Couples Therapy for One

Couples therapy doesn’t always start with both people in the room.

Many people reach out because they’re feeling stuck in the same arguments, disconnection, or patterns — and their partner isn’t ready, willing, or able to participate in therapy right now. That doesn’t mean change isn’t possible.

Couples therapy for one offers a space to slow things down and understand what’s really happening in your relationship — without placing blame or pressure on either person. We focus on your role in the dynamic, not because everything is your responsibility, but because it’s the part you have influence over.

In this work, we look closely at patterns: how conflict unfolds, how needs get expressed (or avoided), and how protection strategies developed over time. Often, what feels frustrating or confusing in a relationship once served an important purpose. Understanding that can open up new choices.

Rather than trying to “fix” your partner, couples therapy for one helps you:

  • respond differently during conflict

  • clarify boundaries and values

  • understand emotional triggers

  • shift patterns that keep repeating

  • decide how you want to show up in the relationship

Many people find this work especially helpful during mid-life, when relationships are often impacted by multiple stressors — parenting, caring for aging parents, career changes, recovery, hormonal shifts, or evolving identities. These pressures can quietly strain even long-standing relationships.

This approach can also support you in making thoughtful decisions about your relationship — whether that’s improving connection, navigating separation or uncoupling with care, or gaining clarity about what you need moving forward.

I offer LGBTQ+ affirming couples therapy for one and welcome diverse identities and relationship structures. Humor and real conversations are welcome here, especially when we’re talking about hard things.

If you’re feeling stuck or unsure how to change a relationship pattern on your own, couples therapy for one can offer a grounded place to begin.

Some clients begin with individual therapy, while others benefit from couples therapy or couples therapy for one partner.