Three Trees Newsletter - February 2026

Warmth in the Cold — A Clear Picture of Love


Cold greetings this February! 


While this month often brings thoughts of romance, hearts, and “perfect” love stories, real love is usually quieter and much healthier than the movie version. Love isn’t meant to leave you anxious, confused, or walking on eggshells. At its best, love is kind, respectful, and honoring. It’s patient and steady. It doesn’t compete, grandstand, or keep score. It isn’t rude or self-focused. It doesn’t flare up quickly or hold grudges. It doesn’t partner with harm or dishonesty, but instead celebrates what is true. Healthy love protects, builds trust over time, keeps hope alive, and stays committed through challenges.


Sometimes, it helps to name what love is not. If you’re experiencing patterns like these, you may be in an unhealthy relationship and it may be time to reach out for professional support:


  • Selfishness that consistently centers one person’s needs, comfort, or control
  • Inability to self-reflect and apologize (no ownership, no repair, no change)
  • Purposefully hurtful behavior punishment, humiliation, cruelty, or “jokes” that cut
  • Manipulation (gaslighting, guilt-tripping, threats, coercion, isolating you from others)
  • Any form of abuse physical, sexual, emotional, verbal, spiritual, or financial


A Note for Those Dating: What to Look For Early


If you’re starting or restarting dating, paying attention early can save a lot of heartache later. Healthy potential partners show respect for personal space, and they honor emotional and physical boundaries without sulking, pressuring, or pushing. Look for curiosity and kindness someone who asks questions, listens, and treats others well when there’s nothing to gain. And above all: interest. Real interest shows up as consistency, follow through, and a desire to know you as a whole person not a project, a trophy, or a convenience.


If you’d like support navigating relationships, building healthier patterns, or recovering from hurtful ones, our counselors are here to help.


Wishing you a happy February; one that’s warm, steady, and full of love.


Let us help you KEEP GROWING!


Shara and Team

Emergency Hotline Phone Number
A group of people standing next to each other on a table.

CHECK IT  OUT!

Cover of

The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work by John Gottman and Nan Silver. It’s packed with practical exercises (like “love maps” and ways to handle conflict without gridlock) and is widely recommended for strengthening long-term relationships.

Buy Now

REST, REJUVENATE, and RELATE

It’s my hope to help you connect with your family, your body, and your community! 

Reliving Childhood Memories

Carousel of Dreams

People walking outdoors at an event, many wearing blue shirts, some holding signs on a sunny day.

WHO DOESN’T LOVE to relive happy childhood memories? Shara got to do just that with her niece and nephew at the Factory in Franklin when they visited the Carousel of Dreams. 


It was an unexpected turn of events since Shara had forgotten that it was there and when a friend suggested she take the kids, it was an easy “yes”. A Memory was created and Shara was inspired by the craftsmanship and years of dedication and creativity and hard work (30 years!) that it took to hand carve every single animal on the carousel!


If you haven’t taken yourself or your family, we recommend you check out this gem in our very own FRANKLIN! Minimal cost, wonderful memories. 

After your visit to the Carousel,  take some time to grab a sweet treat at Five Daughters Bakery, or Jeni's Ice Cream!

Any time we take to remember the good memories from our youth is worth the time together or on our own!

Carousel of Dreams Five Daughters Bakery Jeni's Ice Cream

Three Trees Update!

A familiar place, with a fresh beginning.
We’re excited to welcome you into our new office space; one thoughtfully created for slowing down,

breathing deep, and continuing the work you’ve begun.

This new chapter for Three Trees Counseling is about growth, grounding, and making room for what’s next, together.

 5200 Maryland Way, Suite 102, Brentwood, TN 37027
We’re located in the office building across the street from Mere Bulles Restaurant.

The easiest way to find us is to use the back entrance of the building, then take the first door on your left.

We’re so grateful to keep walking alongside you in this new space.