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.

 

Attachment Issues Daniel Dashnaw Attachment Issues Daniel Dashnaw

The Trouble with Evolutionary Psychology: Why We Deserve a Better Story

Evolutionary psychology (EP) is the field that insists every weird human behavior—from falling in love to overspending on throw pillows—can be explained by the survival strategies of our prehistoric ancestors.

It tells us that men hoard wealth because cavewomen loved mammoth hunters, and women prefer taller men because Neanderthal Chad had better rock-throwing skills.

It’s a compelling theory, and in fairness, EP does have its moments.

But too often, it veers into “just-so stories,” sloppy science, and some suspiciously convenient explanations for why the world is the way it is (and why we shouldn’t bother changing it).

More troublingly, it tends to treat humans less like self-aware souls and more like confused primates still fumbling through modern life with prehistoric instincts.

So, let’s take a closer look at the cracks in EP’s foundation—because humans deserve a better story.

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Extramarital Affairs Daniel Dashnaw Extramarital Affairs Daniel Dashnaw

Is Emotional Infidelity Cheating?

Emotional affairs don’t happen in a single moment; they evolve in quiet increments, slipping under the radar of what we traditionally define as infidelity.

Unlike physical affairs, which are easier to label as betrayal, emotional infidelity exists in a murky in-between—where innocent friendships subtly transform into something more intimate, more secretive, and more consuming.

In an era where digital connections thrive, emotional affairs have become an area of heightened clinical concern.

What starts as a friendly conversation with a coworker or a reconnection with an old acquaintance on social media can spiral into a deep, emotionally charged attachment that threatens the stability of an existing relationship.

The emotional energy that once fueled intimacy with a partner is now invested elsewhere. But when does a friendship cross the line into infidelity?

The answer often depends on one key factor—how your partner feels about it.

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Marriage and Mental Health Daniel Dashnaw Marriage and Mental Health Daniel Dashnaw

Borderline vs. Bipolar: Understanding the Key Differences and Overlaps

Mental health misdiagnosis can lead to ineffective treatment and prolonged suffering, and few conditions are confused as often as Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Bipolar Disorder (BD).

Both conditions involve emotional instability, impulsivity, and challenges in relationships, but they have fundamentally different causes, progressions, and treatments.

This confusion has real consequences—studies show that up to 40% of folks diagnosed with Bipolar II actually have BPD (Zimmerman et al., 2010).

This article will clearly differentiate these two disorders using scientific research, clinical findings, and expert recommendations, ensuring you walk away with a solid understanding of their differences, similarities, and best treatment strategies.

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Neurodiverse Couples Daniel Dashnaw Neurodiverse Couples Daniel Dashnaw

The Digital Mirage: How Social Media Distorts Neurodivergence

Neurodivergence has become a cultural conversation, amplified by the echo chambers of social media. TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter have become fertile ground for discussions about autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other neurodivergent conditions, providing a voice to many who have long felt unheard.

But with this surge in visibility comes an insidious undercurrent: misinformation and oversimplification.

The digital age has turned self-diagnosis into a shared experience.

Algorithms reward content that is digestible, relatable, and

emotionally engaging—often at the expense of accuracy.

This has led to a troubling paradox: while awareness is increasing, the nuanced complexities of neurodivergence are being reduced to memes, hashtags, and bite-sized explanations that risk distorting the reality of these experiences.

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Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw

The Shadows We Inherit: How Harsh Parenting in Childhood Shapes Dark Personality Traits in Adulthood

Parenting is a powerful form of storytelling.

It is the first narrative we absorb, teaching us who we are, what we deserve, and how to navigate the world. But what happens when that story is written in the language of fear, humiliation, and control?

A growing body of research suggests that childhood experiences of harsh parenting—including psychological aggression and severe physical discipline—may contribute to the emergence of dark personality traits in adulthood (Galán et al., 2024).

This is not a simple case of cause and effect. Human beings are complex, adaptive creatures, and the way we internalize early experiences depends on a myriad of factors, from genetics to social environment.

