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.

 

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

What Makes a Great Comedian? Insights from personality studies and social science research

In the world of comedy, the factors that make a great comedian are often subjective.

One person's favorite comic might leave another unimpressed.

However, academic research suggests that there are certain personality traits that many successful comedians share.

Recent studies have explored these traits, drawing fascinating connections between humor, mental health, and audience relationships.

Read More
Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw

How to Stop Being a Narcissist

Narcissism, often viewed through the lens of grandiosity and self-absorption, is a complex personality trait that can significantly impact interpersonal relationships and overall well-being.

For those wondering "how to stop being a narcissist," understanding the roots of narcissistic behavior and exploring effective treatment methods is crucial.

This discussion will consider the psychoanalytical tradition of long-term talk therapy and compare it with treatment approaches implied by Dr. Craig Malkin’s work.

We’ll also examine how narcissism has become a cultural frame, gnawing away at our collective empathy.

Read More
Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw

The 2 types of people narcissists tend to avoid

Narcissists are known for their cunning ability to charm, manipulate, and influence those around them.

Their survival strategy revolves around acquiring narcissistic supply, which comes from the admiration, attention, and validation they receive from others.

However, not everyone is susceptible to their tactics.

In fact, there are two distinct types of folks that narcissists tend to avoid like the plague: those with strong discernment and those who are self-sustaining.

Let’s explore why these two groups are the kryptonite to a narcissist’s manipulative superpowers, with insights from thought leaders in psychology and relationships.

Read More
Marriage and Mental Health Daniel Dashnaw Marriage and Mental Health Daniel Dashnaw

Understanding the Misleading Language of Depression

Many people struggle to understand their depression due to the way it's described by professionals.

Depression, as a diagnosis, is simply a description of symptoms, not an explanation of their causes. Contrary to common belief, a low mood isn't caused by depression—it's a symptom of it.

However, many authoritative websites misleadingly portray depression as the cause of its own symptoms.

A study analyzing leading mental health organizations, such as the American Psychiatric Association and the World Health Organization, found that most describe depression as causing low mood, lack of motivation, and other related symptoms.

Read More
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.

Read More
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!

Read More
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.

Read More
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.

Read More
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.

Read More