Four Ways We Respond to a Negative Message

When a partner’s words land painfully, couples tend to respond in predictable internal ways. Drawing on Marshall Rosenberg’s Nonviolent Communication, it is helpful to explore these four responses: self-blame, blaming the other, sensing our own feelings and needs, and sensing our partner’s inner world. In couples therapy at Koira Psychology on the Gold Coast, recognising these patterns helps reduce reactivity, soften conflict, and support deeper emotional connection.

To learn more, you can read our article Four Ways We Respond to a Negative Message