotional infidelity is a concept gaining increasing attention both in scientific circles and popular culture.
While sexual infidelity is often straightforward to define and understand, the boundaries of emotional infidelity are more fluid and subjective.
But what exactly does emotional infidelity entail?
Rebuilding trust after infidelity
Infidelity is one of the most damaging events that can affect a relationship.
Rebuilding trust after infidelity is 3 part process that requires time, effort, and understanding from both parties.
Let’s explore research on this topic, noticing cultural differences and focusing on effective strategies for restoring trust.
What counts as cheating?
Cheating can be as perplexing as deciding what to wear on a Sunday.
Is it that forbidden text message, or the kiss under the mistletoe at the office party?
Let's explore evolutionary psychology and some solid social science research.
Signs of a cheating wife: What research and experts say
Detecting signs of a cheating wife can be a challenging and emotional experience. However, insights from recent social research and experts in the field can help you better understand what to look for.
In this post, we will explore the most common signs of infidelity and what modern studies say about them.
How to talk to your spouse about money without fighting
Money, they say, makes the world go round. But when it comes to discussing finances with your spouse, it can feel more like you’re spinning in circles—or worse, gearing up for a boxing match.
Fear not, gentle reader, for I, your trusty couples therapist, am here to guide you through the treacherous terrain of marital money talks.
With a pinch of humor and a dollop of research-backed advice, you'll be able to navigate these conversations without turning them into arguments. Let's dive in.
Why female narcissists bully differently than you might expect
Narcissism isn't a one-size-fits-all trait, especially when it comes to gender.
Research reveals that female narcissists tend to be 'vulnerable' while their male counterparts are more often 'grandiose.'
Dr. Claire Hart, co-author of two pivotal studies on gender and narcissism, sheds light on this distinction.
10 Questions to ask your unfaithful spouse
Infidelity can shatter the foundation of a relationship, leaving partners grappling with intense emotions and deep-seated questions.
In this post, we explore ten profound questions to ask your unfaithful spouse, drawing from the wisdom of renowned relationship expert Esther Perel.
These questions are designed to help you understand the betrayal and foster healing, growth, and a renewed connection.
High Functioning Autism in Females
High-functioning autism (HFA), often referred to as Asperger's Syndrome, is characterized by challenges in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors.
While autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is more commonly diagnosed in males, recent research has highlighted that high-functioning autism in females presents unique symptoms that often go unrecognized, leading to underdiagnosis and misdiagnosis.
High-Functioning Autism and Defiance
High-functioning autism (HFA), also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Level 1, encompasses folks with average to above-average intelligence but who face significant challenges in social interactions, communication, and behavior.
Defiance in folks with HFA is a complex issue, influenced by a variety of factors.
Let’s ponder the intricacies of high-functioning autism and defiance, exploring research findings and practical strategies for managing these behaviors.