My Partner Refuses to Attend Therapy with Me.  What Can I Do?

If your relationship is on shaky ground but your partner is reluctant to go to therapy, you can still go alone.  Going to a therapist by yourself can still help you accomplish a number of things.

First, your therapist can help you learn communication skills that can help you manage frustration and anger to help you start to heal the disconnect within your relationship.  You might also get to the root of some of your own personal issues that may be contributing to the breakdown in your relationship.  As you work through some of your own issues, your partner may realize how much therapy is helping you and may be more willing to give it a try.

Second, a therapist can help you decide what you really want.  You may find that you don’t really want to be in a relationship with someone who isn’t willing to work on it and do whatever it takes to make it work, even if that means seeing a therapist.  On the other hand, you may decide that the relationship is important to you and change your expectations.  You may decide that you need to be okay with a partner who isn’t as invested in the relationship as you are, at least for now.

Third, you can learn more about yourself and grow as an individual.  For many, this is helpful by itself.  If you decide to continue the relationship, you will have learned what you need from your relationship, and how to communicate your needs to your partner.  If you choose to end the relationship, your newfound knowledge will help you choose future relationships more wisely and have new skills to take to future relationships.

If you live in California and are looking for a therapist, please give us a call at Long Beach Therapy: 562-310-9741.