Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw

The hidden effects of stress on brain cell functionality

Recent research reveals that experiencing significant stress over a lifetime is linked to decreased functionality of key brain cells.

This study highlights a biological connection between our life experiences and physical changes in the brain, specifically focusing on the impact of psychosocial stress on brain cell mitochondria.

This is how neurosciences describe Developmental Trauma.

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Family Life and Parenting Daniel Dashnaw Family Life and Parenting Daniel Dashnaw

How many swim lessons does a kid need?

As a marriage and family therapist, I've just seen parents grappling with a question I’ve never heard before in session; "How many swim lessons does a kid need?"

I decided, as I often do, to write a blog post about the question after researching it.

Swimming is not just a fun activity; it’s a useful, if not essential, life skill that offers numerous benefits for children.

From physical health to social and cognitive development, swimming plays a significant role.

Let’s examine the benefits of swimming and answer this important question from a neuroscience perspective.

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

The Legacy of James F. Masterson's Theory: a deep dive into his work and conflict with Jay Haley

James F. Masterson, a pioneering figure in the field of psychotherapy, left an indelible mark on the treatment of personality disorders.

His innovative theories, particularly concerning Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD), have significantly influenced contemporary psychotherapeutic practices.

Masterson's contributions are widely recognized, yet his professional journey was not without controversy, notably his conflict with Jay Haley, another influential figure in psychotherapy.

This post considers Masterson's legacy, exploring his groundbreaking theories and his infamous clash with Jay Haley.

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Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw

Understanding Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) abandonment depression, and procrastination

Unaddressed trauma often resurfaces when folks with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) start pursuing their authentic goals.

These painful emotions, coupled with a lack of coping skills, lead them to revert to maladaptive behaviors such as substance abuse, self-harm, and binge eating.

This unconscious self-protection mechanism manifests as procrastination, preventing them from completing their tasks.

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

Navigating the 10 stage treatment journey for Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Contrary to common misconceptions, folks with Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) can experience meaningful change through dedicated therapy, according to Dr. Elinor Greenberg.

Elinor says that while it’s a challenging process requiring an extensive, long-term commitment, effective treatments do exist.

Here’s a closer look at the 10 stages involved in treating Narcissistic Personality Disorders, highlighting the potential for growth and transformation in her model.

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Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw

An appreciation of Dr. Elinor Greenberg

Elinor Greenberg’s Borderline, Narcissistic, and Schizoid Adaptations: The Pursuit of Love, Admiration, and Safety is a seminal work that delves deeply into the adaptive strategies individuals develop in response to their early emotional environments.

Greenberg’s approach is unique in its empathetic and non-pathologizing perspective, seeing these adaptations not as immutable disorders but as dynamic responses to specific developmental contexts.

Elinor is changing how we think about personality disorders at a time when we sorely need a new paradigm.

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Family Life and Parenting Daniel Dashnaw Family Life and Parenting Daniel Dashnaw

The connection between borderline personality disorder and eating disorders

Personality Disorder (BPD) is a complex and multifaceted mental health condition characterized by emotional instability, impulsive behavior, and intense interpersonal relationships.

BPD frequently co-occurs with various eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. Understanding the interplay between BPD and eating disorders is crucial for developing effective treatment strategies.

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

Intuitive Eating: The secret to a happier, healthier mind

Ever wondered if your eating habits could be the key to better mental health? Turns out, they might be!

Research shows that people who eat intuitively are less likely to suffer from depression and other mental health issues.

So, what exactly is intuitive eating? It's all about eating when you're hungry and stopping when you're full. Sounds simple, right? It’s the opposite of dieting or restricting food intake, which can lead to a host of problems.

We all start life as intuitive eaters—babies cry when they're hungry and stop when they're full. But over the years, social conditioning messes with this natural instinct.

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Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw

The Empathy Crisis: Why Americans are caring less and what we can do about it

Concern and care for others' feelings are virtues we seek to instill in our children, yet they are sorely lacking in many adult Americans today.

Scientific research supports the notion that Americans care less for others and more about themselves.

Sara Konrath, PhD, an associate professor of philanthropic studies at Indiana University and director of the Interdisciplinary Program on Empathy and Altruism Research, has a lot to say about where we are as a culture right now.

Let’s discuss why empathy is declining and what we can do to increase kindness and compassion in our communities.

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Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw

The persistence of narcissism through time: Can couples therapy help?

If you’re hoping that the narcissist in your life will change, a new study suggests you may have to wait a very long time. And even then, the change might be minimal.

A study published in the journal Psychological Bulletin analyzed 51 studies with more than 37,000 participants from North America, Europe, and New Zealand. The research explored how narcissism changes over a person’s lifespan.

While the researchers found that narcissism gradually declined with age, “the results show that this decline is not as large as one might hope,” said Ulrich Orth, the lead author and a professor of developmental psychology at the University of Bern in Switzerland.

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