If you’re familiar with the term “stimming,” you might associate it with autism or other forms of neurodivergence.

However, folks like me with complex PTSD (C-PTSD) may also engage in stimming behaviors as part of their journey to regulate emotions and cope with trauma.

Far from being a “problem,” stimming often serves as an adaptive strategy to navigate the challenges of living with C-PTSD.

So, why do some people with C-PTSD stim?

Let’s explore the science, the behaviors, and how they can be understood as part of a trauma survivor’s path to healing.

When couples enter therapy, the primary goal is often to repair fractures in the relationship—to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and foster deeper connection.

But a critical factor is frequently overlooked: the necessity of self-reflection and personal accountability.

Instead of solely focusing on what the other partner should change, true growth in a relationship requires looking inward, identifying one's own contributions to challenges, and fostering individual emotional maturity.

This blog will delve deeply into why self-reflection is often neglected in couples therapy, its transformative potential, and the evidence-based social science supporting this approach.

Ever wish you could trade places with someone of the opposite sex, even for a day? Turns out, you're not alone.

A new study published in Frontiers in Psychology unpacks the age-old question of what men and women envy in each other. Spoiler alert: it's not just about the grass being greener—it's also about wishing the other side had a few more weeds.

The research, led by Michaela Krakovská and her team at the University of Ostrava, dives deep into envy across the gender divide and even unveils a brand-new flavor of envy: "ablative envy."

Think of it as the reverse Uno card of envy—wishing you didn't have to deal with something the other side doesn’t either.

Ever wonder why that brooding, muscular guy at the gym might suddenly seem less appealing in a dimly lit parking lot?

Turns out, women’s interest in physically strong men isn’t a fixed preference but something that adapts to environmental cues—like whether it’s light or dark.

Strength in men has always been a mixed bag.

On one hand, a broad chest and Herculean biceps signal protection and robust genetics. On the other, strength can hint at aggression, especially in uncertain situations. It’s like buying a sports car—great for speed, but tricky in a snowstorm.

For women, navigating this tradeoff has been crucial throughout evolutionary history.

So when the environment changes—say, when it gets dark—so does the calculus. Let’s jump in!

When it comes to categorizing men into Greek-letter archetypes, the internet has run wild.

We’ve got the Alpha(dominant leader), the Beta (loyal follower), the Sigma (lone wolf), and now… enter the Omega Man, the enigmatic, often misunderstood underdog who couldn’t care less about social hierarchies.

If the Alpha is the king of the jungle and the Sigma is the wandering lone wolf, the Omega is the cat who refuses to be herded—quirky, independent, and a little bit weird in the best way possible.

Let’s dive into the Omega Man meme, what makes him tick, and how he stacks up against his lettered brethren.

In the sprawling landscape of human longing, certain desires seem to dominate the collective consciousness.

From Instagram-worthy lives to boardroom dominance, most people seem hardwired to chase after these goals.

But then, there’s the Sigma Male—a lone wolf, an outlier, and, let’s face it, the internet’s favorite misunderstood archetype.

While everyone else is busy running a never-ending hamster wheel, Sigma Males are off doing their thing, probably in a cabin somewhere reading Nietzsche by candlelight.

Here’s a breakdown of five things most people can’t resist chasing—and why Sigma Males couldn’t be less interested.

Imagine you’re twirling your hair, tapping your pen against the table, or bouncing your leg while lost in thought.

These subtle acts, often dismissed as nervous habits, are actually examples of stimming—self-stimulatory behavior that serves a much deeper purpose than we often realize.

For autistic folks, stimming is an integral part of life, serving as a tool for self-regulation, expression, and connection. It’s a behavior that has been misunderstood, stigmatized, and suppressed for far too long.

Let’s take a deep dive into stimming—what it is, why it matters, and how embracing it can transform our understanding of human behavior.

Dynamic Narrative Therapy (DNT) is the newest band on the family therapy scene, blending the greatest hits of modernist structure and postmodern freestyle.

But is it the next big thing or just a remix of familiar favorites?

Family therapy has always been a bit of a balancing act—juggling individual needs, family dynamics, and the broader cultural pressures that weigh on relationships.

Now, enter DNT, which promises to blend the logical structure of systemic therapy with the free-spirited storytelling of narrative therapy. On paper, it’s the perfect duet.

But in practice? Well, it’s complicated.

High-stress jobs can test even the strongest relationships, but understanding the unique challenges and adopting practical strategies can help couples thrive together.

When one or both partners work in high-stress professions, the job can become a third presence in the relationship.

Healthcare workers, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and corporate executives often face immense physical and emotional demands that impact their romantic lives.

Long hours, irregular schedules, exposure to trauma, and a pressure to perform can erode intimacy and connection.

To explore how these dynamics play out in real life, let’s dive into the lives of three couples facing unique challenges in high-stress professions. Along the way, we’ll discuss strategies for building resilience and maintaining emotional intimacy despite the pressures.

It’s time to discuss why emotionally unavailable men keep capturing your heart—and how to find the healthy love you deserve.

You didn’t set out to fall for someone emotionally unavailable, but here you are again. Maybe it’s the charm, the challenge, or the undeniable chemistry, but the pattern feels like déjà vu.

If you’re reliable, caring, and compassionate, it’s natural to want to see the best in people.

You stay too long, hoping your love will change them, or you leave only to repeat the cycle with someone eerily similar. Before you know it, you're doubting your ability to recognize a "good guy" and questioning your worth in the process.

Understanding why this happens is the first step to breaking free from the pattern. Let’s explore seven reasons you might be falling for emotionally unavailable men—and, more importantly, how to stop.

Let’s face it—when someone calls you a “narcissist” in a heated argument, it’s never a compliment.

But here’s the truth: we all have some narcissistic traits. Yes, even you. (I’ll pause while you clutch your pearls.)

A little narcissism—aka self-confidence and self-love—is actually healthy.

It’s what helps you set boundaries, celebrate your wins, and refuse to accept less than you deserve.

But when does healthy narcissism cross into dangerous territory? And how do you know if the person you’re dating is a “healthy” narcissist or an “unhealthy” one who will drain you dry emotionally?

Let’s dive into the spectrum of narcissism, from mild ego-stroking to full-blown toxicity, with warmth, humor, and maybe just a tiny side of “yikes!”

Cultural values shape our relationships, communities, and the systems we trust—or distrust.

A recent study published in Political Psychology delves into the interplay of masculine honor, social identity, and public attitudes toward organized crime, with a specific focus on the Sicilian Mafia.

While rooted in Sicily, the findings resonate far beyond, shedding light on the cultural and psychological forces that sustain power structures—even in American communities.

As a couples therapist, I often see how cultural values influence relationships and family dynamics.

This study reveals similar patterns on a broader societal scale, where values like honor and loyalty can either strengthen communities or create openings for destructive forces.