Couples Therapy vs. Individual Therapy for Relationship Issues: How to Know What’s Right for You
Navigating relationship challenges is never easy. Whether you're facing frequent arguments, emotional distance, or deeper issues like infidelity or trust breakdowns, therapy can be a powerful tool for healing. But a common question many people ask is: Couples therapy vs. individual therapy for relationship issues—which one is the right choice?
The answer isn’t always clear-cut. At Ballast Health and Wellness, we work with individuals and couples who are navigating complex relationship dynamics, and we’ve seen firsthand how the right therapeutic approach can lead to meaningful change.
Let’s dive into the nuances of couples therapy vs. individual therapy for relationship issues so you can make the most informed decision for your situation.
What Is Couples Therapy?
Couples therapy, sometimes called marriage counseling or relationship counseling, is a type of psychotherapy that helps couples improve their communication, resolve conflicts, and deepen their emotional connection. A licensed therapist facilitates sessions where both partners are present, guiding conversations and offering tools to help rebuild trust, empathy, and cooperation.
Common therapeutic approaches include Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), the Gottman Method, and Imago Relationship Therapy, among others. Each framework has unique methods, but they all aim to improve relational health.
If you're asking yourself about couples therapy vs. individual therapy for relationship issues, understanding what couples therapy entails is the first step toward determining if it's right for you and your partner.
When Do People Need Couples Therapy? Common Relationship Issues
Couples typically seek therapy when they encounter persistent problems they can’t resolve on their own. Common reasons include:
Communication breakdowns: Constant arguments, misunderstandings, or silent treatments.
Loss of intimacy or affection: Emotional or physical distance that feels insurmountable.
Infidelity or breaches of trust: Affairs, financial secrets, or other betrayals.
Parenting conflicts: Disagreements on how to raise children or manage family dynamics.
Life transitions: Moving, job changes, having children, or coping with loss.
Different future goals: Misalignment in major life plans like marriage, children, or finances.
Couples therapy offers a structured, supportive environment where these issues can be unpacked safely. It encourages each partner to listen actively, take responsibility, and develop healthier patterns.
Many couples come to Ballast Health and Wellness during times of emotional crisis, but others come proactively to strengthen their bond. You don’t have to be on the verge of a breakup to benefit.
When and How Can Individual Therapy Help With Relationship Issues?
Individual therapy provides a space to explore your internal world—your thoughts, feelings, past experiences, and patterns. It can be incredibly helpful for relationship issues when:
You’re unsure about staying in or leaving the relationship.
You want to explore your role in recurring conflicts.
You struggle with trauma, anxiety, depression, or attachment issues that affect your relationship.
You want to develop better communication or emotional regulation skills.
You’re experiencing codependency or difficulty setting boundaries.
In the debate of couples therapy vs. individual therapy for relationship issues, individual therapy can give you clarity on what you truly want and help you bring your healthiest self to the relationship.
At Ballast Health and Wellness, our therapists work one-on-one with clients to uncover deep-rooted beliefs and emotional wounds that may be affecting how they relate to others. Individual therapy can often serve as a starting point—or complement—to couples work.
How to Know When You Need Individual Therapy or Couples Therapy
One of the most important considerations in choosing couples therapy vs. individual therapy for relationship issues is the current state of the relationship and the willingness of each partner to engage.
Couples therapy might be right if:
Both partners are willing to participate and commit to the process.
The primary concern involves the dynamics between you and your partner.
You're both invested in improving the relationship, even if things are tough.
Individual therapy might be right if:
Your partner refuses to attend therapy.
You’re unsure about your feelings or commitment to the relationship.
You need a confidential space to process trauma, abuse, or emotional stress that feels too vulnerable to share in front of your partner.
You're repeating relationship patterns and want to explore why.
At Ballast Health and Wellness, we often help clients assess their needs during an initial consultation. Sometimes we recommend starting with individual therapy before transitioning into couples therapy—or vice versa.
How a Combination of Both Therapies Can Be Helpful
For many people, the best approach isn’t choosing between couples therapy vs. individual therapy for relationship issues, but rather combining both.
This dual approach can be especially beneficial when:
One or both partners have unresolved trauma or mental health issues that influence the relationship.
You’re working on improving communication and emotional connection as a couple while also developing personal insight and growth individually.
There’s a need to process complex emotions privately while still committing to the couple’s healing.
At Ballast Health and Wellness, we offer both individual and couples therapy under one roof, which allows for cohesive care. Our therapists often collaborate to ensure consistency and support for both individuals and the couple’s shared goals.
When Couples Therapy or Individual Therapy Might Not Be Helpful for Relationship Issues
While therapy can be transformative, it's not always the right solution.
Couples therapy may not be effective when:
There is ongoing domestic violence or emotional abuse. In these cases, safety must be prioritized, and individual therapy and crisis management are typically recommended first.
One partner is unwilling to participate or sabotages the process.
The relationship has ended, and one person is attending therapy with the hope of reconciliation that the other does not want.
Individual therapy may not help relationship issues if:
The individual refuses to acknowledge their role in the conflict.
There is a desire to “fix” the partner through therapy, rather than exploring personal accountability.
The main problems are systemic within the relationship dynamic and require both partners to engage.
Choosing couples therapy vs. individual therapy for relationship issues is not just about who attends sessions—it’s about the goals, the readiness, and the willingness to do the work.
Getting Help at Ballast Health and Wellness
At Ballast Health and Wellness, we believe that relationships are central to emotional health and well-being. Our team of licensed therapists specializes in both couples therapy and individual therapy for relationship issues. Whether you’re navigating communication struggles, healing from betrayal, or simply looking to grow closer as a couple, we’re here to help.
If you're still unsure whether you need couples therapy vs. individual therapy for relationship issues, reach out to schedule a consultation. We’ll help you explore the best path forward based on your unique situation.
Your relationships matter. Let us help you strengthen them—with support, insight, and compassion.
