Neurodiverse Couples Daniel Dashnaw Neurodiverse Couples Daniel Dashnaw

The Complex Relationship Between ADHD, Depression, and Anxiety: How Excessive Mind Wandering Plays a Role

Living with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can feel like a continuous struggle—focusing on tasks, staying organized, and managing time can be difficult, but it’s the mental restlessness that many find most challenging.

While we often think of ADHD as a condition that affects focus and behavior, recent research shows that its emotional impact can be just as profound.

A new study published in Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy reveals that excessive mind wandering, rumination, and reduced mindfulness may mediate the relationship between ADHD and symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Read More
Extramarital Affairs Daniel Dashnaw Extramarital Affairs Daniel Dashnaw

The Lasting Health Impacts of Infidelity: How Betrayal Can Affect Your Body and Mind

Infidelity can feel like a gut-wrenching betrayal, leaving deep emotional scars that can take years to heal. While the psychological effects—such as anxiety, depression, and loss of self-esteem—are well-documented, new research reveals that the pain of being cheated on might go even deeper, extending to chronic health issues.

According to a study published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, the consequences of infidelity can linger long after the relationship ends, potentially leading to lasting health problems that persist even when folks move on to supportive partnerships.

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

Textbook Narcissism and Donald Trump's Narcissistic Collapse

When we discuss someone like Donald Trump through the lens of "textbook narcissism," we’re referring to a set of well-documented patterns that shape how folks with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) react to stress, failure, or challenges to their grandiose self-image.

One of the most dramatic consequences of these challenges is what's called narcissistic collapse—a state where the individual's usual defenses begin to unravel, leaving them emotionally exposed and vulnerable. This is a moment of reckoning, both for the person themselves and for those observing them.

For Donald Trump, as the external pressures mount—whether through legal battles, political losses, or shifts in public opinion—his likely arc of behavior for the rest of the year might follow certain key psychological patterns.

These behaviors are grounded in well-established social science research on narcissism and personality disorders, and they provide us with a deeper understanding of how someone in his position might respond to a world that feels increasingly hostile.

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

How to Spot a Toxic Male Partner: Red Flags, Power Plays, and Relationship Wreckers

Toxic male behaviors in relationships can often be masked by societal norms that glorify dominance and emotional suppression in men.

In many cultures, especially in America, traditional ideas of masculinity can pressure men to act in ways that are harmful to their partners and relationships. These behaviors, though sometimes subtle, have far-reaching emotional consequences.

By recognizing and understanding the warning signs of toxic male behavior, we can better protect emotional well-being and foster healthier relationship dynamics.

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

How to Spot a Toxic Female Partner: Red Flags, Power Plays, and Relationship Wreckers

Navigating relationships can feel like walking through a minefield when you’re dealing with a toxic partner. Toxic behaviors often creep in slowly, disguised as love, care, or concern.

But beneath the surface, they erode trust, respect, and emotional safety. If you’ve ever found yourself constantly doubting your own actions, feeling manipulated, or wondering why your relationship feels like an emotional rollercoaster, you might be dealing with a toxic dynamic.

In this guide, we’ll dive deep into the red flags that often indicate toxicity, using a mix of humor, real-life examples, and research-backed insights to help you spot the warning signs before they wreak havoc on your emotional well-being.

Read More

Sam Harris and his Ideas on Science and Secular Spirituality, and Their Application in Therapy

Sam Harris is well-known thought leader, known for his exploration of consciousness, free will, and secular spirituality offers fertile ground for marriage and family therapy.

By drawing on his ideas, therapists can blend secular, neuroscience-informed practices with the spiritual longing that many clients bring into therapy, particularly in their intimate relationships.

Through a blend of mindfulness, ego dissolution, and insights into the limits of free will, Harris invites us to reconsider how we view human behavior and relationships.

These ideas are supported by a growing body of research in psychology and neuroscience that illuminates the importance of mindfulness, unconscious processes, and trauma recovery in relational well-being.

