Blog
13 Jan Paying Attention to Someone Else’s Needs or Feelings at the Expense of My Own: Reflections on Codependency
Posted at 1:36 pm in Couples Therapy by jlbworks
“But my poor Saul, there’s no help for you, you’re heading straight for it. What about all those marvelous people we know, aged about fifty or sixty? Well, there are a few of them…marvelous, mature, wise people. Real people, the phrase is, radiating serenity. And how did they get to be that way? Well, we know, don’t we? Every bloody one of them’s got a history of emotional crime, oh the sad bleedi…
30 Dec Navigating Marriage in a World of Social Media
Posted at 12:23 pm in Couples Therapy by jlbworks
It’s no secret that social media is a constant presence in our lives. From sharing milestones to staying connected with loved ones, platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok have revolutionized how we interact. But for marriages, the constant comparison game on social media can be a breeding ground for insecurity and discontent. Dr. Phil Chanin, a licensed Marriage Psychologist in Nashville,…
02 Dec Considering the Following Proposition: “Incompatibility is the Natural State of Committed Couples”
Posted at 9:29 am in Uncategorized by jlbworks
“Romantic Love is supposed to end. Its purpose is to bond two incompatible people. Incompatibility is the natural state of committed couples…The very experience of being ‘driven crazy’ forces change because loving someone who infuriates and confounds us is intolerable. This is a relatively new idea, that continuing to love and grow with the one who pushes our crazy buttons is a right and good t…
21 Nov The Relationship Between Gaslighting and Narcissistic Personality Disorder
Posted at 8:43 am in Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) by jlbworks
Have you ever been in a situation where you questioned your own sanity? Where you clearly remember an event, but the person you were with insists it never happened, or that your memory is faulty? This confusing and disorienting experience could be a sign of gaslighting, a manipulative tactic often used by individuals with Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). When paired with Narcissistic Perso…
24 Oct How Do You Learn to Listen to Your Intuition?
Posted at 11:10 am in Couples Therapy by jlbworks
Sometimes, in a struggling relationship, the voice of reason can get drowned out by a chorus of “shoulds” and societal pressures. But amidst the confusion, there’s a powerful inner guide waiting to be heard: your intuition. Intuition, also known as gut instinct, is a form of subconscious intelligence that draws from past experiences, observations, and even emotional cues. It can nudge you in the r…
30 Sep How Does a Narcissist End a Marriage? 5 Signs to Watch For
Posted at 11:23 am in Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) by jlbworks
Navigating the complexities of a relationship with someone who has narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) can be emotionally exhausting. Narcissists often lack empathy, crave constant validation, and can manipulate situations to their advantage. When it comes to ending a marriage, the process can be especially difficult, as their approach may be damaging and abrupt. If you’re dealing with a narc…
03 Sep Why You Should Hate Your Children: Reflections on How Having and Raising Children Often Erodes a Couple’s Erotic Life and Sexual Desire
Posted at 10:10 am in Couples Therapy by jlbworks
By Philip Chanin, Ed.D., ABPP, CGP Board Certified Clinical Psychologist Assistant Clinical Professor, Department of Psychiatry Vanderbilt University Medical Center www.drphilchanin.com philchanin@gmail.com “Having children eviscerates romance…In most of the families I have encountered, during the child-raising years—which is quite a stretch by any account—the couple’s relationship is, candidly, l…
28 Aug Facts About Suicide in the US: When to Seek Help for Depression
Posted at 3:30 pm in Depression Treatment, Individual Therapy by jlbworks
Suicide is a profound public health issue that affects individuals, families, and communities across the United States. Despite growing awareness, the statistics surrounding suicide remain deeply concerning. According to data from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the U.S., claiming the lives of over 49,000 people in 2022. Dr. Phi…
25 Jul 7 Ways to Deal When a Narcissist Calls You a Narcissist
Posted at 3:28 pm in Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) by jlbworks
Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is a mental condition where a person has an inflated sense of their own importance, a deep need for excessive attention and admiration, and a lack of empathy for others. Being accused of being a narcissist by an actual narcissist can be a confusing and distressing experience, a tactic that is often a form of projection, where the accuser attributes their own…
20 Jun How Mental Trauma Passes From One Generation to The Next
Posted at 9:09 am in Individual Therapy by jlbworks
Mental trauma is a widespread issue that deeply affects not only individuals but also their families. In fact, studies show that about 40% to 50% of people face adversity during childhood, which increases the risk of physical and emotional challenges later in life. The way trauma gets passed from one generation to the next is a growing concern in clinical psychology. Dr. Phil Chanin, a licensed c…