Yet, when researchers identify a strong correlation between severe parental discipline and traits like narcissism, Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and sadism—collectively known as the Dark Tetrad—it forces us to ask: Are we raising children who must armor themselves against the very people meant to protect them?

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Marriage and Mental Health Daniel Dashnaw Marriage and Mental Health Daniel Dashnaw

Affordable Depression Therapy in the Berkshires and Hilltowns of Western Massachusetts

Depression affects many folks in the Berkshires and Hilltowns of Western Massachusetts. This is a hard place to live in during the winter.

For some, finding affordable and accessible therapy options can be challenging. Fortunately, the region offers a variety of mental health services designed to support those in need.

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Marriage and Mental Health Daniel Dashnaw Marriage and Mental Health Daniel Dashnaw

Affordable Depression Therapy in Worcester, MA

Struggling with depression can feel like carrying an invisible weight, one that makes everyday life seem exhausting and overwhelming.

But if you’re in Worcester, Massachusetts, you don’t have to carry that burden alone.

Affordable, compassionate care is available, and help is closer than you think. From sliding-scale therapy to specialized depression clinics, Worcester offers a range of options that ensure financial barriers don’t stand in the way of mental wellness.

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Daniel Dashnaw Daniel Dashnaw

Affordable Depression Therapy in NYC

New York City is a place of endless opportunities, but it also comes with high levels of stress, fast-paced living, and the financial burden of skyrocketing costs.

While mental health awareness has grown, accessing affordable depression therapy remains a significant challenge for many.

The demand for cost-effective therapy options is higher than ever, as individuals struggle to balance their emotional well-being with financial constraints.

According to the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, nearly 10% of adults in NYC experience symptoms of depression each year, yet many do not receive treatment due to financial barriers.

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Daniel Dashnaw Daniel Dashnaw

Affordable Depression Therapy in Boston

Boston is a city known for its prestigious universities, rich history, and thriving healthcare system.

However, living in the city can be stressful due to high costs, academic pressures, and urban life challenges.

While mental health awareness has grown, accessing affordable depression therapy remains a significant challenge for many.

The demand for cost-effective therapy options is higher than ever, as individuals struggle to balance their emotional well-being with financial constraints.

According to the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health, nearly 12% of adults in the state experience symptoms of depression each year, yet many do not receive treatment due to financial barriers.

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Marriage and Mental Health Daniel Dashnaw Marriage and Mental Health Daniel Dashnaw

Affordable Depression Therapy in Providence, RI

While mental health awareness has grown, accessing affordable depression therapy remains a significant challenge for many residents.

The demand for cost-effective therapy options is increasing as individuals strive to balance their emotional well-being with financial limitations.

According to the Rhode Island Department of Health, approximately 11% of adults in the state experience symptoms of depression each year, yet many do not receive treatment due to financial barriers.

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Marriage and Mental Health Daniel Dashnaw Marriage and Mental Health Daniel Dashnaw

Affordable Depression Therapy in Hartford, CT

Providence, Rhode Island, is a city known for its vibrant arts scene, renowned universities, and historic charm. However, like many urban centers, it also presents challenges such as economic disparity, housing insecurity, and high healthcare costs.

While mental health awareness has grown, accessing affordable depression therapy remains a significant challenge for many residents.

The demand for cost-effective therapy options is increasing as individuals strive to balance their emotional well-being with financial limitations.

According to the Rhode Island Department of Health, approximately 11% of adults in the state experience symptoms of depression each year, yet many do not receive treatment due to financial barriers.

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Marriage and Mental Health Daniel Dashnaw Marriage and Mental Health Daniel Dashnaw

Affordable Depression Therapy in Albany, NY

Albany, New York, is the state’s capital and a hub of government, education, and healthcare.

However, like many urban centers, it presents challenges such as economic inequality, high living costs, and barriers to mental healthcare.

While mental health awareness has grown, accessing affordable depression therapy remains a significant challenge for many residents.

The demand for cost-effective therapy options is increasing as individuals strive to balance their emotional well-being with financial limitations.

According to the New York State Office of Mental Health, approximately 13% of adults in the state experience symptoms of depression each year, yet many do not receive treatment due to financial barriers.

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