As a couples counselor, there are times that I find that one member of the couple has reluctantly agreed to come to therapy. That person often feels nothing is wrong while the other partner is desperate for change. They’re willing to come. Perhaps they’re afraid the relationship or marriage won’t last if they don’t. But they took a lot of convincing to make it to the office. Sometimes there is danger in that the resistant partner will cancel or pull away from therapy.
What can you do if your spouse or partner won’t come to couples counseling?
What can you do when your partner refuses to go to therapy? You can still receive therapy for yourself. The processing, learning about your own strengths and weaknesses, and skills on handling life will be invaluable to you. You can also strengthen your family relationship just by experiencing change within yourself. Who knows your partner may see the change in you, then decide to come to therapy also.
Inviting Your Partner to Join Your Individual SEssions
Another thing you can do is as your visit your individual therapist; invite your partner for a visit. I often allow spouses to come in for a visit because it allows me to know and see my client from a different perspective. This is a little different than couples therapy, because you as the individual are the primary client. But this may make it easier for your spouse or partner to come. They’re willing to come in to help you.
Hopefully the visit is a positive experience. They’re able to see the value of therapy. And, in a perfect world, it may reduce the barriers to couples therapy.
Therapists as a Guide
Therapy is part of a process where we as therapists serve as collaborators and guides in helping you write your story and embrace your uniqueness. Whether single or married, one should embrace that journey. Hopefully, you and your partner will embrace the journey together.
Therapy in the Atlanta Area
If you’re looking for a therapist who understands relationships in the Atlanta area, please reach out to Faith & Family Empowerment. I can offer both couples and individual counseling and would love to support you.