Welcome to Schopenhauer Couples Therapy, where the motto is: "Love is an illusion, suffering is inevitable, and you’re probably both to blame."

It’s not exactly romantic, but hey, it’s honest.

Schopenhauer, the original philosopher of doom and gloom, might not have been the life of the party, but he’d sure have some pointed insights about the toxic tango of narcissism in relationships.

Let’s dive into how a therapy session with ol’ Arthur might go down—if you don’t cry or storm out first.

Alexithymia may not be a household term, but it describes an emotional struggle that touches many lives.

Characterized by difficulty identifying, distinguishing, and expressing emotions, alexithymia can influence every facet of life, from relationships and work to self-awareness and decision-making.

Let’s explore what alexithymia is, who it affects, and how folks can work toward emotional awareness.

What Is Alexithymia?

When we think about ancient history, it’s easy to imagine crumbling ruins and dusty relics—distant echoes of a world long gone.

But what if ancient civilizations left more than artifacts? What if their influence still shaped the way we live, think, and even feel today?

A recent study suggests that the Roman Empire’s legacy is doing just that in parts of Germany.

Regions in Germany that fell under Roman rule 2,000 years ago show higher levels of psychological well-being, better health, and more adaptive personality traits compared to areas that remained beyond the empire’s reach.

Published in Current Research in Ecological and Social Psychology, this groundbreaking study reveals how Roman infrastructure, institutions, and cultural advancements have left a lasting psychological and socio-economic imprint.

In a digital world brimming with content, YouTube has emerged as an unlikely sanctuary for neurodivergent folks seeking guidance, understanding, and connection.

The platform has become a powerful medium where creators are not only sharing stories but also offering strategies to promote mental well-being and resilience.

Here, we take a deeper dive into how these videos are shaping the neurodiversity movement and fostering empowerment.

Passive aggression is the emotional equivalent of putting a "Kick Me" sign on someone’s back while offering them a warm smile.

It’s a masterclass in non-confrontational conflict, where emotions run high but communication runs... side-eyed.

But how did we, as humans, get so good at this? Why is it sometimes gendered? And why, oh why, does it feel so satisfying (yet leave everyone miserable)?

Let’s go deeper—into the psychology, the gender dynamics, and the societal forces shaping passive aggression. Spoiler alert: it’s not just about avoiding conflict.

How Do We Become Passive-Aggressive?

Imagine sitting across from Marcus Aurelius in a serene therapy office. Instead of asking, “How does that make you feel?” he begins with, “What are you choosing to think about this situation?”

Stoic philosophy, with its focus on emotional regulation, values-based living, and acceptance of life’s impermanence, offers a compelling framework for modern relationships.

In this blog post, we’ll delve deeply into Stoic writings to discuss what a Stoic Marriage and Family Therapy (SMFT) model might look like.

Along the way, we’ll explore power dynamics, compare Stoic principles to Gottman’s research and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and discuss the contrasts between modern “personhood” approaches to therapy and more ancient “values-based” models.

The Stoic approach emphasizes cultivating resilience, fostering virtue, and promoting harmony through a framework that is timeless yet profoundly relevant.

What do a 19th-century German philosopher, a 20th-century cultural critic, and a controversial thinker on gender have in common?

Philipp Mainländer, Albert Caraco, and Otto Weininger—each wrestling with life’s profound questions—crafted philosophies that unflinchingly confront existence’s darkest corners.

Their work challenges us to look beyond the comfort of optimism and engage with ideas that, while unsettling, may offer profound insights into the human condition.

Imagine biting into a crisp apple only to feel like you're chewing glass.

Or trying to stomach a grainy vegetable that might as well be sandpaper. For some neurodivergent folks, this isn't exaggeration—it's reality.

Food sensitivity often intertwines with conditions like ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), creating unique challenges around eating.

This post explores the science of food sensitivity and its impact on neurodivergent humans.

For many of my neurodivergent clients, time isn’t a steady, reliable friend—it’s more like a mischievous trickster, disappearing when you need it most and reappearing when it’s too late.

This experience, known as time blindness, can make managing daily tasks feel like a game of triage, where only the most urgent or stimulating priorities get addressed. Welcome to the world of Time Blindness Triage, where balancing responsibilities is both a science and an art.

In this blog, we’ll dive deep into what time blindness is, its impact on neurodivergent folks, and strategies to navigate this challenge with humor, compassion, and science-backed solutions.

What Is Time Blindness?

In the world of interior design, a new trend is emerging—dopamine décor.

It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about creating spaces that fuel your brain’s reward system, especially for those with neurodivergent minds.

From ADHD to autism, sensory-friendly environments can profoundly impact how we feel, think, and function in our own spaces.

This blog explores how dopamine décor works, why it matters, and how you can tailor your environment to boost focus, joy, and relaxation.

What Is Dopamine Décor?

As a therapist and academic, I’ve spent countless hours considering how cultural shifts affect the lives of my clients and society at large.

The rise and, more recently, the decline of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) as a cultural value have profound implications for neurodiversity initiatives.

But neurodiversity—recognizing neurological differences like autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and others as valuable diversity elements—has the resilience to evolve. Let’s dig deeper into the opportunities, challenges, and future directions of neurodiversity in this post-DEI world.

Imagine this: it’s 145 CE, and life in Rome is a bustling mix of marble statues, toga parties, and slightly overcooked dormice at dinner.

Your marriage, however, is starting to feel more like a Greek tragedy than a Roman triumph. Enter ancient Roman couples therapy—a blend of philosophy, pragmatism, and a reverent nod to the pantheon of now-extinct Roman virtues.

Forget modern therapy’s emphasis on feelings.

In Rome, it’s all about duty, legacy, and ensuring your family’s good name doesn’t end up a cautionary tale whispered in the Senate.

Therapy sessions would feel less like spilling your emotions over tea and more like a tactical meeting of two Roman generals strategizing peace in a civil war.