How to choose between individual and couples therapy

Are you in a relationship and wondering if you're better off seeking individual or couples therapy? Both are wonderful for self-care and self-development. It's not unheard of for people do both (some at the same time, some prefer doing individual therapy before couples therapy and vice versa.)

Below are some quick points on the benefits of both types to help you make a confident decision. (Remember - there is no wrong decision! Either option show courage and investment in your life)

Individual Therapy

• You are the client

• You choose what to explore

• You get to spend the entire time in session focused on your personal experiences, questions, and patterns

• You may do a deeper "dive" into your past including your role/experiences within your family, friendships, professional and romantic relationships

  
  

• Focuses in therapy may center around a variety of parts of your life such as physical and mental health, fears and dreams, work, school, family, friends, hobbies and interests, self-care and investment, past and future, relationships etc.

• Communication is strictly between you and your therapist, unless you consent and sign a Release of Information so your therapist may speak to others in support of your therapy

• Helps you, your relationships, and your future

Couples Therapy

• Your relationship is the client

• You and your partner collaborate what to explore

• Your time in session belongs to both you and your partner, and is focused on both of your experiences, perspectives, and patterns as a couple

• You and your partner may "dive" into the history of your relationship as well as individual tendencies that influence your dynamic

• Focuses in therapy may center around a variety of curiosities and challenges within your relationship, such as communication, culture, romance, trust, dynamic, expectations, sex, in-laws, work-life balance, etc.

• Communication is strictly between the therapist and you and your partner. Many therapists (like me) hold a no-secrets policy, forbidding any communication between the therapist and just one partner. This is done to protect trust between couple and therapist

• Helps you, your relationships, and your future