
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
The power of a genuine smile: How to be more likable in a tough world
Ever wondered how to make people instantly like you? It turns out that the secret might be simpler than you think.
Research reveals that smiling is one of the best ways to win people over.
But here’s the kicker: it has to be a real smile, what psychologists call a ‘Duchenne smile.’
What’s so special about a Duchene smile?
Riding the emotional rollercoaster: What happens when you say goodbye to antidepressants?
A recent study reveals the social and emotional upheavals that accompany the physical symptoms of withdrawing from these medications.
As anyone who has tried to stop antidepressants knows, the process isn't always smooth sailing.
Anxiety, dizziness, headaches, and nausea are just the tip of the iceberg. The study found that these physical symptoms are often accompanied by social and emotional difficulties.
How cognitive abilities are changing across generations
Recent research reveals a fascinating trend: the cognitive abilities of older generations are improving compared to younger ones.
Evidence from 60 studies suggests that older adults today have better cognitive skills than their grandparents did at the same age.
Meanwhile, younger people's cognitive abilities have shown little improvement over recent decades.
Let's dive into why this is happening, what it means for both the young and the old, and the broader implications of these findings.
5 Reasons why date night is important
Date nights foster an abiding sense of “couplehood.” The deliberate planning and pursuit of date night allow partners to choose one another—in front of friends and family.
Choose to read this post, and discover the science behind date night…
Lesbian & gay couples therapy
Research suggests that same-sex couples are gentler to each other when they fight (Gottman et al. 2003).
Gottman’s research tells us that lesbian couples and gay men use more humor and kindness when bringing up a disagreement, and they’re more positive as they engage in disagreement with one another. Here’s why…
Can even only moderate levels of exercise improve your personality? Yup.
Regular exercise doesn't just boost your health; it can also transform your personality for the better.
Research shows that moderate exercise can make people more extraverted and agreeable. Let’s jump in!
So, if your partner's a bit grumpy, maybe a jog around the block could help! Let's dive into how these habits are initiated and the benefits they bring.
The impact of sleep deprivation on relationships and society
How does lack of sleep affect relationships and social connections?
As a couples therapist, it's crucial to recognize how various aspects of health, including sleep, impact relationships.
Research shows that around half of people in developed societies do not get enough sleep. This lack of sleep does more than just affect individual well-being—it significantly impacts relationships and societal interactions.
The simple activity that reduces depression and blood pressure
Did you know that spending just 30 minutes a week in a park can significantly boost your mental health and lower your blood pressure?
Australian researchers have uncovered compelling evidence that frequent visits to green spaces are linked to better mental and physical health.
What’s money got to do with it? The art of financial harmony in relationships
When it comes to sustaining a happy, long-term romantic relationship, many factors come into play – mutual respect, shared values, open communication, and of course, love and attraction.
But one area that often gets overlooked, despite being an essential component of a couple’s long-term success and mental wellbeing, is financial compatibility.
Money matters can make or break a relationship, especially when partners come from different socioeconomic backgrounds or have vastly different financial habits, goals, and expectations.
Boost your mood and health: the power of choir singing
Did you know that singing in a choir for just one hour can significantly improve your mood, reduce stress, and even enhance your immune system?
According to a study, this uplifting activity offers numerous psychological and physical health benefits, particularly for those affected by cancer.
What form of stress ages you the most?
As a couples therapist, I've seen firsthand how stress can permeate every aspect of our lives, affecting not only our relationships but also our physical appearance.
Among the various types of stress, financial stress seems to take the greatest toll on our looks.
A compelling study led by Professor Margie Lachman sheds light on this issue, revealing that financial stress accelerates the aging process more than any other type of stress.
15 Amazing questions to ask before you get married
Here are 15 powerful questions to ask before you consider any change in your relationship.
These questions can encourage deep and intimate conversations that may clarify and reassure you about the decisions you will make about and with your life partner.