• Parenting, Resilience, and Emotional Connection: A Conversation with Erica Komisar
    Dec 21 2024

    In this episode, host Daniel Dashnaw speaks with psychoanalyst, parent coach, and author Erica Komisar about the critical role of emotional presence in the early years of child development and the rising challenges of adolescent anxiety in today’s world. Erica shares practical, research-backed strategies for parents to foster healthy attachment, recognize anxiety, and build resilience in their children.


    Key Takeaways:


    Why the first three years of a child’s life are foundational for emotional and psychological well-being.

    How societal pressures, technology, and changing cultural norms impact family dynamics.

    The role of parental attunement and curiosity in supporting adolescent mental health.

    Practical steps to nurture secure connections and navigate modern stressors.

    Erica’s compassionate approach offers a roadmap for parents, therapists, and caregivers looking to strengthen family bonds amidst the challenges of our fast-paced, often disconnected culture.


    Erica Komisar is the author of Being There and Chicken Little: The Sky Isn’t Falling and a seasoned expert in family mental health, featured in The Wall Street Journal and Thrive Global.


    If you enjoyed this conversation, explore Daniel’s extensive library of blogs on relationship research and family therapy at https://danieldashnawcouplestherapy.com/

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    41 mins
  • Exploring Infidelity in American Culture
    Aug 12 2024

    In this insightful episode of the Better Relationships Through Research podcast, host Daniel Dashnaw delves into the complex and often controversial topic of infidelity in American culture. Drawing from various examples in popular media, Daniel explores how cultural tropes around infidelity have evolved and their impact on societal attitudes and personal relationships.

    Key topics discussed include:

    - The portrayal of infidelity in movies and TV shows like Fatal Attraction and Mad Men.

    - The dichotomy between infidelity as a moral failure and as a quest for personal fulfillment.

    - Gender dynamics and how they shape narratives around cheating in relationships.

    - The historical and social contexts that have influenced American views on fidelity and marriage.

    Daniel challenges listeners to critically examine these cultural narratives and consider how they influence our personal values and relationship choices.

    Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how infidelity is depicted and its broader implications on relationships in society.

    🔔 Subscribe to our channel for more episodes focusing on relationship research and counseling practices!

    #BIPOC #Infidelity #CouplesTherapy #GottmanMethod #Therapy #CulturalSensitivity #RelationshipAdvice

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    5 mins
  • Addressing BIPOC Infidelity with Dr. Vagdevi V. Meunier, PsyD
    Jul 24 2024

    In this episode, we delve deep into the complexities of infidelity within BIPOC relationships and how cultural dynamics shape therapeutic practices. Join host Daniel Dashnaw and special guest Dr. Vagdevi Meunier as they explore the Ecological Couples System Diagram (ECSD), a groundbreaking framework that integrates cultural sensitivity with the Gottman Method to better understand and treat infidelity in BIPOC couples.

    Key topics covered:

    - The role of cultural myths and stereotypes in infidelity

    - How therapists can avoid clinical missteps when working with BIPOC couples

    - The importance of customized training and models in couples therapy

    - Real-life examples of cultural misunderstandings in therapeutic settings

    - Don't miss this insightful conversation aimed at bridging the cultural gaps in therapy and fostering better therapeutic outcomes for BIPOC relationships

    🔔 Subscribe to our channel for more episodes focusing on relationship research and counseling practices!

    #BIPOC #Infidelity #CouplesTherapy #GottmanMethod #Therapy #CulturalSensitivity #RelationshipAdvice

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    40 mins
  • Mona Kay of Neurodiverse Love
    Apr 13 2024

    Join Daniel Dashnaw and Mona Kay on a journey through the intricate landscapes of monotropism, a cognitive process of neurodiverse humans which sometimes challenges a neurotypical partner.

    In this episode, we delve into the challenges and nuances faced by those whose minds tend to focus intensely on a single interest or task for long periods, often making transitions daunting.

    From the struggles of shifting attention to the difficulties of adapting to new environments, Daniel and Mona explore how monotropism shapes everyday experiences.

    Through self-awareness and using a sensory profile, couples can more deeply understand why each of their brains and nervous systems is sensitive. to particular stimuli. Mona will also explain how critical a Sensory Profile can be to helping neurodivergent clients to better describe their emotions.

    Our discussion will also uncover the multifaceted nature of monotropic thinking and its impact on individuals across various neurodivergent profiles.

    But our exploration continues beyond there. We also tackle the vexing issue of transitions—those pivotal moments when monotropic minds can be particularly challenged.

    Mona describes how Neurodiverse communication often goes awry. She advises that the advantages of being brief and "bullet-pointy" as opposed to "paragraphy," will come when we lose the habit of being "hyper-verbal."

    Whether it's transitioning between tasks, environments, or social contexts, we unravel the complexities and offer practical strategies for navigating these transitions with greater ease and confidence. Mona discusses the importance of working with the right therapist. You'll also learn about specific tools, such as Mona's neurodiverse workbook and card deck for couples.

    So, whether you're a neurodivergent partner seeking validation and understanding, a caregiver striving to support your loved one, or simply curious about the fascinating intricacies of the human mind, tune in to gain valuable insights into the problems of monotropism, and the new skill sets to aid transition into a loving neurodiverse relationship.

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    49 mins