Couples Therapy for One in Seattle, WA
You’re not alone in wanting more from your relationship. Maybe things have shifted over time, or recent changes brought long-standing issues to the surface. Whatever the case, you know something needs to change...even if your partner isn’t ready, willing, or able to join you in therapy.
If your partner won’t or can’t attend therapy, that doesn’t mean you’re stuck. Relationship therapy for one...also called solo couples therapy...can still lead to meaningful growth and positive change within your partnership.
Through online therapy across Washington or in-person sessions in Seattle, our skilled therapists help individuals explore their relationship dynamics and learn how to shift patterns...even solo. You don’t need both partners in the room to start healing disconnection or frustration.
How can relationship therapy for one create change?
Every relationship has its own rhythm. And when one person changes their steps, the dance between them often shifts, too. In individual relationship therapy, you’ll work with a counselor to:
- Identify and understand unhelpful patterns in your relationship(s)
- Explore how your communication style influences the dynamic
- Learn more effective ways to express needs and boundaries
- Shift how you respond to your partner’s behavior
This isn’t about blaming yourself or “fixing” the relationship alone. It’s about empowerment—changing your part of the cycle in ways that lead to more clarity, calm, and connection.
What can relationship therapy for one help with?
We support individuals who want to work on:
- Feeling unheard or misunderstood in their relationship(s)
- Dealing with emotional or physical disconnection
- Managing conflict, resentment, or criticism
- Healing from betrayal or navigating complex intimacy dynamics
- Wanting to stay, but unsure how to make it work
- Preparing for a tough conversation or big decision
Even without your partner present, therapy can help you approach your relationship with more peace, strength, and self-understanding.
If you’d like to see how Clarity Counseling Seattle contributes to broader conversations about relationships and emotional well-being, you can explore our interviews and articles featured in national media outlets on our Media & Press page.
Why choose Clarity Counseling Seattle for relationship therapy for one?
Many of our therapists are trained in sex and intimacy therapy, so we can support not only emotional and communication issues, but also the parts of your relationship that happen (or don’t happen) in the bedroom. We offer telehealth therapy across Washington and in-person sessions at our South Lake Union office in Seattle.
Explore Couples & Relationship Therapy
Learn About Individual Therapy
Sex & Intimacy Therapy for Individuals
How Couples Therapy for One at Clarity Counseling Seattle Can Improve Your Relationship — Even Without Your Partner Present
It’s not always possible for both partners to attend therapy, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make meaningful progress in your relationship. Our Seattle couples therapists work with individuals who want to address relationship challenges, strengthen communication, and create positive changes on their own. By focusing on your personal insight and growth, you can influence your relationship dynamics in powerful, lasting ways.
Expert Guidance for Navigating Relationship Challenges Alone
Our therapists understand the complexities of trying to improve a relationship without your partner’s direct involvement. We provide you with tools and strategies to address recurring conflicts, strengthen your communication, and set healthier boundaries — all while honoring your unique situation and goals.
Personal Growth That Impacts the Relationship
When you understand your own patterns and triggers, you can respond in ways that shift the dynamic between you and your partner. We help you identify and change habits that may be contributing to conflict, creating space for more constructive, respectful, and emotionally connected interactions.
A Safe, Private Space to Explore Your Options
Working one-on-one allows you to speak openly about your concerns, fears, and hopes without the pressure of your partner being present. This confidential space gives you the freedom to clarify your priorities, consider your choices, and decide what’s best for your well-being and your relationship.
Flexible Therapy Options That Fit Your Life
We offer both in-person sessions at our Seattle office and secure online therapy, so you can choose the format that works best for your schedule and comfort. This flexibility ensures you can access support in a way that feels sustainable and empowering, no matter where you are in your journey.
Justin Pere is one of my top referrals for men and couples in Seattle.
I have worked with many women who have seen Justin as part of couples counseling and they have felt his support and guidance were extremely helpful for their relationship. Justin is a kind, compassionate and highly experienced therapist who I would recommend without hesitation!
Meet Our Therapists :
Justin Pere LMHC-S, CST, CGT
Founder, Clinical Director & Lead Therapist
(he/him pronouns)
Please note: Therapy sessions with Justin are available via telehealth or in person in Seattle, Washington.
I’m a Certified Sex Therapist and relationship counselor in ...
Emma Ehrlich MA, LMHCA
Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate
(she/her pronouns)
Please note: Therapy sessions with Emma are held in-person in Seattle or through telehealth on Mondays, Wednesdays & Thursdays, and through telehealth only ...
Rosa Booker MS, LMFTA
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate
(she/her pronouns)
Please note: Therapy sessions with Rosa are held in-person in Seattle or through telehealth on Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays, and through telehealth only ...
Hyacinth Kearney MA, LMFT
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
(she/her pronouns)
Please note: Therapy sessions with Hyacinth are conveniently held through telehealth for clients anywhere in Washington State.
I work with individuals, couples, and polycules who ...
Lindsey Pepperoni MA, LMFT
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
(she/her pronouns)
Please note: Therapy sessions with Lindsey are held in-person in Seattle on Thursdays & Fridays, and through telehealth on Tuesdays & Wednesdays.
I work ...
Maggie Fisher-Shipley MA, LMFT
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
(she/her pronouns)
Please note: Therapy sessions with Maggie are held in-person in Seattle or through telehealth Monday through Thursday.
Many of the individuals, couples, and polycules ...
Misa Mattson MA, LMFTA
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate
(she/her pronouns)
Please note: Therapy sessions with Misa are conveniently held through telehealth for clients anywhere in Washington State.
I work with individuals and couples who want ...
Corey Thompson MA, LMHC
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
(he/him pronouns)
Please note: Therapy sessions with Corey are conveniently held through telehealth for clients across Washington State.
Many of the individuals, couples, and polycules I support ...
Lisa Stewart MSW, MJ, LICSW, SUDPT
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
(she/her pronouns)
Please note: Therapy sessions with Lisa can be in-person in Seattle on Saturdays, or conveniently held over telehealth Monday through Friday.
If you're looking ...
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely. When you begin working on your own patterns, it naturally shifts how you interact with your partner. Even if your partner doesn’t attend therapy, your new approaches to communication, boundaries, and emotional responses can create a ripple effect that changes the relationship as a whole.
People often come to individual couples counseling when they feel stuck in cycles of conflict, disconnected from their partner, or unsure how to move forward. Therapy can help with improving communication, rebuilding trust, navigating intimacy struggles, or preparing for marriage counseling down the road if your partner decides to join later.
While individual counseling focuses primarily on your personal history and well-being, couples therapy for one is centered on your relationship. The goal is to better understand your role in the partnership, identify ways to shift patterns, and take steps that may strengthen the bond even if your partner isn’t present.
Often, yes. Many partners become more open to the idea once they see the positive changes therapy is bringing. It can reduce defensiveness and show that support is available, making it easier for them to consider joining sessions in the future.
If your partner isn’t open to counseling right now, it can still be very helpful to start therapy on your own.
Couples Counseling for One
It’s common for one partner to hesitate, sometimes waiting for proof that change is possible before agreeing to attend sessions. When one person begins therapy on their own, it often becomes the catalyst for meaningful change in the relationship. By working on your own emotional patterns, communication habits, and personal responses, you can begin shifting the dynamic between you and your partner—even without their direct participation.
We offer teletherapy across Washington State as well as in-person sessions at our Seattle office in South Lake Union. If you're ready to move forward on your own and explore how therapy can help your relationship, we’re here to support you.