How to decide between individual and couples counselling for relationship problems

If you and your partner have reached the end of your rope trying to handle relationship problems yourselves, the next step is professional relationship counselling. Surrey couples have 2 options when seeking specialised help: individual counselling and couples counselling. Which is right for you?

How to know which one is right for your relationship depends on whether one or both partners has personal issues influencing the relationship, or if the problems stem more from shared interactions like communication style differences or difficulties handling conflict resolution.

Individual counselling

Individual therapy is especially helpful for a partner who wants to understand themselves better. For instance, someone with executive function challenges, or a  highly sensitive person. It’s also for those working through mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma, etc.. If a partner has noticed that the same problems come up no matter who their relationship is with, individual counselling can help identify the underlying reasons. Granting insight into deeply held patterns of behaviour, and/or feelings that influence relationships, helps when looking at the relationship as a whole.

Couples Counselling for Surrey partners

Navigating life together is a joyful experience but not always smooth sailing. Differences in communication styles can present challenges, as can different approaches to handling money, children, household responsibilities, work life, extended family and other common situations. Couples counselling with a trained therapist helps when those challenges start to overwhelm the relationship. With professional guidance in a supportive environment, partners learn about each other’s underlying needs, expectations, perceptions and feelings. Understanding strengthens connections and offers couples the opportunity to rebuild their relationship and commitment to one another.

At Alison Bell & Associates, finding the right therapist to support you is essential. We will be very happy to speak with you at any time to discuss your circumstance and hopes for the counselling process. Call 604-372-1545.