ShiftGrit
ShiftGrit Psychology & Counselling
037: Relationship Dynamics: Creating Secure, Connected Partnerships by Breaking Unhealthy Patterns
037: Relationship Dynamics: Creating Secure, Connected Partnerships by Breaking Unhealthy Patterns
037: Relationship Dynamics: Creating Secure, Connected Partnerships by Breaking Unhealthy Patterns
Monday 9th February 2026
Explore how emotional patterns shape relationships with insights from Andrea McTague and Geneviève Malena on The Shift Show.
Explicit
70 minutes
Informative
Inspiring
Compassionate
Hopeful
Engaging
About this podcast
Author:
ShiftGrit
Overview:
Categories:
Mindfulness & Emotional Wellbeing
Mindful Recovery
Sexual Stigmas & Myths
Relationships & Community
Parenting & Children
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Episodes:
39 (View all)
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Get the buttons here!Breaking Unhealthy Patterns in Relationships
Episode Overview
- Recognise that fights are often about deeper issues, not surface-level conflicts.
- Understanding your own 'unfinished business' is key to breaking unhealthy patterns.
- Empathy and curiosity can transform blame into meaningful dialogue.
- Individual growth contributes significantly to relationship health.
- Secure partnerships are built on vulnerability and emotional safety.
The fight's never about what the fight's about. It's always underneath.
What are the hidden patterns that can make or break our romantic relationships? This episode of The Shift Show, hosted by Andrea McTague, dives into the intricate dynamics that often go unnoticed but have a significant impact on how we connect with our partners. Joined by Geneviève Malena, a registered social worker with a wealth of experience in relationship dynamics, they explore the emotional and nervous-system patterns that influence how we argue, connect, and repair in relationships.
Forget about the usual arguments over chores or time management; this episode uncovers why those fights are never really about what they seem. Geneviève brings a compassionate and trauma-informed perspective to the discussion, highlighting how attachment styles and past experiences shape our current partnerships. She explains that understanding our own 'unfinished business' is crucial to breaking unhealthy patterns.
With a mix of humour and sincerity, Andrea and Geneviève discuss how partners can move from blame and shame to curiosity and empathy, paving the way for healthier connections. If you've ever found yourself stuck in a repetitive cycle of conflict with your partner, this episode offers valuable insights into how you can start shifting those dynamics. By focusing on individual growth and recognising the underlying issues at play, couples can work towards creating secure and connected partnerships.
So, if you're ready to take a closer look at what's really going on beneath the surface of your relationship, this episode is a must-listen. Are you prepared to change the narrative in your love life?