As a science-based couples therapist, I see various manipulative behaviors that can damage relationships.

One emerging trend that encapsulates multiple toxic tactics is known as spider-webbing. This term, popularized by dating expert Emma Hathorn, describes a collection of manipulative strategies designed to ensnare a partner in a web of deceit.

Let’s discuss the specifics of spider-webbing, exploring its impact and how to recognize and address it in relationships.

Jessica thought she'd struck gold. Her date, Mike, openly discussed his extensive experience in therapy, and she was impressed.

Fast forward a few months, and Jessica, a 32-year-old marketing manager from Boston, caught feelings. They became boyfriend and girlfriend.

But, like a bad plot twist, years into their relationship, she discovered he had a "huge coke addiction" and had grossly exaggerated his therapy experience.

“He’d been referred to a counselor for six sessions and only went to about two,” said Jessica.

What is therapy-baiting?

Getting discarded by a narcissist is like being ejected from a ride you didn’t even realize you were on.

One moment, you’re their everything, and the next, you’re wondering what hit you.

Here’s a deeper dive into 7 reasons a narcissist might decide to discard you.

Narcissism, often viewed through the lens of grandiosity and self-absorption, is a complex personality trait that can significantly impact interpersonal relationships and overall well-being.

For those wondering "how to stop being a narcissist," understanding the roots of narcissistic behavior and exploring effective treatment methods is crucial.

This discussion will consider the psychoanalytical tradition of long-term talk therapy and compare it with treatment approaches implied by Dr. Craig Malkin’s work.

We’ll also examine how narcissism has become a cultural frame, gnawing away at our collective empathy.

Narcissists are known for their cunning ability to charm, manipulate, and influence those around them.

Their survival strategy revolves around acquiring narcissistic supply, which comes from the admiration, attention, and validation they receive from others.

However, not everyone is susceptible to their tactics.

In fact, there are two distinct types of folks that narcissists tend to avoid like the plague: those with strong discernment and those who are self-sustaining.

Let’s explore why these two groups are the kryptonite to a narcissist’s manipulative superpowers, with insights from thought leaders in psychology and relationships.

The cessation of sexual activity in a relationship with a narcissist is really not all that complicated.

Narcissists often exhibit behaviors that can be confusing and hurtful, particularly in intimate relationships.

Understanding why a narcissist might stop having sex with their partner requires only a brief reminder of their psychological makeup, relationship dynamics, and the impact on the non-narcissistic partner. Narcissists are usually quite predictable.

Is your wife a mystery wrapped in an enigma and topped with a sprinkle of chaos? You might be dealing with a narcissistic spouse.

Understanding these traits can help you navigate the emotional minefield with a little more ease and humor.

Here are 13 signs to watch out for…buckle up!

It’s fascinating how some people, blessed with health, success, and relative happiness, still manage to lament about being unfairly treated. Psychological research offers an intriguing explanation for this phenomenon.

Introducing the ‘Headwind Effect’ Dr. Shai Davidai and Professor Thomas Gilovich have termed this fascinating discovery the ‘headwinds/tailwinds asymmetry.’

It’s like riding a bicycle: you hardly notice the wind at your back but grumble incessantly about every gust in your face.

Our minds, it seems, are magnetically drawn to the barriers we encounter, making obstacles feel more prominent than our advantages.

Here are some eye-opening practical consequences

Today, more than 25% of the world’s population reports negative feelings, such as sadness, social isolation, and loneliness.

In turn, more than 150,000 people between the ages of 15 and 29 die by suicide each year, according to data from the World Health Organization.

Although it may seem hard to believe, climate change is a direct threat that can increase these figures.

Let’s learn why…

Welcome, gentle readers, to the mystifying, sometimes maddening, and often hilarious landscape of human relationships.

As a science-based couples therapist, I have seen it all: the good, the bad, and the downright ridiculous.

Today, submitted for your approval, are the "10 Laws of Human Relational Stupidity" because sometimes, understanding what not to do can be just as enlightening as knowing what to do.

Verbal abuse, characterized by the use of language to demean, belittle, or control another person, can have profound psychological effects.

While the emotional and mental harm caused by verbal abuse is indisputable, whether it constitutes a crime depends largely on jurisdictional laws and specific circumstances.

This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of verbal abuse, exploring its implications, legal status, cultural differences, and related concepts.

Recent research reveals that experiencing significant stress over a lifetime is linked to decreased functionality of key brain cells.

This study highlights a biological connection between our life experiences and physical changes in the brain, specifically focusing on the impact of psychosocial stress on brain cell mitochondria.

This is how neurosciences describe Developmental Trauma.