Read More
Inlaws and Extended Families Daniel Dashnaw Inlaws and Extended Families Daniel Dashnaw

The Role of Extended Family: Support Systems Beyond the Nuclear Family

Nowadays, the importance of extended family in a child’s emotional development is often overlooked. While the nuclear family (parents and children) typically receives the most attention in conversations about child-rearing, extended family members—grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins—play an equally crucial role.

Their involvement provides additional layers of emotional support, different relationship models, and a safety net when things get tough within the immediate family.

Extended family can offer children emotional resources that supplement those provided by their parents. In many cases, they act as buffers or emotional safety valves when the nuclear family dynamics are strained.

Read More
Family Life and Parenting Daniel Dashnaw Family Life and Parenting Daniel Dashnaw

Parental Emotional Availability and Emotion Coaching: The Keystone of Emotional Development

According to Gottman, children raised by emotion-coaching parents tend to exhibit higher levels of emotional intelligence, resilience, and social competence. These children are better equipped to manage stress, navigate social conflicts, and maintain healthier relationships.

Emotion coaching allows children to recognize and label their emotions without shame, giving them tools to process challenging experiences (Gottman & DeClaire, 1997).

For instance, during a tantrum, an emotion-coaching parent might say, “I see that you’re upset because you can’t have the toy right now. It’s okay to feel frustrated.”

This approach acknowledges the child's feelings while simultaneously guiding them toward understanding and regulating their emotional response. Over time, these children learn to calm themselves down, articulate their emotions, and work through challenges with greater self-awareness.

Read More
Family Life and Parenting Daniel Dashnaw Family Life and Parenting Daniel Dashnaw

How Family Dynamics Impact a Child's Emotional Development: A Deep Dive into the Foundations of Emotional Resilience

Family dynamics are the invisible threads that weave together the emotional fabric of a child's life.

These dynamics—how a family communicates, resolves conflict, and nurtures emotional bonds—play a crucial role in shaping a child's emotional development.

Let's explore how these patterns influence a child's emotional resilience, identity formation, and behavioral patterns, drawing from social science research to offer practical, actionable insights.

Read More
Attachment Issues Daniel Dashnaw Attachment Issues Daniel Dashnaw

Make your bed before you take over the world

“Make your bed before you take over the world" is deceptively simple advice with roots in both ancient wisdom and modern psychology.

It’s not just about tucking in some sheets and fluffing pillows. It’s about the human need for control, structure, and the kind of discipline that eventually leads to bigger accomplishments.

As a seasoned family therapist, I’ve come to see this idea as a brilliant metaphor for life—and believe me, I’ve heard enough chaos and emotional bedlam over the years to know a good metaphor when I see one.

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

Does your partner’s drinking hurt your mental health? Men may feel it most

A new study published in Personal Relationships explores how perceptions of a romantic partner’s drinking habits are related to relationship satisfaction and mental health among young adults.

The study finds that when young men perceive their partner as having problematic drinking behavior, they are more likely to report increased symptoms of depression.

The findings also suggest that men’s mental health and relationship satisfaction are more impacted by the quantity and nature of drinking within the relationship than women’s.

Read More

Silent Standoffs: How Demand-Withdrawal Hurts Both Your Sex Life and Relationship

A recent study published in The Journal of Sex Research sheds light on an important communication pattern known as demand-withdrawal, and how it impacts couples during discussions about sexual conflicts.

The research found that couples who often fall into this dynamic tend to experience lower levels of both relationship and sexual satisfaction. Over time, they also report higher sexual distress and a general decline in how happy they feel in their relationship.

The research team wanted to dig into how couples handle sexual conflicts specifically, which hasn’t been studied as much as other relationship challenges.

Talking about sex can be tricky—these conversations often bring up feelings like shame, fear, or anger, making it harder to openly discuss problems. When communication around sexual issues falters, it can harm intimacy and overall well-being, leaving both partners feeling disconnected.

Read More