When couples face relationship challenges, some turn to couples therapy as a possible solution. While couples therapy can be a powerful force for positive change, many people do not realize that the benefits may extend even beyond the relationship itself. To see the best results, both partners involved in therapy should do work both together and separately.
Couples therapy has immense potential to address individual concerns such as mental health, stress, and personal growth. When both partners actively engage in reflecting inward and making changes, not just for the relationship but for themselves, it can benefit partners both within and outside the context of their relationship.
Can Couples Therapy Help Just One Person?
Couples therapy may not be the first place people think to check for individual growth. Still, in reality, this type of counseling almost demands it. Few relationship challenges can be overcome without one or both partners making individual changes within themselves, from their methods of communication to the ways in which they deal with stress.
Couples therapy can absolutely help just one person. Studies show that an individual who attends couples therapy but also focuses their work on themselves sees a statistically significant improvement in mental health and coping skills.In such a situation, however, the other partner must also be doing the same work in order for the couple to benefit from individual growth; otherwise, the data indicate that the relationship typically does not grow at the same rate as couples who actively participate together.
Growth and development on an individual level during couples therapy need not be conducted when only one participant is in the room. Both partners can grow, both together and individually simultaneously. The keys to this process are openness and accountability.
The Benefits of Addressing Individual Concerns
If couples therapy is meant to address challenges faced by partners in their relationship, why take the time to address individual concerns? Just because a relationship would benefit from additional guidance and personal development does not mean that maintaining the relationship is the sole goal of therapeutic growth.
In fact, couples therapy can help with numerous issues beyond just the relationship. Consider how the things an individual may learn in couples therapy extend into their personal and professional lives as well:
- Communication skills – The cornerstone of any relationship is communication, which enables partners to clarify their feelings, thoughts, goals, and sources of distress. Couples therapy often focuses intently on communication skills, helping participants develop abilities such as framing their thoughts with care, realizing when to approach an issue, and managing their response when they are told information they do not want to hear. Outside of a relationship, strong communication skills are a powerful asset in the work environment, whether as a leader or an effective employee. Good communicators avoid potentially costly misunderstandings, streamline workflow, and establish strong relationships with coworkers.
- Boundary-setting – A person’s boundaries define what they permit to have a place in their life. Being able to set boundaries and gaining practice with “putting your foot down” can serve participants well throughout life. From maintaining a work-life balance by not letting a boss take advantage of free time to cutting out problematic friendships, boundary-setting skills can lead to a richer and more fulfilled life.
- Conflict management – Conflict is inevitable in most relationships. How a person handles it is essential in moving forward, with or without the source of conflict. Learning conflict resolution skills as part of couples therapy can teach individuals how to diffuse tense situations at work, handle difficult or frustrating family gatherings, and even keep people calm during dangerous situations.
- Intimate connection – Intimacy is not just shared between the members of a partnership. Emotional intimacy (and even some physical intimacy) also connects family members and friends. Comprehending how a participant’s intimate comforts work can allow them to form stronger bonds with the people around them and have their needs met in a wide range of relationship types.
These are just a few of the many benefits that couples therapy can provide on an individual level. These skills encourage a flourishing relationship and help people feel fulfilled, empowered, and capable outside the relationship in their daily lives.
Grow in Your Relationship and Beyond With Couples Therapy
Couples therapy can be an invaluable resource for two (or more in open relationships!) people to develop a stronger foundation for continued growth together. However, participants should not forget that the skills they learn individually during therapy can serve them well in many areas of their lives.
The team at Village Counseling can help you blossom as both an individual person and a partner. Contact Village Counseling to schedule your couples therapy appointment!