The relationship workbook app that replaces a stack of paperbacks
Connected is the digital version of the couples workbook a therapist would hand you. 48+ exercises, 10+ assessments, and a structured path through the material. Works in your pocket.
Why paper couples workbooks end up in the closet
Most couples who buy a paperback workbook ("The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work," "Hold Me Tight Workbook," "The Five Love Languages") get through chapter three. The reasons are predictable: the book lives on a shelf, not in your pocket; exercises require a shared physical copy; both partners writing in the same book is awkward; and the linear structure does not fit how couples actually want to use the material.
Connected is a digital couples workbook built around how people actually use apps. 48+ exercises drawn from therapist-designed practice, each taking 5-20 minutes. Both partners can complete exercises independently and see results together. The structure is non-linear: you can jump to what matters right now, whether that is a communication exercise before a hard conversation, a repair exercise after a fight, or an intimacy-building exercise during a dry stretch.
The underlying content is grounded in the same research as the paper workbooks: Gottman, EFT, attachment theory. The advantage is format. A workbook you actually complete beats a workbook you bought. A paperback is a purchase; a used app is a practice.
Why couples pick Connected
48+ structured exercises
Therapist-designed, 5-20 minutes each, covering communication, conflict, intimacy, trust, appreciation, and more.
Both partners can complete independently
No sharing a physical book. Each of you completes on your phone; exchanges happen when both are done.
Non-linear structure
Jump to what is relevant right now. No obligation to start from chapter one.
Built on Gottman + EFT research
Same content as the paper workbooks from top couples researchers, in a more usable format.
10+ assessments that direct your exercise path
Assessment results recommend which exercises to prioritize. Your workbook is personalized.
Pair with AI coaching for context
Stuck on an exercise? The AI can explain the purpose, answer questions about research, or adapt to your specific situation.
What the digital workbook includes
48+ therapist-designed exercises
Short, targeted exercises: appreciation rebuilding, emotional check-in, conflict de-escalation, Love Maps refresh, gratitude sharing, repair after a fight.
Learn more →10+ couple assessments
Love language, attachment style, communication pattern, conflict style, CSI-4 satisfaction, core values, and more. Each generates a report with recommended next exercises.
Learn more →Structured relationship topics
Exercises grouped by theme: communication, conflict, intimacy, trust, appreciation, values, family-of-origin. Work through a theme as a mini-workbook.
Learn more →AI explanation and adaptation
The AI can explain the purpose of any exercise, answer questions about the underlying research, and suggest adaptations for your situation.
Learn more →Progress tracking
See which exercises you've completed, which assessments are done, and what your Connection Score looks like over time.
Learn more →Therapist-quality export
Export your completed exercises and assessment results as a PDF to bring to couples therapy.
Learn more →Connected vs. paper couples workbooks
The options in this space are mostly paperbacks. Here is the trade-off.
| Connected | Seven Principles Workbook (Gottman) | Five Love Languages Workbook | Hold Me Tight Workbook (EFT) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of exercises | 48+ | 20-40 | 15-25 | 30-50 |
| Format | App (async-friendly) | Paper | Paper | Paper |
| Assessments included | 10+ | 1-3 | 0-2 | 3-5 |
| Can complete independently | Yes | Awkward | Awkward | Awkward |
| Updated/expanded over time | Yes | No | No | No |
| Cost | $0-$59.99/yr | $18 | $16 | $20 |
| AI explanation support | Yes | No | No | No |
Frequently asked questions
Is this essentially couples therapy homework?
Yes, that is a good way to think about it. Connected is structured self-directed couples work, the same kind of material a couples therapist would assign between sessions. The difference is that Connected works for couples who are not in therapy, and integrates with therapy when you are.
Which research traditions are the exercises based on?
Primarily Gottman Method (the Seven Principles, Sound Relationship House, Four Horsemen), attachment theory (Bowlby, Ainsworth, Hazan and Shaver), and Emotionally Focused Therapy (Sue Johnson). Each exercise is tagged with its research foundation.
Can we do this instead of couples therapy?
For most couples most of the time, yes. Connected is a reasonable first move before committing to weekly therapy. For serious issues (infidelity, abuse, addiction, trauma), please see a licensed couples therapist.
How long does each exercise take?
5-20 minutes, depending on the exercise. Most take about 10 minutes. Longer ones (full assessments, multi-part exercises) are clearly labeled so you know what you are signing up for.
Do we have to do exercises in order?
No. The assessments recommend which exercises to start with based on your results, but you can jump to anything. Many couples use the app as a toolkit, picking exercises based on what is happening in their relationship this week.
What if an exercise brings up something heavy?
The AI and in-exercise guidance will suggest pausing and seeking a therapist if an exercise surfaces something beyond what self-help is appropriate for. For serious issues you absolutely should see a licensed professional.
Are there exercises for specific situations like infidelity or trauma?
Exercises exist for repair after a rupture, rebuilding trust, and processing difficult events. For clinical-level trauma, abuse, or active crisis, the app is not appropriate and the exercises will say so explicitly.
Can we bring our completed work to a therapist?
Yes. The export feature generates a PDF of your completed exercises, assessment results, and communication patterns. Many therapists appreciate this because it compresses weeks of intake into one document.
Is this the same as Lasting (which markets itself as a "marriage counseling app")?
Similar category, but more comprehensive. Lasting has 5-10 exercise series; Connected has 48+ exercises, 10+ assessments, plus daily questions, conflict tools, AI coaching, and therapist reports. For a straight comparison, see our Lasting vs Connected page.
Do you add new exercises over time?
Yes. New exercises are added most months, usually themed (intimacy repair, post-conflict repair, gratitude building). Existing exercises get refined based on which ones produce the best outcomes for couples who complete them.
Try Connected free today
Download the app, pair with your partner, and get the first 30+ days of research-backed tools at no cost. No credit card required.
Free forever tier · iOS & Android · 4.9 stars from 2,000+ couples