Daniel Marston, PhD, ABPP
@drdanmarston.bsky.social
Clinical psychologist | Author | Grad school professor | Blogger | Exploring the intersection of clinical & comparative psychology | ABA specialist | Researching behavior to inspire change
For psychotherapy to be truly effective, psychological research must be objective and free from biases. Only by grounding treatment in unbiased science can we ensure we’re providing the best care for every individual.
January 23, 2025 at 2:08 PM
For psychotherapy to be truly effective, psychological research must be objective and free from biases. Only by grounding treatment in unbiased science can we ensure we’re providing the best care for every individual.
Culture shapes behavior, but did you know it's a two-way street? New insights show how cultural learning influences minds AND how our minds evolve to adapt to culture. For therapists, this means understanding cultural context is key to effective practice.
January 22, 2025 at 5:15 PM
Culture shapes behavior, but did you know it's a two-way street? New insights show how cultural learning influences minds AND how our minds evolve to adapt to culture. For therapists, this means understanding cultural context is key to effective practice.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy isn’t about choosing logic over emotions or vice versa. It’s about helping the rational and emotional parts of the brain collaborate—so you can think clearly and feel deeply without being overwhelmed by either.
January 16, 2025 at 1:22 PM
Cognitive-behavioral therapy isn’t about choosing logic over emotions or vice versa. It’s about helping the rational and emotional parts of the brain collaborate—so you can think clearly and feel deeply without being overwhelmed by either.
Emotional growth starts with flexible thinking. If emotions are seen as "all good" or "all bad," psychodynamic insights can fall flat. CBT helps shift this rigid mindset, paving the way for deeper emotional acceptance and lasting change.
January 15, 2025 at 5:57 PM
Emotional growth starts with flexible thinking. If emotions are seen as "all good" or "all bad," psychodynamic insights can fall flat. CBT helps shift this rigid mindset, paving the way for deeper emotional acceptance and lasting change.
Psychotherapy thrives when it taps into the power of social learning—what we model, teach, & share in session becomes the seeds for personal growth. Culture shapes us, but we can shape ourselves too.
January 13, 2025 at 5:34 PM
Psychotherapy thrives when it taps into the power of social learning—what we model, teach, & share in session becomes the seeds for personal growth. Culture shapes us, but we can shape ourselves too.
Understanding social evolution helps therapists see the "why" behind human behavior. When we grasp how our brains and emotions evolved for connection and survival, we can guide clients toward healthier, more adaptive patterns.
January 13, 2025 at 12:34 AM
Understanding social evolution helps therapists see the "why" behind human behavior. When we grasp how our brains and emotions evolved for connection and survival, we can guide clients toward healthier, more adaptive patterns.
Ever wonder how humans find meaning and purpose? Look to the animal kingdom. From complex social bonds to problem-solving for survival, animals remind us that purpose often emerges from connection, adaptation, and the drive to thrive.
January 10, 2025 at 1:43 PM
Ever wonder how humans find meaning and purpose? Look to the animal kingdom. From complex social bonds to problem-solving for survival, animals remind us that purpose often emerges from connection, adaptation, and the drive to thrive.
Eco-therapy taps into our animal instincts, grounding us in nature's rhythms. Paradoxically, it also deepens our humanity—helping us connect, reflect, and grow in ways only humans can.
January 9, 2025 at 10:49 PM
Eco-therapy taps into our animal instincts, grounding us in nature's rhythms. Paradoxically, it also deepens our humanity—helping us connect, reflect, and grow in ways only humans can.
Humans gambling at a casino and birds taking risky dives for food share a common thread: the thrill of uncertainty. From ancient instincts to modern slot machines, the gamble is rooted in the primal drive for reward.
January 7, 2025 at 3:24 AM
Humans gambling at a casino and birds taking risky dives for food share a common thread: the thrill of uncertainty. From ancient instincts to modern slot machines, the gamble is rooted in the primal drive for reward.
Humans aren't alone in chasing 'why.' Just as we seek causality to make sense of the world, animals follow instincts to uncover patterns—like birds tracking seasons or chimps using tools. The drive to connect cause and effect is a shared thread in nature’s survival playbook.
January 4, 2025 at 5:10 PM
Humans aren't alone in chasing 'why.' Just as we seek causality to make sense of the world, animals follow instincts to uncover patterns—like birds tracking seasons or chimps using tools. The drive to connect cause and effect is a shared thread in nature’s survival playbook.
Humans are wired to seek causality—it's in our nature to connect the dots, uncover 'why,' and make sense of the chaos. From ancient myths to modern science, the drive to understand cause and effect shapes our stories, discoveries, and progress.
January 4, 2025 at 5:09 PM
Humans are wired to seek causality—it's in our nature to connect the dots, uncover 'why,' and make sense of the chaos. From ancient myths to modern science, the drive to understand cause and effect shapes our stories, discoveries, and progress.
In behavioral psychology it is useful to note difference between drives and instincts.Drives push animals to act to satisfy internal needs, while instincts guide specific, pre-programmed actions (like a bird building a nest). Drives are about 'why,' instincts are about 'how.
