A Date With Darkness Podcast

Ernesto Segismundo Jr., LMFT and owner of CAV Family Therapy joins us on the couch today and discusses the ever popular question: should you explore couples counseling if your partner is narcissistic? Ernesto discusses how he works with couples when one partner is narcissistic, using positive psychology treatment modality. He also explains the spectrum of narcissism, and when therapy for the couple is not recommended. To contact Ernesto Segismudo Jr., LMFT visit: www.cavfamilytherapy.com

This episode is dedicated to those who don't have a relationship with their mother, or their relationship with their mother is toxic. I discuss how to cope with the pain of Mother's Day. We review several basic and advanced coping skills for dealing with the pain that arises on this day.

Marline Francois-Madden, LCSW joins us on the couch today and she discusses the importance of parents educating their teenagers about healthy and abusive relationships. Marline discusses why parents should be involved in their child's dating life, recognize the signs of violence with their teen, and also offers her perspective on what healthy boundaries look like between parents and teenagers. Contact Marline Francois-Madden, LCSW www.marlinefrancois.com

Jaynay Johnson, LMFT owner of Teen Talk Therapy joins us on the couch to discuss her passion for working with teenage girls of color. Jaynay discusses the importance of spending quality time with teenage girls and discussing relationships and feelings that young girls can experience while dating. More importantly, Jaynay educates on why calling young black girls "fast" and "grown" for having intimate feelings towards someone does more harm than good Contact Jaynay Johnson, LMFT at: www.teentherapytalk.com

Marquita Johnson, LPC and owner of Millennial Dating Coach joins us on the couch today to discuss how we can get ourselves back into the dating pool after leaving an emotionally unhealthy relationship. Marquita discusses manifesting, and how the energy you put out into the universe will draw in a partner. She gives us the breakdown on dating sites and apps that she finds useful. Marquita also gives her advice on things we can do to screen out manipulative and untrustworthy partner potentials while dating.

Sharon Martin, LCSW and I have a much needed chat on codependency. Ms. Martin, spends a lot of time writing about and discussing codependency and offers a refreshing perspective on why codependency teaches us valuable lessons.

Today's episode features Zeahlot Lopez, LMFT, LPCC who is the owner of Vida Therapy in California. I had a lot of fun talking with her about how we can and should love and validate ourselves before entering any relationships. Ms. Lopez provides excellent tips and suggestions on small ways we can regularly show ourselves love! She elaborates on why loving on yourself is essential and vital to your mental health.

Dr. Jonathan Lassiter, PhD., who is a scholarly author, professor, and private practice owner joins us today on the couch. Dr. Lassiter, discusses the evolution and causes of narcissism in gay black men. He also offers an engaging dialogue on how society can help address some of the struggles in the black same sex same gender loving community.

This is the 3rd episode of the Dangerous In Love Series, and in this episode I discuss the phenomenon of ghosting - or when things in your relationship come to an abrupt halt for no rhyme or reason and your partner is MIA. What happened? In this episode, I discuss ghosting, why it occurs, and why you should immediately move on past the relationship when you experience it. This episode was also originally recorded as an Instagram and Facebook live video on the podcast page!

This is the 2nd episode of the Dangerous In Love Series, and in this episode I discuss gaslighting. The explanation and origin of gaslighting is explored as well as tactics used, and also discussion about how to recover from gaslighting. This episode was also originally recorded as an Instagram and Facebook live video on the podcast page!

This episode is the first in my Dangerous Love Series, where I discuss manipulation tactics that narcissists use to maintain control in abusive relationships. In this episode, I give a broad over view of common abusive tactics used by narcissists. The episode is also unique in that it was featured first on Facebook and Instagram live!

Dr. Laurie Mintz, LP who is in private practice, a professor for the University of Florida, author of Becoming Cliterate & A Tired Woman's Guide To Passionate Sex joins us on the couch today to discuss the importance and the stigma around a women's sexual pleasure. Dr. Laurie breaks discusses why female sexual satisfaction is often overlooked, and what we can do to address it. Lastly, she discusses why you should run as fast as you can when your partner is not concerned with your sexual satisfaction!

Shayla Tumbling, MS, LPC-A and I discuss how non-platonic touch can help with regulating your emotions and mood. She discusses her experience as a professional cuddler and how she teach people how to touch her and themselves in a non-sexual manner. We explore how platonic touch aides in helping us have healthier relationships.

I am joined by Dr. Carmen Roman, PhD., who is the host of Emotions In Harmony Podcast, and who also specializes in working with Latino families who have experienced trauma. Dr. Carmen discusses how a narcissistic parent influences the family dynamics. A phenomenon develops where the non-narcissistic parent is neglected and seen as the bad guy through the eyes of the family.

Shena Tubbs, LPC, CSAT-C, trauma recovery coach, host of the Love Junkie podcast, and owner of Black Girls Heal in Houston, TX joins us today to discuss love addiction, problems with intimacy, and sexual anorexia. Shena Tubbs specializes in working with African American women and helping them understand how their early childhood experiences have shaped their ideas about love, intimacy, and sex.