Connect Couples Therapy

11/19/2025

If you’ve uncovered your partner’s hidden sexual behaviors—porn use, sexting, affairs—and now find yourself questioning everything… even your own memory, there’s a reason for that.

It’s called betrayal trauma. And when long-term deception is involved, the trauma doesn’t just affect the relationship. It impacts your sense of reality, safety, and identity.

The DST model, created by psychologist Dr. Omar Minwalla, maps how this type of betrayal affects both partners—and why healing often requires more than time.

This isn’t only a framework; it’s a way to understand the psychological chaos that follows exposure.

Read the full guide to the three trauma stages, with real-life symptom breakdowns:

👉 https://connectcouplestherapy.com/understanding-the-dst-model-how-betrayal-trauma-unfolds-in-3-stages/

11/17/2025

Engaged? Let’s help you prepare for more than just the big day. 💛

Our Premarital Program supports you in building a relationship that lasts, through expert guidance, deep conversations, and practical tools. Schedule today. ➡️

https://connectcouplestherapy.com/premarital-program/

11/14/2025

Like riding a bike, empathy takes practice. It’s not just about “being nice,” it’s about listening with all your senses, noticing what’s unspoken, and asking questions to truly understand.

The truth? Empathy isn’t something you’re just born with. It’s a skill you can grow and refine, no matter who you are. Here are a few ways to start building it. ➡️

https://connectcouplestherapy.com/how-to-build-empathy-in-relationships-real-life-examples-and-therapist-backed-tools/

11/13/2025

Scrolling for inspiration for your next couples getaway? Start with us - you’ll experience a personalized couples intensive! Check out our sample itinerary to see all the possibilities to make reconnecting unforgettable! Contact us today to book your couples intensive.

11/13/2025

Breaking up with your therapist might feel scary or awkward — but it doesn’t have to be.

We asked real therapists what they want clients to know when it’s time to move on.

This post is packed with direct insights and real talk about endings, boundaries, and growth.

➡️ https://connectcouplestherapy.com/how-to-break-up-with-your-therapist-without-guilt-or-awkwardness/

11/10/2025

Want to deepen your emotional connection and strengthen your bond with your partner? Join us for our Hold Me Tight couples retreat with presenter Karen Naegal, LMFT. It’s the perfect way to celebrate love and grow together. Space is limited—reserve your spot now! ➡️

https://connectcouplestherapy.com/hold-me-tight-workshop/

11/07/2025

Feeling stressed? You and your partner aren’t alone. A simple 2 stress-reducing conversation—listening and validating without trying to fix—can lower stress, build trust, and strengthen your connection. No big lifestyle overhaul needed, just intentional talking and listening. Follow these steps. ➡️

https://connectcouplestherapy.com/what-is-a-stress-reducing-conversation/

11/06/2025

Scrolling for inspiration for your next couples getaway? Start with us - you’ll experience a personalized couples intensive! Check out our sample itinerary to see all the possibilities to make reconnecting unforgettable! Contact us today to book your couples intensive.

11/05/2025

Practical ways to protect your peace, nurture connection, and enjoy the season with less stress.

The holidays can bring joy—and also stress. Between family expectations, travel plans, and packed calendars, it’s easy to feel stretched thin or emotionally drained. Boundaries aren’t about shutting people out—they’re about staying connected without losing yourself.

This month, we’re sharing three therapist-approved reads to help you navigate family dynamics, protect your peace, and stay grounded in what really matters:

🍽️ How a Therapist Would Design Your Dinner Party (https://connectcouplestherapy.com/how-a-therapist-would-design-your-dinner-party/)
— A thoughtful take on creating meaningful connection (and less chaos) when gathering with loved ones.

💚 8 Resources to Help You Set Boundaries with Family Members (https://connectcouplestherapy.com/8-resources-to-help-you-set-boundaries-with-family-members/)
— Practical tools and language to help you navigate tricky conversations with confidence.

💛 Healthy Boundaries, Happy Marriage (https://connectcouplestherapy.com/healthy-boundaries-happy-marriage-a-newlyweds-guide-to-navigating-family-and-relationship-dynamics/)
— A reminder that saying “no” sometimes is an act of love—for your relationship and for yourself.

✨ Remember: Setting boundaries isn’t selfish—it’s a way to protect connection (and your sanity).

If this season feels emotionally heavy or overwhelming, our therapists can help you and your partner find balance, clarity, and connection through it. Contact us (https://connectcouplestherapy.com/contact/) , let's get started!

Quick Reads

Our blog has been written by our team to increase relationship satisfaction and mental health:

- How to Set Boundaries in Blended Families (https://connectcouplestherapy.com/how-to-set-boundaries-in-blended-families-holiday-edition/)
- How to Set Boundaries for a Joyful and Sober Holiday Season (https://connectcouplestherapy.com/how-to-set-boundaries-for-a-joyful-and-sober-holiday-season/)
- Couples Book Clubs are the New Date Night - Here's Why They Work (https://connectcouplestherapy.com/couples-book-clubs-are-the-new-date-night-heres-why-they-work/)
- How Do I Cope When I Feel Re-Traumatized in Everyday Moments? (https://insessionpsych.com/ask-a-therapist-how-do-i-cope-when-i-feel-re-traumatized-by-everyday-moments/)

Strengthening Relationships in Recovery

Recovery is more than maintaining sobriety—it’s also about rebuilding trust, improving communication, and creating lasting connection. This fall, we’re offering a Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work workshop (https://connectcouplestherapy.com/the-seven-principles-marriage/) in Charlotte, designed specifically for couples in recovery from alcohol, drugs, or behavioral addictions.

In this small, interactive workshop (limited to 3 couples), partners will learn research-based tools from Drs. John and Julie Gottman to navigate conflict, strengthen closeness, and support each other’s recovery journey.

Upcoming Date:
📅 Friday, Nov. 14 | 9:00am–4:00pm

Led by Brittany Bolden (https://connectcouplestherapy.com/brittany-bolden-pcd/) , LMFT, LCAS, and Certified S*x Therapist.

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: November 18, 2025 - This month's topic: Navigating the Holidays

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!

11/03/2025

Recovery is more than overcoming addiction, it’s about building a relationship that can thrive in the long run. Our Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work Workshop gives couples the skills to:

- Rebuild trust, strengthen connection, and communicate more effectively
- Support each other’s individual and shared recovery goals
- Find healthier ways to manage conflict and prevent old patterns from taking over

This 1-day, research-based workshop is ideal for couples who want to strengthen their relationship as they walk through recovery together.

Spots are limited, reserve yours today! ➡️

https://connectcouplestherapy.com/the-seven-principles-marriage/

11/01/2025

Celebrating 8 incredible years with Hanna!

Her dedication, warmth, and expertise have shaped Connect Couples Therapy and supported so many couples along the way. We’re so grateful for all she brings to our team!

10/31/2025

We’re so excited to welcome Rachel Kloss, LCSWA to our team!

She is passionate about helping couples strengthen their connection, navigate challenges, and foster emotional safety and trust in their relationship.

We’re so grateful to have her here to walk alongside couples in their journeys. Visit our website to book with her!