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 with an international practice.
I write about what happens to desire, attachment, and meaning once the early myths stop working.
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. I'm accepting new clients, and this blog is for the benefit of all my gentle readers.
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, l'd love to hear from you. Let's explore the scope of work you'd like to do together.
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 l'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
The long shadow of childhood abuse on marriages: Insights from Israeli Arabs
As a marriage and family therapist, I've seen firsthand how past traumas can cast a long shadow over present relationships.
A recent study published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships brings this into sharp focus.
It reveals that Israeli Arabs who experienced higher levels of physical abuse in childhood often face poorer marriage quality as adults.
These folks also tend to report higher levels of psychological distress and are more likely to exhibit insecure attachment styles.
New study shows finding meaning in daily life boosts kids' mental health
Recent research published in The Humanistic Psychologist reveals a powerful link between finding meaning in daily life and improved mental health in children.
While adults often benefit from having a sense of purpose, this study shows that kids can also reap big rewards from feeling their lives have meaning.
Let’s explore why meaning matters for Kids.
Open Marriage: The Tale of Nena and George O'Neill, or how the genie escaped the bottle
Once upon a time, in the groovy era of the early 1970s, a daring duo named Nena and George O'Neill emerged from the realms of psychotherapy to challenge the sanctity of matrimonial monotony.
Their manifesto, "Open Marriage," published in 1972, was a bold proclamation that rattled the teacups in suburban households and set tongues wagging at PTA meetings.
From Childhood to Conspiracy: How early adversity shapes belief systems
One fascinating area of study is why some folks are more inclined to believe in conspiracy theories than others.
A recent study published in Evolutionary Behavioral Sciences suggests that childhood adversity plays a significant role. Let's dive into these intriguing findings.
Are Bisexual Women More Like Men? That Is Not Quite What the Study Found
As a science-based couples therapist, I find it fascinating to explore how different personality traits and behaviors manifest across various sexual orientations.
A recent study published in the Archives of Sexual Behavior has revealed that bisexual women exhibit personality traits and sexual behaviors more similar to heterosexual men than to heterosexual women. Let's explore this intriguing research.
The "Body Count" Conundrum: How your sexual history shapes social perceptions
I sometimes encounter questions about how past relationships impact present ones.
A recent study published in Sexuality & Culture dives deep into how people’s sexual histories affect how others perceive them.
The findings reveal some surprising insights into societal perceptions and the enduring power of the sexual double standard (SDS).
Why passion and intimacy aren't enough to prevent infidelity
I often grapple with the complexities of romantic relationships and the factors that influence fidelity.
New research published in the journal Deviant Behavior reveals some surprising insights into infidelity.
This study suggests that individual tendencies, rather than shared passion and intimacy, play a crucial role in the decision to remain faithful.
The Power of Intimacy: Boosting Your sexual well-being
As a science-based couples therapist, I see firsthand how intimacy can transform relationships.
Recent research published in the Archives of Sexual Behavior highlights the significant role intimacy plays in enhancing sexual desire, satisfaction, and reducing sexual distress.
Let's explore these findings and understand how daily experiences of intimacy can positively impact your relationship.
What is the Gottman State of the Union Meeting?
The "Gottman State of the Union Meeting" is a crucial component of the Gottman Method, an evidence-based approach to relationship therapy developed by Dr. John Gottman and Dr. Julie Schwartz Gottman.
The method is renowned for its scientific grounding and effectiveness in improving relationship satisfaction and stability.
Is your diet leading to depression? Unveiling the impact of high-fat foods and the power of fruits
Recent research has revealed a troubling connection between high-fat diets and depression.
Fatty acids, when consumed in excess, enter the brain through the bloodstream and accumulate in the hypothalamus, a critical brain region that affects mood regulation.
This buildup interferes with brain signals associated with depression, providing insight into why obesity and depression often coexist.
In a groundbreaking study, mice were fed a diet consisting of 60% saturated and unsaturated fats.
After just three weeks, these mice exhibited signs of depressive behavior.
Weekly check-in questions for couples
Love isn't just about finding the perfect partner and living happily ever after.
It requires effort, communication, and a willingness to address issues before they escalate.
One effective way to maintain a strong and healthy relationship is by conducting regular weekly check-ins with your partner.
Concrete couples counseling questions
Navigating intimate relationships can be as thrilling as it is challenging.
Couples therapy can be a fantastic way to untangle the knots of complex issues, fix communication breakdowns, set relationship goals, and ultimately strengthen your bond.
If you’re new to couples counseling, you might be curious about the questions that will pop up during sessions or the ones you should bring to the table.
Here’s a deep dive into some essential and thought-provoking concrete couples counseling questions to get you started.