HOUSTON – Most couples aren’t arguing because they don’t care — they’re struggling because they don’t feel understood. According to connection expert and psychotherapist Jenn Pinkerton, the way we approach hard conversations matters more than what we say. Her practical relationship advice focuses on building emotional safety so couples can reconnect without blame or defensiveness.
♥ Meet Jenn Pinkerton: therapist, speaker, and connection expert
Jenn Pinkerton has more than a decade of experience helping people heal emotional wounds and build meaningful relationships. She holds a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy and has specialized training in techniques such as EMDR and Gottman Method Couples Therapy. Pinkerton also speaks publicly, hosts a podcast, and has a strong social media following where she shares insights on intimacy and personal growth.
♥ Love tips from Jenn Pinkerton to strengthen your relationship
When it comes to strengthening relationships, Pinkerton offers practical advice anyone can use. Here are some of her top tips for building a stronger bond without blame:
- Ask questions from curiosity, not certainty. When you assume you know your partner’s answer, you close the door to surprise and connection.
- Create emotional safety by sharing your intentions before diving into difficult conversations. For example, say, “I’m sharing this because I want us to feel closer.”
- Pause before responding and ask yourself, “Am I trying to protect myself or connect with you?”
- Remember that hesitation is not resistance. It often means your partner is processing their thoughts, not avoiding the topic.
♥ Feel connected with Jenn Pinkerton’s Connection Cards
To help couples move beyond small talk and spark deeper conversations, Pinkerton created Connection Cards. The deck includes thought-provoking prompts designed to bring couples closer in a playful and meaningful way. Some of the cards include general questions that can even test the bond among friends.
The cards are available on Amazon through this KPRC 2 affiliate link: https://amzn.to/4baxiYB. KPRC 2 receives a commission from purchases made through this link.
Beyond her clinical work, Pinkerton hosts events such as Mahjong nights and mental health and wellness retreats. For dates and details, follow her on social media: instagram.com/jennbpinkerton.
♥ Catch her on ‘Houston Life’
Pinkerton is joining us live to share invaluable relationship tips that you won’t want to miss. But that’s not all—she’ll be putting hosts Derrick and Tessa to the ultimate test with her Connection Cards to see just how strong their bond really is as friends and hosts. Will they ace the challenge? Find out February 2 at 1 p.m. on KPRC 2 or in the streaming player above.
This article will be updated after the show with Pinkerton’s conversation about building stronger connections.
For more information, visit Pinkerton’s website at jennpinkerton.com.