January 3, 2025 at 8:04 PM
In behavioral psychology it is useful to note difference between drives and instincts.Drives push animals to act to satisfy internal needs, while instincts guide specific, pre-programmed actions (like a bird building a nest). Drives are about 'why,' instincts are about 'how.
Eye contact: a powerful nonverbal cue shared by humans and animals. In wolves, it asserts dominance; in humans, it builds trust (or tension). The eyes truly are windows to intent.
December 31, 2024 at 1:09 PM
Eye contact: a powerful nonverbal cue shared by humans and animals. In wolves, it asserts dominance; in humans, it builds trust (or tension). The eyes truly are windows to intent.
Instincts are nature's wisdom, honed over millennia. Animals respond swiftly and effectively to survive. Sometimes, overthinking leads humans astray—reminding us that instinct can be just as powerful as planning.
December 29, 2024 at 4:05 PM
Instincts are nature's wisdom, honed over millennia. Animals respond swiftly and effectively to survive. Sometimes, overthinking leads humans astray—reminding us that instinct can be just as powerful as planning.
Humans grasp cause and effect, shaping the world with tools, plans, and innovation. Animals, while capable of learning patterns, often respond instinctively. This difference defines our impact on the planet—and our responsibility to understand it.
December 29, 2024 at 4:05 PM
Humans grasp cause and effect, shaping the world with tools, plans, and innovation. Animals, while capable of learning patterns, often respond instinctively. This difference defines our impact on the planet—and our responsibility to understand it.
Reposted by Daniel Marston, PhD, ABPP
BBC article referencing some of the work on social prescribing and the benefits of nature.
bbc.com/future/artic...
bbc.com/future/artic...
Bat-watching, beach explorations and 'sniff' walks: How nature can provide a tonic for loneliness
There is an ever-growing list of the benefits of nature prescriptions – now researchers say nature could offer a cure for loneliness too.
bbc.com
December 27, 2024 at 6:37 PM
BBC article referencing some of the work on social prescribing and the benefits of nature.
bbc.com/future/artic...
bbc.com/future/artic...
Studies show many animals grasp cause-effect relationships in specific contexts, like using tools or problem-solving. But full abstract understanding like humans? That's still up for debate!#ComparativePsychology
December 28, 2024 at 3:32 AM
Studies show many animals grasp cause-effect relationships in specific contexts, like using tools or problem-solving. But full abstract understanding like humans? That's still up for debate!#ComparativePsychology
Studies show that threatening dream content is disproportionately common. This may stem from an evolutionary need to practice dealing with predators, adversaries, or other dangers, thereby enhancing preparedness for real-life threats.
December 26, 2024 at 4:21 PM
Studies show that threatening dream content is disproportionately common. This may stem from an evolutionary need to practice dealing with predators, adversaries, or other dangers, thereby enhancing preparedness for real-life threats.
Psychotherapy isn’t about ‘getting over it.’ It’s about learning to adapt, heal, and grow through the changes life throws at you. Progress isn’t forgetting the pain—it’s building a life around it.
December 26, 2024 at 4:09 PM
Psychotherapy isn’t about ‘getting over it.’ It’s about learning to adapt, heal, and grow through the changes life throws at you. Progress isn’t forgetting the pain—it’s building a life around it.
Reposted by Daniel Marston, PhD, ABPP
Are you familiar with the growing body of research on how climate change is reshaping birds' bodies? Here's a great overview of how this trend is playing out in Australia. #ornithology
Shrinking wings, bigger beaks: birds are reshaping themselves in a warming world
Beak sizes increase, and body sizes decrease - but why? How we are slowly unravelling the mystery behind changing body shapes in Australian birds.
theconversation.com
December 26, 2024 at 4:00 PM
Are you familiar with the growing body of research on how climate change is reshaping birds' bodies? Here's a great overview of how this trend is playing out in Australia. #ornithology
Why do we dream? Research on animals reveals it's more than just imagination. Dreams may help process emotions, consolidate memories, and even simulate future challenges. A mental dress rehearsal for life!#ComparativePsychology
December 26, 2024 at 1:46 PM
Why do we dream? Research on animals reveals it's more than just imagination. Dreams may help process emotions, consolidate memories, and even simulate future challenges. A mental dress rehearsal for life!#ComparativePsychology
As we enter this holiday season remember that getting along with others is not always necessary. Human and nonhuman animal research shows having others in our life is not always better than being by ourselves. Depends on the quality of the others.#ComparativePsychology
December 24, 2024 at 7:48 PM
As we enter this holiday season remember that getting along with others is not always necessary. Human and nonhuman animal research shows having others in our life is not always better than being by ourselves. Depends on the quality of the others.#ComparativePsychology
Ethological research reveals behavior as it naturally occurs, offering deeper insights into animals (and humans!) in real-world contexts. Lab experiments may isolate variables, but they often miss the complexity of life.#ComparativePsychology
December 23, 2024 at 2:05 PM
Ethological research reveals behavior as it naturally occurs, offering deeper insights into animals (and humans!) in real-world contexts. Lab experiments may isolate variables, but they often miss the complexity of life.#ComparativePsychology
December 21, 2024 at 5:41 PM