Dave Smallen is a social scientist, mental health counselor, and musician.

Dave’s research focuses on studying and communicating about relationships and human connection. He holds a PhD in Human Development and Family Studies from University of Wisconsin-Madison. His writing has appeared in online (The Conversation, Salon) and print (Psychology Today) outlets, and his published research and scholarship can be found in respected academic journals such as the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, Feminist Review, and Spirituality in Clinical Practice.

He writes about actionable insights for moments of social connection on his Psychology Today Blog: A Shared Existence. And he gets nerdy about the science of  meaningful interactions on his substack: The Science of Social Connection.

As a mental health counselor, Dave works with individuals and couples in Minnesota—he can be scheduled via his Psychology Today profile. He is also available as a consultant to advise organizations on the science of social connection.

Dave grew up in Oakland, CA, and prior to training as a social scientist and mental health counselor worked as a musician and songwriter with both independent and major label (Capitol Records) releases. He currently lives in Minneapolis with his wife, toddler, and rescue pup, and teaches psychology to non-traditional college students.