What to do When a Partner is Resistant to Therapy

What do you do if you are in a relationship where one partner wants to see a couples therapist, and the other doesn’t?

This is a really common situation. I’m often asked this by prospective clients, people in general conversation, and I even encounter it with couples who do come for therapy.

For these people, the choice is not between simply carrying on as-is, or ending the relationship. In most cases, I would say that the best thing you can do is start therapy yourself.

Relationships are systems that we co-create: when one part of the system changes, the whole thing shifts. If you grow in self-awareness, emotional regulation, and your communication skills, it will impact the dynamic between you.

Sometimes, your partner can see the changes and become open to therapy too. But even if they don’t, you’ll gain clarity – either in how to strengthen your relationship or, if needed, how to move on in a grounded and healthy way.

Love isn’t a feeling – it is a practice. Relationships require nourishment and evolution. And sometimes, that evolution can start with just one person.

Book your free discovery call now to see how therapy can support you.