Understanding Love: A Therapeutic Look at Sternberg’s Triangular Theory As a counselor, love is a topic that finds its way into many sessions—whether it’s the absence of it, the complexity of it, or the pain of watching it change. One of the most helpful models I’ve come across, both for understanding my own relationships and helping clients reflect on theirs, is Robert Sternberg’s Triangular Theory of Love. This theory breaks love down into three fundamental components: intimacy, passion, and commitment. Each can exist independently, in pairs, or all together. The shape of a person’s “love triangle” helps us make sense […]
Narcissism, Machiavellianism, and Psychopathy: Understanding the Dark Triad in Clinical Practice
Narcissism, Machiavellianism, and Psychopathy: Understanding the Dark Triad in Clinical Practice In therapy sessions, especially in the context of sexual addiction and betrayal trauma, we often encounter deeply ingrained relational dysfunctions that go far beyond surface-level behavior. These patterns—manipulation, emotional detachment, and domination—are not random. They often stem from personality traits collectively known as The Dark Triad: Narcissism, Machiavellianism, and Psychopathy. While they share common features like lack of empathy and a tendency to exploit others, they are distinct constructs with unique clinical presentations. 1. Narcissism: The Craving for Admiration Definition: Narcissism is marked by a grandiose sense of self-importance, a deep need for admiration, […]
The Impetus and Solution to Divorce in Modern Culture
The Impetus and Solution to Divorce in Modern Culture For most of human history, marriage was not a matter of personal fulfillment — it was a practical alliance. Across approximately 6,000 years, unions were formed based on political strategy, financial gain, family legacy, and social survival. Love, as we now understand it, rarely factored into the decision. Only within the past 150 years has the notion of marrying for love gained cultural traction. The emergence of romantic ideals — popularized by literature such as Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice — signaled a shift in societal expectations. For the first time, […]