RELATIONSHIP
STRUGGLES
Empower yourself to make change.
The emotional bond shared between partners, friends or family members often brings a sense of fulfillment and happiness that's hard to find elsewhere. However, relationships are not immune to struggles and conflicts. When deeper issues and emotional turmoil arise, they can profoundly impact one's mental health.
In situations where couple or family therapy might not be available or suitable, individual therapy offers a valuable alternative. It provides a safe and confidential space for individuals to explore their feelings, thoughts, and concerns about their relationships. Individual therapy can be particularly beneficial for those facing the tough decision of whether to stay in or leave a relationship or dealing with the complexities of estrangement.
With the guidance of a therapist, individuals can gain deeper insights into their relationship dynamics, understand their own needs and desires, and develop strategies for communication and coping. This personalized approach empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their relationships, fostering a path towards healing and personal growth, regardless of the relational outcome.
Common Types of Relationships That Can Experience Difficulties:
Friend • Romantic • Parental • Sibling • In-law • Peer • Professional • Community
“A healthy relationship will never require you to sacrifice your happiness, your goals, or your dignity.”
—Mandy Hale
What are some common relationship topics discussed in individual therapy?
When individuals seek therapy for relationship issues, there are many different topics that may be addressed depending on specific needs and concerns. Here are some common relationship topics discussed in individual therapy.
Communication Skills: Individuals may work on improving their communication skills, such as active listening, expressing themselves more clearly, and setting healthy boundaries.
Self-Esteem: Individuals may explore ways to improve their self-esteem and build a more positive self-image.
Attachment Style: Therapists may help individuals identify their attachment style and work on developing healthier patterns of attachment in their relationships.
Relationship Patterns: Therapists may explore patterns that individuals have developed in their past relationships and help them identify ways to break negative patterns and establish healthier relationship dynamics.
Boundaries: Individuals may work on establishing boundaries that allow them to maintain their sense of self while still being open to intimacy and connection with others.
Trust Issues: Individuals may work on building trust in their relationships or addressing trust issues that may be impacting their ability to form healthy relationships.
Emotional Regulation: Therapists may help individuals learn to regulate their emotions in a healthy way and explore coping strategies for managing difficult emotions.
Intimacy: Therapists may help individuals explore their feelings about intimacy and work on developing a greater sense of comfort and connection with their partner.
Past Trauma: Therapists may help individuals work through past trauma and develop coping strategies to manage the impact on their current relationships.
Jealousy: Jealousy can stem from a variety of underlying emotions or beliefs and therapists may help individuals explore the root causes of their jealousy and develop strategies for managing it.
Sexuality: Individuals in therapy may explore their sexuality and work on developing a healthier and more positive relationship with their sexual self.
Codependence: An unhealthy pattern of behavior and relationship dynamics where individuals excessively rely on others for their self-worth and well-being. Therapists can help shift to "interdependence" where individuals maintain their autonomy while also recognizing the importance of mutual support and connection.