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.

 

Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw

What is Benign Narcissism?

One phenomenon that continues to captivate my interest is the notion of Benign Narcissism.

This term, which used to describe the ability to straddle the line between healthy self-regard and destructive self-obsession, is particularly relevant in the context of American culture.

Let’s consider some of the dynamics of Benign Narcissism and its cultural manifestations and implications for individuals and society.

Read More
Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw

How to Divorce a Psychopath

Divorce is rarely easy, but when your partner is a psychopath, the process can become exponentially more challenging.

Psychopaths, with their lack of empathy, manipulative tendencies, and propensity for causing emotional havoc, present unique hurdles that require strategic planning and a strong support system.

Let’s consider how to go about divorcing a psychopath. Yeah, I’ll discuss the narcissists too…

Read More
Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw

Unpacking the addiction to Online Shopping

Welcome to the 21st century, where your smartphone is your new best friend, and your digital cart is always ready for some action.

As a marriage and family therapist, I've seen the strains that shopping addiction can place on relationships.

So today, let's focus on the folks who can't resist the siren call of a good deal.

Online shopping addiction isn't just about the thrill of the purchase; it's a complex dance with dopamine, the brain's feel-good chemical.

Read More
Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw

Unmasking the Malignant Narcissist: Overt vs. Covert

Narcissism is a term often tossed around casually, but when it comes to Malignant Narcissism, we're delving into a much darker and more complex territory.

In the realm of Malignant Narcissists, there are two primary types: Overt and Covert.

Each type presents its own unique challenges and requires different strategies for coping and understanding.

Read More
Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw

The Dynamics of a Malignant Narcissist

In the field of Marriage and Family Therapy, few conditions are as complex and destructive as Malignant Narcissism.

As a couples therapist, I've witnessed the profound impact this personality disorder can have on relationships, families, and individuals.

Understanding the dynamics of a Malignant Narcissist is essential for anyone trying to navigate the tumultuous waters of such a relationship.

Let’s briefly overview the characteristics, behaviors, and impacts of Malignant Narcissism, all while reflecting on broader questions about the direction of the human experiment.

Read More
Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw

The Covert Narcissist husband…7 tell-tale signs

In this post, I’ll describe both the 5 traits of a covert narcissist as well as subtypes and how these traits show up in marriage.

We’ll talk about why the covert narcissist is so hard to recognize because their wives complain that they appear so “nice” and “humble” and even anxious to please.

They seem to care about what other people think of them and they appear so helpful, and yet the Covert Narcissist is just a less happy and more complicated version of the NPD.

Read More
Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw

The Covert Narcissist Code: 26 Ways to decode your spouse's sneaky behavior

Welcome, gentle readers, to a guide that might just save your sanity (and your marriage)!

As a couples therapist, I've seen my fair share of narcissistic behavior, especially the sneaky kind.

Covert Narcissists can be charming on the surface but manipulative underneath, making them tricky to spot.

But fear not, I'm here to help you navigate these murky waters with 26 telltale signs that your spouse might be a Covert Narcissist.

Read More
Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw

What is entraining a narcissist?

Entraining a narcissist refers to the process of synchronizing their behavior, thoughts, or emotions with those of another person or a group.

This concept is often used in the context of managing or influencing the behavior of someone with narcissistic traits.

Here's a more detailed explanation…

Read More