Here’s Why You Might Benefit From Individual Therapy Even If You’re Already in Couples Therapy

Perhaps you and your partner are considering going to couples therapy. Or maybe you have even started attending couples therapy sessions together already. But you might wonder if going to therapy on your own would benefit you, too.

While not everyone in couples therapy with their partner feels the need to pursue individual therapy, too, it can be a smart choice for some people. By going to therapy on your own, you can focus on your personal journey and your relationship with your partner.

Here are a few reasons why you might want to see a therapist on your own in addition to attending couples therapy with your partner.

Talk About Sensitive Topics

What if there is something on your mind that you haven’t worked up the courage to tell your partner yet? Talking it over in private with a therapist can help you find a way to tell them.

Maybe you experienced trauma in your past that you’ve never told anyone about, or perhaps you’ve been trying to figure out how to share a complicated aspect of your family history with your partner. This doesn’t mean you’ve been hiding anything from your partner, but in order to heal your relationship, you’ll want to know that neither of you is holding anything back.

Sharing it with a therapist first might help you feel more comfortable with the idea of opening up to your partner.

Learn New Coping Mechanisms

Perhaps you’ve learned some great new tools for communication during couples therapy. But what if you’re still struggling with other mental health issues on your own?

For instance, maybe your partner rarely gets anxious, but anxiety is a daily struggle for you. Working with your own therapist will give you a chance to practice skills like deep breathing, meditation, and body scans.

By getting your symptoms under control, you might notice improvements in your relationship as well.

Practice Self-Care

Individual therapy can be a form of self-care. Yes, therapy takes work, but it’s also a time that you can block off to focus on yourself and turn inward.

While couples therapy involves making an effort with another person, individual therapy can be your time to prioritize your own wellbeing, especially when it comes to areas outside of your relationship.

Work Towards Your Own Goals

What if you have other major priorities in addition to mending your relationship with your partner? Maybe you’ve been struggling with your mental health at work. Or perhaps you also want to focus on your relationships with your relatives.

You may worry that spending time focusing on these goals will take time away from couples therapy. But that doesn’t have to be the case. The right therapist can help you balance both objectives. And reaching your own goals can help you become a better partner.

After all, the healthiest relationships are made up of two individuals who are both happy in their own lives.

Boost Your Self-Confidence

Overall, going to individual therapy can help boost your self-confidence. You may uncover aspects of yourself that you can also explore in couples therapy. Therapy can be a journey of self-discovery, and if you feel like couples therapy alone isn’t a comprehensive solution for the problems that you and your partner are facing, you may want to work with a therapist on your own. You may feel more secure during couples therapy sessions after going to individual therapy.

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Are you interested in pursuing individual or couples therapy? Both can benefit your relationship and your personal quality of life. Reach out to us today to discuss your options for individual or couples therapy sessions.