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.

 

Couples Therapy Daniel Dashnaw Couples Therapy Daniel Dashnaw

A Modest Guide to Couples Therapy: Strengthening Relationships Through Professional Support

In a world of rising Cultural Narcissism, maintaining a healthy relationship can be challenging.

With the increasing pressures of work, family, and societal expectations, it's no wonder that couples often find themselves struggling to keep their relationships on track.

Couples therapy, often seen as a last resort, is actually a powerful tool that can help partners reconnect, improve communication, and address underlying issues before they become insurmountable.

This modest guide explores the benefits of couples therapy, various therapeutic approaches—including hopeful spouse counseling—and provides practical advice for navigating the complexities of relationship challenges.

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Couples Therapy Daniel Dashnaw Couples Therapy Daniel Dashnaw

How Does Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) Differ from Other Forms of Couples Therapy?

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is a unique and highly effective approach to couples therapy that focuses on creating secure emotional bonds and strengthening attachment between partners.

Developed by thought leaders Les Greenberg and Sue Johnson in the 1980s, EFT is rooted in the understanding that emotional connection is essential for relationship health.

Unlike Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which primarily targets changing thought patterns and behaviors, EFT delves into the emotional experiences and needs that drive relationship dynamics, aiming to transform negative cycles into positive, secure patterns.

This deep focus on emotions makes EFT especially powerful in helping couples resolve conflicts, rebuild trust, and develop lasting emotional intimacy.

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

Building Wealth Together: How Simple Living and Mindful Choices Lead to Financial Freedom in Relationships

In a world where consumerism often dictates our understanding of success, the pursuit of financial independence can seem like a distant dream.

However, true financial freedom is not just for the exceptionally wealthy or those with extraordinary incomes.

Drawing on the groundbreaking research of Dr. Thomas Stanley, author of The Millionaire Next Door, and insights from couples therapy, this blog post explores how couples can build lasting financial security while strengthening their relationships.

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How to Fight Fair Daniel Dashnaw How to Fight Fair Daniel Dashnaw

Gottman Repair Attempts: Love Made Easy

It’s a skill to learn to fight well and repair relationship conflict before they spiral out of control.

It’s one of the goal of science-based couples therapy. The ability to make an effective repair with your life partner is an essential life skill.

Do you find your fights escalating out of control? That pattern, if left unchanged, creates lasting damage to a marriage.

What is a repair attempt?

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Separation & Divorce Daniel Dashnaw Separation & Divorce Daniel Dashnaw

Should I Stay in My Relationship? A Modest Guide For Making A Prudent Decision

Deciding whether to stay in a relationship is one of the most challenging and emotionally charged decisions anyone can face.

The question, "Should I stay in my relationship?" often arises when folks feel unsure about the future or when issues seem insurmountable.

This blog post aims to guide you through the process of evaluating your relationship, using insights from social science research to help you make a reasonably informed decision.

Let's jump in!

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

Unlocking the Mystery: What Does It Mean to Be Lucky in Love?

Have you ever wondered what it truly means to be "lucky in love"?

It’s a phrase we hear often, but what does it actually entail? Is it just a whimsical notion, or is there a science behind it?

As it turns out, the concept of being lucky in love is more than just a romantic ideal—it’s a topic that researchers have explored in depth.

Is there a science to being lucky in love?

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

Unlock the Secret to What Makes You Attractive: Playfulness

Ever wonder what makes you attractive? Researchers wonder too. Dr. René Proyer from the Institute of Psychology at MLU claims that his recent research has uncovered the secret of being attractive.

And it’s Playfulness.

Playfulness is what makes you attractive. According to Dr. Proyer, it’s is one of the most charming ways of engaging with others.

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Extramarital Affairs Daniel Dashnaw Extramarital Affairs Daniel Dashnaw

Oh no, you got caught cheating…now what?

Welcome to the purgatory of merciless self-examination.

You got caught cheating. Infidelity is an ancient weakness. It’s a sin that takes up 20% of the 10 commandments: one commandment against doing it, and the other commandment against just even thinking about doing it.

You’ll come to experience true remorse, but right now you just regret getting in trouble.

I’ll tell you that you’ve got a lot of arduous work ahead of you. Your old marriage is dead, and, because you both want to heal, you might have a chance at redemption.

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Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw

What is Emotional Gridlock?

Emotional gridlock is a pervasive issue that can sabotage even the most committed relationships, leading to a cycle of frustration, resentment, and emotional disconnection.

Understanding the root causes and dynamics of emotional gridlock is crucial for couples seeking to break free from this destructive pattern.

This post will explore the concept of emotional gridlock, exploring its origins, the psychological theories that explain it, and practical strategies for overcoming it.

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Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw

Understanding Cobra Husbands: The Deadly Tactics of Control and Abuse

In the toxic and deadly realm of domestic violence, the nature of abuse varies significantly depending on the personality and behavior of the abuser.

Not all abusers are the same, and understanding the distinctions can be crucial for both recognizing the signs of abuse and implementing effective strategies for escape.

According to ground-breaking research by Neil Jacobson, Ph.D., and John Gottman, Ph.D., detailed in their seminal book When Men Batter Women (Simon and Schuster, 1998), there are two distinct types of abusive husbands: the "Cobras" and the "Pit Bulls."

This post will focus on the former—the Cobra husbands—and the calm and deadly ways they regulate and control their partners.

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Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw

The Silent Treatment: Origins, Evolution, and Its Complex Role in Relationships

Let’s talk about the "silent treatment"—that infamous non-verbal smackdown where words are withheld like a toddler’s favorite toy.

We’ve all been there, on one side or the other, feeling the chill of silence when conversation could thaw the frost.

But where did this behavior come from, and why does it still have such a powerful hold on relationships?

In this post, we’ll explore the origins of the silent treatment, its evolution over time, and how it plays out differently across genders.

We’ll also dive into modern dynamics like stonewalling, and the "walk away wife" phenomenon, and, crucially, how American culture expresses this age-old tactic.

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Neurodiverse Couples Daniel Dashnaw Neurodiverse Couples Daniel Dashnaw

Everyday Boss Moves: Celebrating the Small Wins That Make You Feel Like a CEO

Picture this: You pull into a crowded parking lot, and against all odds, you spot it—a prime parking spot, right up front, just waiting for you. You glide in with precision, step out of your car, and for a brief moment, you feel like the CEO of parking.

Congratulations, my friend, you’ve just made an “Everyday Boss Move.”

But what exactly are these everyday boss moves, and why do they make us feel so darn powerful?

Let’s dive into the psychology behind these small yet mighty victories, explore how mindfulness plays a role, and see how celebrating these moments can turn a regular day into a winning streak.

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