72. How defensiveness creates disconnect - the difference between intent and impact

The Relationship-Smart podcast · Mar 12, 2026 · 20m

How Defensiveness Damages Intimacy (And What To Do Instead)

Intent vs Impact in Relationships: Why Good Intentions Aren’t Enough

Most partners are not trying to hurt each other.

But here’s the truth:

Good intent does not cancel out harmful impact.

Join me as we unpack what is going on and how best to explain, unpack and move forward from this sticky place.

Nicole Mathieson

This podcast was created by Nicole Mathieson, a Brisbane based counsellor and couple therapist, who has a couple of podcasts and is the author of The Beauty Load, How to feel enough in a world obsessed with beauty.

Nicole…