Daniel: Good afternoon, BetteSue. How are you feeling today?

BetteSue: (sighs) Confused, Daniel. I’ve been thinking a lot about our last session, and I'm starting to wonder, am I the narcissist, or is he?

Daniel: That's a profound question, BetteSue. What experiences have led you to ask that?

BetteSue: (sips her coffee) Well, let me start with last week. We were supposed to have dinner with my sister and her new fiancé. I was running late because of a hair appointment. Henry, my husband, waited for me, but when we finally arrived, he was sulking. He barely spoke during dinner and made these passive-aggressive comments about my lateness.

Tossing and turning, counting sheep until they unionize?

You're not alone.

Around 30% of adults have short-term sleep issues.

Many people say a good night's sleep is at the top of their wish list for a better life. But let's face it: getting quality sleep can feel as tricky as finding a unicorn in your backyard.

Poor sleep can mess with your memory, attention, performance, and overall alertness. But. fear not, gentle reader!

Here are 11 tips that are sure to turn your sleep from a nightmare into a dreamland.

Many people struggle to understand their depression due to the way it's described by professionals.

Depression, as a diagnosis, is simply a description of symptoms, not an explanation of their causes. Contrary to common belief, a low mood isn't caused by depression—it's a symptom of it.

However, many authoritative websites misleadingly portray depression as the cause of its own symptoms.

A study analyzing leading mental health organizations, such as the American Psychiatric Association and the World Health Organization, found that most describe depression as causing low mood, lack of motivation, and other related symptoms.

Defense mechanisms are psychological strategies that folks use to protect themselves from anxiety, unacceptable thoughts, and feelings.

These mechanisms often operate unconsciously and can significantly influence behavior and emotional responses.

James F. Masterson, a pioneering figure in the field of psychiatry, has made substantial contributions to understanding defense mechanisms, particularly in the context of personality disorders.

This post considers Masterson's insights on defense mechanisms, exploring how they manifest and affect human lives impacted by “personality disorders.”

James F. Masterson, a pioneering figure in the field of psychoanalysis and personality disorders, introduced the concept of Self-Activation as a critical component in understanding and treating personality disorders, particularly Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD).

As a marriage and family therapist, it’s helpful to grasp Masterson’s ideas on self-activation to effectively support clients struggling on the continuum of these complex conditions.

What is Self-Activation?

James F. Masterson, a pioneering figure in the field of psychotherapy, left an indelible mark on the treatment of personality disorders.

His innovative theories, particularly concerning Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD), have significantly influenced contemporary psychotherapeutic practices.

Masterson's contributions are widely recognized, yet his professional journey was not without controversy, notably his conflict with Jay Haley, another influential figure in psychotherapy.

This post considers Masterson's legacy, exploring his groundbreaking theories and his infamous clash with Jay Haley.

Contrary to common misconceptions, folks with Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) can experience meaningful change through dedicated therapy, according to Dr. Elinor Greenberg.

Elinor says that while it’s a challenging process requiring an extensive, long-term commitment, effective treatments do exist.

Here’s a closer look at the 10 stages involved in treating Narcissistic Personality Disorders, highlighting the potential for growth and transformation in her model.

Approximately 16% of people in the United States experience depression at some point in their lives.

New research reveals a startling connection: folks with the lowest quality relationships are at double the risk of developing depression.

Two critical relationship patterns contribute to this increased risk:

Having an unsupportive partner and having a partner under social strain.

Social strain often involves the pressures of working hard to achieve a certain lifestyle, such as owning a house, driving a nice car, or taking vacations.

One fascinating area of study is why some folks are more inclined to believe in conspiracy theories than others.

A recent study published in Evolutionary Behavioral Sciences suggests that childhood adversity plays a significant role. Let's dive into these intriguing findings.

I sometimes encounter questions about how past relationships impact present ones.

A recent study published in Sexuality & Culture dives deep into how people’s sexual histories affect how others perceive them.

The findings reveal some surprising insights into societal perceptions and the enduring power of the sexual double standard (SDS).

Recent research has revealed a troubling connection between high-fat diets and depression.

Fatty acids, when consumed in excess, enter the brain through the bloodstream and accumulate in the hypothalamus, a critical brain region that affects mood regulation.

This buildup interferes with brain signals associated with depression, providing insight into why obesity and depression often coexist.

In a groundbreaking study, mice were fed a diet consisting of 60% saturated and unsaturated fats.

After just three weeks, these mice exhibited signs of depressive behavior.

Greetings, gentle reader! Today, we're diving into the curious world of "dopamine fasting," a trend that might sound like it belongs in a sci-fi novel or a self-help seminar, but is, in fact, a real practice gaining traction in our hyper-connected, dopamine-drenched society.

Dopamine fasting is a practice in which folks intentionally avoid activities that trigger the release of dopamine, the brain's "feel-good" neurotransmitter.

The goal? To reset the brain's reward system, reduce dependence on instant gratification, and, ultimately, regain control over one's life and happiness.

Think of it as a mental detox or a digital sabbatical. But are we misunderstanding the science?