Is eloping making a comeback?

Eloping, the act of running away to get married, has long been cloaked in an air of romance and rebellion.

For centuries, couples have chosen this path for various reasons, ranging from escaping familial opposition to seeking a more intimate and differentiated ceremony.

As a couples therapist with a keen interest in the social sciences, exploring the history and psychological underpinnings of elopement offers valuable insights into its enduring appeal and evolving role in modern relationships.

Is eloping making a comeback?

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Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw

Eyes Wide or Narrow: What your gaze reveals about your emotions

As a couples therapist, I often hear the phrase, "The eyes are the windows to the soul."

But did you know that those windows can reveal an astonishing amount about a person's emotions?

Recent research suggests that the way people widen or narrow their eyes can tell us volumes about what they're feeling.

Let's explore the science behind this fascinating phenomenon and compare it to our well-documented struggle to detect lies.

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Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw

Hypersexual Test: Are you more than just a little kinky?

Hypersexuality is a topic often shrouded in mystery, stigma, and misconceptions.

While many might joke about having an insatiable sexual appetite, hypersexuality is a serious issue that can wreak havoc on one’s life, much like any other addiction.

With the rise of digital culture and the easy availability of explicit content, understanding and identifying sex addiction has become more critical than ever.

This quiz aims to help you determine whether your sexual behaviors might be veering into addictive territory, while also exploring how Cultural Narcissism plays a role in this modern-day affliction.

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Neurodiverse Couples Daniel Dashnaw Neurodiverse Couples Daniel Dashnaw

Twice Exceptional Schools vs. Schools for Gifted Students

When exploring educational options for advanced learners, parents and educators often encounter the terms "twice exceptional schools" and "schools for gifted students."

While both cater to high-potential students, they serve distinct populations and employ different educational strategies.

This post explores the differences between these two types of schools and provides a list of iconic institutions in the USA that excel in catering to gifted and twice-exceptional (2e) students.

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

What is Dopamine Fasting? Adventures in modern monasticism

Greetings, gentle reader! Today, we're diving into the curious world of "dopamine fasting," a trend that might sound like it belongs in a sci-fi novel or a self-help seminar, but is, in fact, a real practice gaining traction in our hyper-connected, dopamine-drenched society.

Dopamine fasting is a practice in which folks intentionally avoid activities that trigger the release of dopamine, the brain's "feel-good" neurotransmitter.

The goal? To reset the brain's reward system, reduce dependence on instant gratification, and, ultimately, regain control over one's life and happiness.

Think of it as a mental detox or a digital sabbatical. But are we misunderstanding the science?

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Couples Therapy Daniel Dashnaw Couples Therapy Daniel Dashnaw

Internal Family Systems Criticism (IFS): A Science-Based Couples Therapist's Perspective

Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a novel approach to psychotherapy developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz.

This model posits that our psyche comprises various sub-personalities or "parts," each with unique perspectives and roles.

IFS therapy helps folks to harmonize these parts, fostering internal balance and healing.

This process has peaked interest for individual therapy.

It has profound implications for external family systems, as understanding and integrating our internal parts can significantly improve how we relate to others.

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

Let's Go Fart Walking: The joy and science of post-meal strolls

Sometimes you never know where your next great blog idea will come from.

Enter the “fart walk”—a delightful practice of taking a post-meal stroll to, quite literally, let things air out.

Mairlyn Smith, a Canadian actress and cook, introduced this concept on TikTok, and it has since become a viral sensation.

But is there more to fart walking than just a good laugh?

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

Spiritual Infidelity: Beyond flesh and heart

Infidelity is a complex and multifaceted issue that can devastate relationships. While physical and emotional infidelity are well-known, there's a deeper, often overlooked form of betrayal: spiritual infidelity.

As a science-based couples therapist with a spiritual bent, I've observed how this subtle, yet profound, breach can impact relationships in unique and challenging ways.

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Extramarital Affairs Daniel Dashnaw Extramarital Affairs Daniel Dashnaw

Infidelity practices around the world

As a couples therapist, I am often spellbound by the intriguing and sometimes amusing world of relationships.

One aspect that never fails to intrigue me is how different cultures handle infidelity.

From covert operations to outright drama, let's take a peek into a few infidelity practices from around the globe.

But let’s explore not just the practices, but also the cultural underpinnings that might lie behind these differences.

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Couples Therapy Daniel Dashnaw Couples Therapy Daniel Dashnaw

3 Couples Therapy Models: Gottman Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, and the Developmental Model

A well-trained couples therapist, will delve deeply into the theoretical foundations, techniques, and outcomes associated with different therapeutic models to effectively tailor interventions to the needs of each couple.

In this post, we will explore Gottman Couples Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and the Developmental Model of Couples Therapy in detail.

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