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
- Coronavirus
- Couples Therapy
- Extramarital Affairs
- Family Life and Parenting
- How to Fight Fair
- Inlaws and Extended Families
- Intercultural Relationships
- Marriage and Mental Health
- Married Life & Intimate Relationships
- Neurodiverse Couples
- Separation & Divorce
- Signs of Trouble
- Social Media and Relationships
- What Happy Couples Know
Testosterone injections and infidelity
Testosterone, the primary male sex hormone, is often associated with virility, strength, and overall male vitality.
With the rise of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), especially in the form of injections, there is increasing interest in understanding its broader impacts.
One area of concern is whether testosterone injections might influence behaviors related to infidelity.
Let’s discuss the research on testosterone injections and infidelity, examine the role of narcissism and body image, and see what we have got.
The top 20 Movies about Infidelity
Infidelity is a plot device in storytelling that has been explored across cultures and eras. It reveals the complexities of human relationships.
Here’s my list of the top 20 movies about infidelity, each offering a unique perspective on this timeless issue.
I’ll briefly comment on each of these films. Plus, we'll see how cinema therapy might be a respected adjunct to traditional couples therapy.
Get your popcorn!
The All-American Affair: How Cultural Narcissism fuels the infidelity industry
In the land of the free and the home of the brave, a rather unflattering trait has taken root: cultural narcissism.
This national self-obsession isn't just about Instagram selfies and TikTok dances—it's driving an entire industry dedicated to extramarital affairs.
Yes, you heard it right.
The infidelity industry is booming, catering to those whose narcissistic tendencies push them towards seeking validation outside their marriages. So, buckle up as we dive into the paradoxical world of American narcissism and its thriving infidelity business.
How to end an affair with a married man
Ending an affair with a married man is a complex and emotionally charged process. It requires a deep understanding of personal boundaries, emotional resilience, and often, the support of professional guidance.
This post will discuss the essential steps to end such an affair, informed by social science research and expert insights on infidelity.
We will also explore the intricate dynamics when both parties in the affair are married and what recent research in the USA has revealed about such situations.
Split-self affairs
In the Split-Self Affair, the marriage must work for the sake of appearances, and appearance is everything.
These unions seamlessly function because they avoid the challenging work of nurturing a loving, emotional connection.
What is a conflict avoidant couple affair?
A Conflict Avoidant couple affair, like all affairs, has a straying spouse (we'll call them the involved partner or IP), and a hurt partner, who we'll call the HP).
Conflict-Avoidant couples can have either partner in the role of the Involved Partner.
The essential characteristic of Conflict Avoidant couples is a smothering blanket of civility and regulated courtesy…
sound familiar? read on…
Post-COVID infidelity patterns in America: a social science perspective
The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly affected various aspects of life, including intimate relationships.
Recent observations suggest that patterns of infidelity in America have experienced notable shifts in the post-COVID era.
This post explores these trends, providing insights from couples therapy thought leaders to enhance our understanding.
My husband cheated on me …now what?
In the aftermath of the disclosure or discovery of an affair, most couples are overwhelmed by pain, rage, and guilt. It’s typical for clients to contact me in the early days of affair disclosure.
“My husband cheated on me… now what?" is a question I often hear…
What is a mid-life crisis affair?
A “mid life crisis” is a Bullsh*t cultural trope that is remarkably robust.
Why are we so convinced that mid-life is fraught with peril…and why does research say otherwise?
Emotional affairs
What Are Emotional Affairs?
An Emotional Affair is more than just a close friendship; it involves a deep emotional connection that crosses the boundaries of a platonic relationship.
These affairs often begin innocently but can escalate into something significantly impacting a primary relationship.
Emotional affairs are a common issue addressed in intensive couples therapy retreats.
How do Emotional Affairs begin?
What is Affair Recovery?
What is affair recovery? Is it possible to recover from infidelity? How do you begin to address such a profound breach of trust?
Healing from infidelity is possible.
But it requires an emotional, spiritual, and mental determination to recover into a fully-functional restored intimacy stubbornly. Here’s a roadmap…
Children of infidelity
Our culture values fidelity. When parents break it, they break their vow not only to each other but also to their children.
Children of infidelity want to be part of a loving family… but once they’re adults… can they truly trust their intimate partner?