All relationships eventually experience some form of tension. It could stem from different communication styles or different life priorities. It also can be caused by outside stressors like work, family issues, or big life changes. Sometimes one person feels the need to seek relationship counseling and the other person may not. Which brings us to the big question: is individual relationship counseling effective?
Does Individual Relationship Counseling Work?
The short answer is yes, individual counseling can highly benefit a relationship. The long answer is that every relationship is unique and different relationships may require different counseling methods. What works best for you will depend on the reasons you are seeking relationship counseling and the plan you have worked out with your therapist.
Remembering, that no matter what distress you are experiencing individually, it is impacting, and being absorbed by your partner and your entire family.
3 Examples of Relationship Counseling Without Your Partner
1. You feel as if personal anxiety or depression is impacting your relationship. Depression and anxiety are often triggered by a change in life circumstances like the death of a loved one, moving, or losing a job. Perhaps you feel you are in a wonderful and healthy relationship, but untrue racing thoughts are taking a toll. Seeking individual counseling for this would benefit all areas of your life. After making progress, it may be helpful to include your partner in what you are learning and how they can help.
2. You both wish to seek individual counseling before beginning couples counseling. Sometimes you need to work out your thoughts individually before you can work best together. This can help you clarify things like: what your needs are, how you can communicate them effectively, and how to empathize with your partner. You may be treated by the same therapist, or a different therapist if you request.
3. Your partner is unwilling to seek relationship counseling. Your partner may have a variety of reasons to not pursue counseling, including: “we can figure this out on our own,” “we can’t afford it,” or perhaps they are in denial about the state of your relationship. You cannot change your partner but you can change yourself. This alone will not mend the relationship, but it’s possible that if you take the first step towards growth they will follow when they are ready.
Contact Philly Family Life Counseling for Individual Relationship Counseling
Dr. Gene Devers and Associates at Philly Family Life Counseling provide individual relationship counseling services in Northeast Philadelphia. To schedule an appointment with a therapist, call (215) 677-3810 Monday-Friday from 9AM – 6PM or fill out this online request form.
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