181: When Repair Conversations Fail: He Gets Defensive, Sounds Robotic, and is Unemotional

Couples Healing From Pornography Addiction

When Healing Conversations Go Wrong –

When pornography damages a relationship, couples need to talk about the pain to heal.

But these conversations often hit a wall: he gets defensive, sounds like a robot, or just shuts down.

This leaves her feeling even more alone and wondering if she should have stayed quiet.

The cycle is painful: she shares her hurt, he responds without emotion, and both end up feeling worse than before.

Many couples start dreading these talks entirely, worried they'll just create more damage.

Today, I'll reveal why these conversations break down and how to fix them.

You'll learn four key reasons repair talks fail, plus practical ways to solve each problem.

Whether you're triggered, hurting, or just want to connect better, these strategies will help you have the meaningful conversations your relationship needs to heal.

Let's turn these dreaded talks into moments that actually bring you closer.

As a therapist who's helped hundreds of men through this struggle, I can tell you something important:

Quitting porn isn't about willpower. Most men get stuck because they're taking the wrong approach - trying to force themselves to stop or just avoid triggers.

Today, I'll share three key elements that actually work.

No more guessing, no more endless cycles of trying and failing. Instead, you'll get a clear, practical plan that addresses the real reasons you're stuck.

For therapy with Sam:

I will work with you for 12 weeks to help you eliminate pornography use and resolve the root cause so it doesn't come back.

If after the 12 weeks you haven’t fully overcome it, I’ll work with you for free until you do.

Click here for info to work with me directly.

Have questions you want me to address on future podcast episodes?

Email me here:

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Get access to my trust building workshop:

Rebuild Trust Workshop

Want access to a free course I created for my podcast listeners?

Click the Couples Healing website and in the course you'll learn some top strategies to find healing from addiction and trauma, rebuild trust, experience freedom, and begin to reconnect with each other in the relationship.

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