Emotional intelligence isn’t something we’re born with—it’s something we learn and practice over time. As a parent, you have the opportunity to help your child develop these skills by modeling emotional awareness, empathy, and healthy communication. Let’s explore how you can build emotional intelligence in your family and why it’s one of the greatest gifts you can give.

If you come from a narcissistic or emotionally immature family system, then you already know the storm I’m talking about. The one that shows up around holidays, hospital visits, family dinners, or even text threads. It’s that invisible tripwire that sends your nervous system into chaos—making you feel like a powerless child again.

That’s why I created the Family Triggers Recovery Map. It’s not about fixing your family. It’s about staying rooted in yourself, even when the chaos erupts around you.

Narcissism, often marked by grandiosity, a persistent need for admiration, and a lack of empathy, can significantly affect how individuals experience life and interact with others. 

While overcoming narcissistic traits can be a daunting journey, coaching provides a supportive and empowering framework that facilitates meaningful growth and transformation. 

That’s why we use therapy and coaching when working with emotional processes that need nurturing to mature. We humans do grow with our role models, if that didn’t happen fully during the youngest years, then it takes awareness, intention, and support to foster change as an adult. 

I’m Darren, a therapist and fellow traveler on the journey of living with ADHD. As someone who has navigated the ups and downs of this experience, I truly understand the unique challenges and strengths that come with it. My personal journey has shaped my professional approach, allowing me to create a safe, empathetic environment where we can explore your thoughts and feelings together.

In my practice, I often reflect on the insights I’ve gained living with ADHD, and I want to share them with you. 

As a therapist working with trauma, emotional development, and relational healing, I often reflect on how large systems — political, cultural, and spiritual — affect our mental health and our capacity for connection.

This reflection was inspired by the audio edition of On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century by Timothy Snyder, powerfully narrated by John Lithgow. Listening to these lessons read aloud adds a deep emotional resonance that is both sobering and motivating. Highly recommended.

Narcissism hides in plain sight—sometimes as charm, sometimes as sacrifice. Here’s how to recognize it and begin the journey back to truth.

Narcissism often looks like charm, success, or victimhood. Learn how to recognize it in daily life and begin your healing journey.

ADHD traits can resemble narcissism—but they come from pain, not power. Here’s how to tell the difference and begin healing.

ADHD traits can mimic narcissism and make abuse harder to leave. Learn how compassion, awareness, and support open pathways to healing.

Narcissism isn’t vanity—it’s an attachment wound. Healing begins by repairing the mirrors that once distorted our worth.

Narcissism is not vanity but an attachment wound. Explore how early caregiving shapes defenses, and how connection repairs what was lost.

Narcissism isn’t cruelty—it’s stunted emotional growth. Healing begins with compassion, co-regulation, and safe relationships.

Narcissism often grows from emotional immaturity, not malice. Discover how healing happens through safety, empathy, and relational repair.

Narcissism isn’t just ego—it’s an adaptation to pain. Here’s how we all carry it, and how recovery begins with compassion, not shame.

Trust is essential to meaningful relationships, but narcissism can disrupt the ability to trust others—and even oneself. This article explores how narcissistic patterns, often rooted in fear and insecurity, erode emotional connection and self-trust. Learn how therapy can help individuals break the cycle and build relationships grounded in authenticity, empathy, and emotional safety.

Psychology Today highlights how narcissistic behaviors are often linked to deeper emotional wounds, including fear of vulnerability and challenges with self-trust. These issues can create significant barriers to forming authentic relationships. With the support of therapy, individuals can begin to understand these patterns, foster empathy, and rebuild trust in themselves and others—paving the way for more meaningful connections.

Trust is essential to meaningful relationships, but narcissism can disrupt the ability to trust others—and even oneself. This article explores how narcissistic patterns, often rooted in fear and insecurity, erode emotional connection and self-trust. Learn how therapy can help individuals break the cycle and build relationships grounded in authenticity, empathy, and emotional safety.

Psychology Today highlights how narcissistic behaviors are often linked to deeper emotional wounds, including fear of vulnerability and challenges with self-trust. These issues can create significant barriers to forming authentic relationships. With the support of therapy, individuals can begin to understand these patterns, foster empathy, and rebuild trust in themselves and others—paving the way for more meaningful connections.

Male depression doesn’t always look like sadness. It can show up as irritability, emotional withdrawal, overworking, or risky behavior. Many men cope silently due to societal pressure to appear strong. This article breaks down the lesser-known signs of male depression, includes a quiz for reflection, and encourages seeking help without shame.

According to Psychology Today, men are less likely to recognize or talk about their emotional struggles. This can lead to untreated depression that affects relationships, work, and personal well-being. Understanding the unique ways depression shows up in men is a crucial first step toward real healing.