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.

 

Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw

Why the narcissist stops having sex with you

The cessation of sexual activity in a relationship with a narcissist is really not all that complicated.

Narcissists often exhibit behaviors that can be confusing and hurtful, particularly in intimate relationships.

Understanding why a narcissist might stop having sex with their partner requires only a brief reminder of their psychological makeup, relationship dynamics, and the impact on the non-narcissistic partner. Narcissists are usually quite predictable.

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Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw

13 Signs of a Narcissistic Wife

Is your wife a mystery wrapped in an enigma and topped with a sprinkle of chaos? You might be dealing with a narcissistic spouse.

Understanding these traits can help you navigate the emotional minefield with a little more ease and humor.

Here are 13 signs to watch out for…buckle up!

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

Understanding the Freeze Response

In the spectrum of automatic responses to threat, the freeze response is often overshadowed by the more well-known fight or flight responses.

However, freezing plays a crucial role in survival, giving individuals time to decide on the most appropriate action in dangerous situations.

This response, though seemingly passive, is a sophisticated strategy that allows for heightened awareness and deliberation.

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Social Media and Relationships Daniel Dashnaw Social Media and Relationships Daniel Dashnaw

The Evolution of Relationship Memes: A Modern Love Language

In the digital age, memes have become more than just a source of humor—they're a form of communication that transcends traditional language barriers.

As memes evolve, they increasingly reflect and influence how we understand and discuss relationships.

From the whimsical to the profound, here’s a look at some of the emerging memes that are shaping our online conversations about love and relationships.

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Neurodiverse Couples Daniel Dashnaw Neurodiverse Couples Daniel Dashnaw

Healing from Invalidation Trauma: Rebuilding Trust and Connection

Invalidation is a sneaky troublemaker in neurodiverse relationships, gradually gnawing away at the bonds of connection and trust.

This silent assassin harms not just our emotional well-being but also our brain and nervous system over time.

Healing from this relational trauma requires steady efforts in character growth, self-awareness, and love.

Neutrality might seem harmless, but it's actually a form of deep invalidation.

When someone invalidates us, it triggers our brain's survival mechanisms, making us feel undervalued and unprotected.

This pressure cooker situation can lead our minds to either implode or explode—sometimes a bit of both.

Invalidation, whether in personal relationships or on a larger societal scale, erodes the walls of trust and commitment, crucial for sustaining any relationship.

Just like a leaky faucet can damage a house's foundation over time, invalidation weakens the core of our connections.

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

What is Family Constellation Therapy?

Constellation Family Therapy, developed by Bert Hellinger, is a unique therapeutic approach that delves into familial dynamics and unresolved ancestral trauma.

This therapy goes beyond conventional psychological paradigms, incorporating metaphysical and spiritual dimensions to offer a holistic perspective on healing.

This post will discuss the history, core concepts, methodologies, metaphysical aspects, and educational framework of Family Constellation Therapy.

Let’s jump in!

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

Sniffing Away Stress: The science behind smelling your partner’s clothes

Ever catch a whiff of your partner’s shirt and feel an inexplicable sense of calm wash over you?

You’re not alone.

According to recent research, smelling your partner’s clothes can significantly reduce stress levels.

Yep, you heard that right – your partner’s t-shirt is basically a portable, olfactory stress ball.

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Neurodiverse Couples Daniel Dashnaw Neurodiverse Couples Daniel Dashnaw

Silent Thinkers: Embracing neurodiversity in a noisy world

In our increasingly fast-paced and loud world, growing awareness of neurodiversity has revealed the unique strengths and challenges faced by those who think differently.

Among these diverse cognitive profiles are the "silent thinkers," who process information internally without the typical verbal inner dialogue.

This article explores the concept of silent thinkers, highlighting their contributions and the importance of recognizing and embracing neurodiversity.

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Neurodiverse Couples Daniel Dashnaw Neurodiverse Couples Daniel Dashnaw

Internal Monologue Test: Discover your inner voice

Ever wondered if you have an inner voice that guides your thoughts and decisions? The concept of the internal monologue is fascinating, and it's something that varies greatly from person to person.

Some folks have a constant stream of verbal thoughts, while others think in images, concepts, or even without any inner dialogue at all.

Take this fun and informative test to find out more about your own internal monologue!

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How to Get Over a Breakup

Breaking up is hard to do.

Whether you’re the dumper or the dumpee, the end of a relationship can leave you feeling like you’ve been hit by a truck, followed by a parade of elephants, and maybe a rogue rhinoceros for good measure.

But fear not, gentle reader.

I'm here to help you navigate the tumultuous seas of heartache with compassion and some solid advice from thought leaders.

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