Domestic violence is often depicted as a unidirectional issue, with men as perpetrators and women as victims.

However, social science research has consistently revealed a more complex picture: domestic violence is frequently bi-directional, involving both men and women as perpetrators and victims.

Understanding this dynamic is essential for marriage and family therapy, especially when addressing the root causes of conflict and violence in relationships.

As a marriage and family therapist, I spend a lot of time helping couples recognize the often-overlooked signals of commitment that define their relationship.

While we all know the traditional milestones—like moving in together, marriage, or having kids—there's something profound about the more subtle indicators that show two people are genuinely committed to each other.

One of the most underappreciated of these? The joint Costco membership.

In today’s rapidly evolving work environment, the concepts of diversity and inclusion are more critical than ever.

As organizations strive to create spaces where all employees can thrive, Ludmila N. Praslova’s book, The Canary Code: A Guide to Neurodiversity, Dignity, and Intersectional Belonging at Work, emerges as an interesting voice.

This book not only challenges us to rethink inclusion but also offers practical strategies to transform our workplaces into spaces of true belonging.

Imagine landing your small plane on a remote airstrip, far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

As the engine cools and the sun begins to set, you and your family pitch tents beside the aircraft, surrounded by nothing but nature's grandeur.

This is "flamping"—a blend of flying and camping that offers not just an adventure, but a deeply enriching family experience.

But flamping is more than just a getaway.

It’s a journey into the heart of awe, a powerful emotion that can transform how we see ourselves and each other.

If you're a parent, you've probably heard that building a secure relationship with your child is one of the best things you can do for them. But how exactly do you go about doing that?

That’s where the Circle of Security Parenting (COSP) model comes in.

It’s a simple yet powerful way to help parents understand and meet their child’s emotional needs.

In the book Raising a Secure Child, authors Kent Hoffman, Glen Cooper, and Bert Powell walk us through this model, offering practical advice on how to raise children who feel safe, loved, and ready to take on the world.

Why do men marry? To answer this question, I’ll discuss related themes like love, commitment, societal expectations, and cultural variations, with a special focus on how attachment theory intersects with cultural influences.

Marriage, a timeless institution, has been the cornerstone of societies for centuries.

While the reasons men marry can vary widely, understanding the underlying motivations requires a deep dive into social, cultural, and psychological factors.

Language is a powerful tool that shapes our perceptions, beliefs, and attitudes. In the context of international adoption, the words and phrases we use profoundly impact how adoption is understood and experienced by all parties involved.

Over the years, the language surrounding adoption has undergone significant changes, reflecting broader societal shifts towards inclusivity, sensitivity, and a deeper understanding of the complexities of adoption.

This post explores the evolution of language in international adoption, with a particular focus on the adoption of Positive Adoption Language (PAL).

As a couples therapist specializing in neurodiverse families , I know how important it is to recognize and understand the signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) early on.

Whether you're a concerned parent, a supportive partner, or someone looking to expand your understanding, this guide provides an approachable overview of the signs of autism across different stages of life.

Early intervention is key to helping those on the spectrum reach their full potential.

In an age where the world seems to be spinning faster than ever, it’s no wonder many of us feel a growing sense of unease.

Whether it’s the pandemic, Monkey Pox, West Nile virus, political turmoil, economic instability, or the looming specter of climate change, threats seem to come from every direction.

This pervasive anxiety is not just a personal burden—it’s a virus that infects families and communities, manifesting in the form of anti-establishment attitudes.

I have a deep concern for the mental health of the American people, it’s crucial to understand how these sentiments are taking root and what we can do to mitigate their spread.

When it comes to mastering new skills, most of us are familiar with the age-old advice: “Practice makes perfect.”

But what if I told you that practice is only part of the equation?

And that the other part—perhaps the most critical one—has been right under your pillow all along?

That’s right, folks, I’m talking about sleep, that magical brain hack that not only keeps us from turning into sleep-deprived zombies but also supercharges our motor skills.

As a marriage and family therapist dedicated to enhancing the well-being of American families, I find the recent findings from the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences both enlightening and directly relevant to our work in couples and family therapy.

The study uncovers significant sex-related differences in the brain's subcortical gray matter—areas like the hippocampus, thalamus, and amygdala, which are pivotal for memory, emotion regulation, and sensory processing. Let's jump in!

Imagine trying to dance with someone when the music playing in your head doesn't match theirs.

This is a bit like what happens in social interactions involving neurodivergent individuals, especially those on the autism spectrum.

The latest research, published in Social Neuroscience, uncovers fascinating insights into how high-functioning autistic folks engage in social imitation tasks.