Harbor

Pause the spiral. Protect the relationship.

Safety first. Not for violence, coercion, threats, or crisis support.

No discussion mode

Your nervous system is in protection mode.

This is not the best state for solving the conflict. A pause is not abandonment. The goal is to reduce damage and return.

Choose a pause

Guided repair

One sentence at a time.

Low-pressure reconnection

You do not need to solve everything immediately.

Pressure can make shutdown worse. Send one small signal of connection, then reduce stimulation.

Safety stop

This is not a repair moment.

If there are threats, intimidation, coercion, violence risk, or fear of retaliation, do not use a couples repair flow. Prioritize distance, outside support, and local emergency resources if needed.

Move to a safer place if you can.
Contact a trusted person or local support line.
Do not negotiate safety inside the conflict.

After the wave

Learn later, not while flooded.

Session summary

Reduced escalation is a win.