Couple Theories: From Darwin to Gottman, 18 Models Explained
Complete map of the major scientific theories of the couple, from Darwin (1859) to Gottman (1994), including Bowlby, Briffault, Trivers, Buss and Helen Fisher.
Read the article →Blog — Psychology and CBT
Articles on relationship psychology, CBT, well-being and personal development.
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Historical PersonalitiesMichael Jackson: How Abandonment Shaped His LifeRead →PsychologieAll Human Emotions: Complete Guide to Primary, Secondary Emotions and Their DyadsRead →RuptureNo Contact: Does It Work for Breakups? What Science SaysRead →Historical PersonalitiesMarilyn Monroe: Unpacking Her Hidden Trauma & LegacyRead →Historical FiguresPablo Escobar: The Psychology of a Megalomaniac Between Terror and CharityRead →PsychologieMonster Romance: Why We're Obsessed with Non-Human LoveRead →
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Anhedonia Test: Measure Your Motivation and Rediscover Pleasure
Discover how to measure anhedonia with validated tests. Assess your capacity to feel pleasure and regain your motivation.
Read the article →CBT Couples Therapy: Complete Walkthrough of a Session
Discover the detailed walkthrough of a CBT couples therapy session. A complete guide from a CBT psychopractitioner in Nantes.
Read the article →My Father Was Absent in Childhood—Does It Really Affect My Romantic Relationships?
Yes—an absent father in childhood can significantly affect adult romantic relationships through trust issues, fear of abandonment, and repeated patterns.
Read the article →Test: Does Paternal Absence Affect Your Romantic Relationships? 18-Question Assessment
Yes, paternal absence, whether physical or emotional, can deeply influence the dynamics of your romantic relationships in adulthood. These patterns can be changed.
Read the article →How to Handle a Breakup When You Have Anxious Attachment
Anxious attachment makes breakups uniquely painful. Learn key strategies for self-compassion, no contact, and rebuilding inner security after a breakup.
Read the article →Test: Is Your Anxious Attachment Complicating Your Breakup? 22-Question Assessment
During a breakup, an anxious attachment style can intensify the pain, confusion and feeling of abandonment, making the healing process particularly hard.
Read the article →I'm Emotionally Dependent—Can CBT Help Me Heal?
Yes—CBT can transform emotional dependency patterns and rebuild relational autonomy by reshaping thoughts, emotions, and behaviors at their root.
Read the article →Test: Does Childhood Trauma Impact Your Adult Life? 24-Question ACE Assessment
Yes, trauma experienced during childhood can have profound and lasting repercussions on adult life, influencing our emotional well-being and our relationships.
Read the article →Does CBT Work for Childhood Trauma from Absent Parents?
Yes—Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is highly effective for childhood trauma from parental absence, helping reshape dysfunctional patterns and rebuild self-esteem.
Read the article →The Downward Arrow Technique: Uncover Your Core Beliefs
Discover the downward arrow technique in CBT to identify and transform your deep limiting beliefs.
Read the article →Dysthymia: Test and Diagnosis of Chronic Depression
Discover the validated tests to recognize dysthymia, this form of chronic depression that affects 3% of the adult population.
Read the article →Dysthymia: Tests & Diagnosis for Persistent Depressive Disorder
Discover validated tests to recognize dysthymia, a chronic form of depression affecting 3% of adults. Learn about diagnosis and effective treatments.
Read the article →Dysthymia: Understanding, Testing, and Diagnosing Chronic Depression
Discover validated tests to recognize dysthymia, a chronic form of depression affecting 3% of adults. Learn about diagnosis and treatment.
Read the article →Test: How Emotionally Dependent Are You? 25-Item Assessment Inspired by Beattie
Emotional dependence is a complex relational pattern where self-esteem rests excessively on the approval of others, often leading to suffering.
Read the article →Expressing Needs Without Blame: A CBT Guide to Better Communication
Learn how to express your needs in your relationship without blaming. Discover CBT techniques and practical tips for healthier communication.
Read the article →Expressing Needs Without Blame: A CBT Guide to Better Communication
Learn how to express your needs in your relationship without blame. This guide includes CBT techniques and practical tips for healthier communication.
Read the article →Test: Is Your Partner Gaslighting You? 20-Question Clinical Assessment
Gaslighting is an insidious form of psychological manipulation that undermines self-confidence and the perception of reality. If you feel confused, this can help.
Read the article →Test: What Is Your Emotional Resilience to Ghosting? 16-Question Assessment
Ghosting, that sudden and unexplained disappearance of a person you had a relationship with, can be a deeply destabilizing experience. Understand how you cope.
Read the article →How Do I Know If I'm a Victim of Trauma Bonding in My Relationship?
Trauma bonding is a paradoxical emotional attachment that develops through cycles of abuse and reconciliation. Learn the key signs and how to break free.
Read the article →Over 190 applied psychology articles
The Psychologie et Sérénité blog offers over 190 articles written by Gildas Garrec, CBT psychotherapist in Nantes. Each article is based on validated psychological models (Gottman, Young, attachment theory, CBT) to provide concrete keys to understanding.
Couple communication — Gottman's 4 horsemen, the 5:1 ratio, stonewalling, NVC
Attachment — Anxious, avoidant, disorganized styles, path to secure attachment
Emotional dependency — The 10 signs, self-assessment tests, CBT strategies
Ghosting & dating — Ghosting, breadcrumbing, curving, orbiting, zombieing
Manipulation — Gaslighting, control, narcissistic pervert, psychological violence
Infidelity — Understanding, forgiving, trauma bonding, reconstruction
Anxiety & stress — Relationship anxiety, burnout, rumination, insomnia
Jealousy — Pathological jealousy, retrospective, social media
Breakup & grief — The 7 stages, no contact, relationship PTSD
Couple & cohabitation — Moving in, arguments, libido, mental load
Parenting — Parental alienation, co-parenting, blended family
Young's schemas — 18 early schemas, cognitive distortions
Dating apps — Mental health impact, paradox of choice, dating fatigue
Mental health — When to consult, online therapy, CBT vs EMDR
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