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Brooklyn, NY – A new 10-week workshop is merging the worlds of psychology and spirituality in a dynamic way.

The grim reality is that the majority of American marriages are failing. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the probability of a first marriage dissolving within 20 years is 46%. Further, among “intact” couples, nearly 40% do not classify their relationships as “very happy.” Even more concerning, some studies suggest that many couples who are initially satisfied with their marriages eventually divorce over time.

The Connections Program was initially developed by Harvard psychologist David H. Rosmarin, PhD, and Rabbi Lawrence Kelemen as a treatment for anxiety, stress, and depression. Drawing from the principles of Mussar (traditional Jewish thought that deals with personal growth), the program focuses on the acquisition of concrete tools to increase connection between body and soul, with other people, and with God.

“Despite my initial doubts about this approach, we have helped over 70 people with the program and the results have been really superb!” commented Rosmarin, noting that participants have reported significantly reduced anxiety, stress, and depression over the course of the program.

“Through our discussions with previous Connections participants, however, we realized the power of the program to transform close relationships and potentially prevent divorce.” Rosmarin added. And so, the program was revised to focus on couples, as well as singles whom are readying themselves for marriage.

The Connections Program has three modules, focused on the acquisition of concrete tools to build relationships (1) with oneself (between body and soul), (2) with others, and (3) with God. These three relationships are interwoven and build upon one another.

Individuals who treat themselves well and with dignity and respect, tend to treat others the same – and bringing Godliness into relationships is a key factor in their long term success.

“The name of the program says it all,” commented Moshe Appel, a psychology intern at the Center for Anxiety and coordinator for the Connections Program. “People can drastically change the quality of their marriages in just over 2 months!” he added, noting how much his own marriage improved through incorporating Connections material into his life.

The next Connections Program will run weekly on Wednesday nights from 7:30-8:45pm starting on June 1st, 2016 through August 10th. The Program will be hosted in the Center for Anxiety’s Brooklyn office at 3692 Bedford Avenue, but remote participation by live webinar is also available for individuals who cannot attend in person. To learn more about the Connections Program, or for a free recording of an information session outlining the details, goals, and structure of the program, contact Moshe Appel at [email protected] or 646.837.5557.

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