03/02/2026
A simple exercise to clear emotional clutter this month
March tends to inspire spring cleaning.
We organize closets. We clear out drawers. We finally deal with the pile that’s been sitting there for months.
But relationships collect clutter too.
Unspoken tension.
Lingering hurt.
Stress that spills into tone or distance.
Here is a brief, intentional check-in designed to clear emotional clutter before it builds, called "The State of the Union (https://www.gottman.com/blog/how-to-have-a-state-of-the-union-meeting/) " meeting (created by Drs. Gottman).
In a nutshell, it looks like this:
💬 1 thing going well
Name something that feels good or is working in your relationship.
💬 1 thing that needs attention
Gently bring up one regrettable incident or area that needs to be worked through. Use a soft-start up (https://connectcouplestherapy.com/how-a-soft-start-up-can-cool-down-your-heated-argument/) .
💬 1 expression of appreciation
End by sharing something you genuinely value about your partner.
That’s it.
Simple. Structured. Intentional.
When done consistently, this practice builds emotional safety, strengthens friendship, and prevents resentment from accumulating.
If you find it difficult to connect, if appreciation feels hard to access, or if the "one thing" feels bigger than you expected, we can help! Contact us (https://connectcouplestherapy.com/contact/) . We’re here to help you connect through conversation.
Quick Reads
Our blog has been written by our team to increase relationship satisfaction and mental health:
- When Your Partner Swings and Misses: How to navigate disappointing holidays and gifts in your relationship (https://insessionpsych.com/when-your-partner-swings-and-misses-how-to-navigate-disappointing-holidays-and-gifts-in-your-relationship/)
Hold Me Tight®
2-Day Couples Workshop
Our next Hold Me Tight® Couples Workshop will be In-Person at our Charlotte, NC office on March 27 & 28, 2026.
Led by Dr. Karen Naegel (https://connectcouplestherapy.com/karen-naegel-lmfta/) , LMFT and Certified EFCT Therapist
You and your partner will explore the power of attachment bonds and gain a deeper understanding of your relationship. You will enhance your emotional connection through effective communication, becoming more aware of your negative couple cycle, and build a stronger emotional foundation.
*1 spot remaining
Couples in Recovery - Virtual
Recovery doesn’t end with sobriety; it often brings relationship patterns into sharper focus. We’re offering a Relationships in Recovery workshop designed for couples where one or both partners are at least 6 months post-treatment.
This workshop is ideal for couples who are working their sobriety but noticing that trust, communication, or old dynamics still need care and attention. In a small, supportive setting, couples will learn practical, research-based tools to strengthen connection, navigate conflict more effectively, and support both recovery and the relationship moving forward.
Next Date:
📅 Saturday, March 21 | 12–6pm
Led by Brittany Bolden (https://connectcouplestherapy.com/brittany-bolden-pcd/) , LMFT, LCAS, Certified S*x Therapist, who brings specialized expertise in addiction recovery, relational healing, and intimacy - making this workshop especially well-suited for couples rebuilding their relationship after treatment.
Virtual Book Club for Couples
Next Cohort Starts in April
Why couples should join this group:
⭐️Mentorship in real time: Learn what’s working for other couples from other couples.
⭐️Accountability that sticks: Life gets busy; this gives you a protected space to follow through.
⭐️Not therapy, but led by a trained clinician.
Next cohort details:
📚: Fair Play by Eve Rodsky (https://www.everodsky.com/fair-play)
🗓️: Thursdays, April 2, 9, 16, and 23, 2026
🕰️: 6:00–7:30pm EDT (virtual)
💵: $25 per session = $100 total investment (plus, the cost of the book)
Facilitator: Rachel Kloss (https://connectcouplestherapy.com/rachel-kloss/) , LCSWA
Virtual Women's Betrayal Group
Break out of isolation and loneliness and join other women who can offer you support around all the feelings and devastation betrayal has had in your life. Learn, lean, and share together! Led by Anna Malles, LCSW (https://insessionpsych.com/anna-malles-lcsw/) , this supportive group helps women navigate the complexities of infidelity, process emotions, rebuild trust, and create bonds that will help you get through one day to the next.
Read our blog posts on how powerful this group can be:
✨ Healing from Infidelity? Find Your Power in a Support Group (https://insessionpsych.com/healing-from-infidelity-find-your-power-in-a-support-group/)
✨ Does Life Get Better After an Affair? (https://insessionpsych.com/healing-after-infidelity-does-life-get-better-after-an-affair/)
Who is this for?
Designed for female betrayed partners
When?
Every 3rd Tuesday of the month
Next one: March 17, 2026
Where?
Virtual via Zoom - you can log in from anywhere with a secure and confidential location
Cost?
$30
*If you are interested, contact us today to schedule your free 20-min consult with Anna.
Our licensed therapists offer M-Sat, daytime and evening availability. Anna Malles, LCSW is offering individual therapy through In Session Psych (https://insessionpsych.com) .
Click here for an update from Connect Couples Therapy!
