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.

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.

The sudden loss of everything in a fire is a profound and disorienting experience. Beyond the destruction of physical possessions, it carries the weight of losing one’s sense of self, safety, and continuity.

For many survivors, this is not a simple loss that can be processed and resolved with time. Instead, it is a complex, layered experience that defies closure and often leaves individuals in a state of emotional limbo.

This phenomenon closely aligns with what Dr. Pauline Boss (1999) describes as ambiguous loss—a type of grief that is not clearly defined or resolved, leaving people stuck between what was and what cannot fully be let go.

In this article, we’ll explore the psychological dimensions of losing everything in a fire through the lens of ambiguous loss, drawing from research, theory, and compassionate insights to illuminate the path forward.

If Hugh Hefner’s life were a magazine spread, it would be glossy, provocative, and filled with contradictions.

To some, he was a visionary who unzipped the straitjacket of mid-20th-century sexual repression.

To others, he was a glorified pornographer in silk pajamas, peddling narcissism and commodifying women under the banner of freedom.

Love him or loathe him, Hefner’s legacy is a Rorschach test for your feelings about sex, power, and the American dream—or nightmare, depending on your vantage point.

Dearest Julia,

It is evening as I write, the lamplight flickering against the clay walls of this inn, and the pungent scent of hides heavy in the air. I have made my delivered to Pertinax, and I’ll leave for home at first light.

It clings to me, this smell of piss, no matter how hard I scrub or how often I soak myself in the baths.

Do you remember, once, how you teased me, saying I would smell like the horse piss, even if I stood out all night in a storm? You laughed so freely then. I think of that sound often. I hope the children laugh as you did, even when I am not there to hear it.

The truth is, I miss you. I miss us.

Albert Caraco and Otto Weininger, two philosophers known for their bleak perspectives on humanity, might not seem like natural guides to understanding modern family dynamics. Yet their musings on chaos, mortality, identity, and responsibility offer surprising insights for families navigating the complexities of today’s fragmented world.

In The White Album, Joan Didion writes, “The question of self-pity was moot. I had decided to live without it.”

It’s the kind of stripped-bare wisdom that feels hauntingly appropriate when we talk about the LA fires.

These aren’t just natural disasters; they’re existential assaults on the myths we tell ourselves about control, safety, and permanence.

They don’t just burn the land—they burn through our illusions, leaving us to sift through the ashes of a scorched reality.

Maria von Franz, the Jungian analyst who danced with archetypes as gracefully as any pioneer waltzing into uncharted territory, had plenty to say about the American psyche.

She recognized its bold ambition, its restless energy, and its tendency to declare victory long before the work is done.

But, like any good therapist, she wasn’t afraid to point out where things had gone a little… off track.

Let’s dive into her take on the American character, sprinkle in some thoughts on cultural narcissism, and maybe throw in a wink or two at our collective foibles.

The bond between dogs and their owners has long been celebrated, and new research has uncovered yet another layer to this profound relationship.

A study published in Scientific Reports has found that dogs’ heart rate variability adapts to their owners’ during interactions, revealing a physiological connection that mirrors the emotional bond shared by the two.

This discovery sheds light on how deeply intertwined the lives of humans and their canine companions are, offering evidence that emotional states can be shared not only through behavior but also at a physiological level.

Our relationships are shaped not only by our individual histories but also by the culture we inhabit.

In an age of likes, shares, and follows, the pervasive need for external validation—what therapists call other-validated intimacy—extends far beyond personal relationships into the very fabric of our cultural identity.

To understand how this dynamic influences modern love, we need to explore the interplay between differentiation, other-validated intimacy, and Cultural Narcissism.

Love. The eternal human quest for connection, meaning, and someone to argue with over what’s for dinner.

While love styles and personality quirks can make romance feel like a comedy of errors, new research reveals just how much our “dark side” might shape our relationship status—and whether love has the power to smooth those rough edges.

Published in Heliyon, the study explores the interplay between the so-called “Dark Triad” personality traits—Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy—and love styles, offering a fresh look at why some people are happily coupled while others thrive solo.

It also begs the question: can love, especially from women, civilize even the most rogue among us?

Childhood is the foundation of our lives, shaping not only who we are but also our long-term health and well-being.

For children who experience neglect, these foundational years can be a battleground of unmet needs and vulnerabilities.

However, recent research provides a hopeful counterpoint: the presence of a protective adult and socioeconomic stability can dramatically alter this trajectory, mitigating the profound effects of childhood neglect.

As family and couples therapists, we often witness how early experiences reverberate through adult lives. Understanding the interplay between neglect, resilience, and healing offers a roadmap for fostering healthier relationships and communities.