In this episode of Mind Your Being, I’m joined by relationship counsellor and couples therapist Nicole Mathieson for an honest and compassionate conversation about relationships, communication, conflict, intimacy and repair.We explore why relationships can become more challenging in midlife, how resentment quietly builds over time, and why many couples find themselves stuck having the same arguments over and over again.Nicole shares practical and deeply insightful tools for navigating conflict more effectively — including the importance of repair, emotional safety, healthy communication, curiosity, vulnerability, attachment styles and understanding the stories we tell ourselves in relationships.We also discuss: • Why conflict itself isn’t necessarily the problem • How childhood wounds and attachment patterns show up in adult relationships • The difference between intention and impact • Why emotional connection and intimacy can become more difficult in midlife • The importance of repair after conflict • How couples can reconnect and strengthen their relationship over time • Why healthy relationships are so important for our overall wellbeing and healthThis is a warm, insightful and hopeful conversation for anyone wanting to better understand themselves, their relationship patterns, and how to create deeper connection in long-term relationships.Bio:Nicole Mathieson is a Brisbane-based counsellor and couples therapist, podcast host, and author of The Beauty Load: How to Feel Enough in a World Obsessed with Beauty. Having been married for nearly 30 years and with two nearly adult children, Nicole brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her work.She supports men, women, and couples to become more self-aware, emotionally intelligent, and connected in their relationships. Her approach focuses on helping people build confidence, develop practical relationship skills, and create the kind of partnership they truly want.Nicole believes that meaningful change is always possible—when we understand ourselves more deeply, learn how to create safety and connection, and know how to repair after conflict.Check out her abundance of relationship resources including podcasts, free resources and online courses, all designed to help you get more relationship-smartLinks:Website: https://nicolemathieson.com/'Insta: https://www.instagram.com/relationship_smart_with_nicole/https://mindyourbeing.com.au/https://www.instagram.com/mindyourbeingpodcast/https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574785410170#https://x.com/mind_yourbeinghttps://www.youtube.com/@MindYourBeingPodcastThanks so much for listening,Cass xDisclaimer:The information provided on the Mind Your Being Podcast is for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. The content shared on this podcast is not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health condition.Reliance on any information provided by the Mind Your Being Podcast, its hosts, guests, or others appearing on the podcast is solely at your own risk. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the podcast creators or hosts.

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.