26/02/2026
Intent vs Impact.
Intent and impact get talked about a lot and they’re often framed as opposites, when really, they exist side by side.
You can care deeply about someone and still hurt them.
You can have good intentions and still need to repair.
In therapy, I see how quickly conversations shift when people move from defending intent → becoming curious about impact. Not from shame, not from blame but from a willingness to understand what happened between two people.
This isn’t about walking on eggshells or taking responsibility for everyone’s feelings. It’s about recognising that relationships live in nuance, not absolutes.
Holding both intent and impact allows space for honesty, accountability, and real connection.
Which one do you tend to lean into more explaining your intent, or focusing on impact?