Your relationship is struggling. You’ve asked your partner to go to couples therapy. They said no. Maybe they think therapy is “pointless” or “won’t help.” Maybe they’re in denial about the problems. Maybe they say “you’re the one with issues, not me.” Or maybe they’re just not ready yet.
Here’s what most people don’t know: You don’t need your partner in the room to improve your relationship. When you change how you show up, how you communicate, set boundaries, respond to conflict, the entire relationship dynamic shifts.
Individual relationship therapy means you come alone, but we work on the relationship. You learn new patterns, practice healthier communication, and often, your partner notices. Sometimes they join therapy later. Sometimes they start changing too, even without therapy. And sometimes you gain clarity that this relationship isn’t working, and that’s valuable too.
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 20 years of experience, I help individuals improve their relationships even when they’re the only one willing to do the work. We address communication patterns, conflict cycles, boundary-setting, and the question you might not want to ask: “Should I stay or should I go?”
You've asked (or begged). They said no. But the relationship is dying, and you can't just sit back and watch it happen.
Different topic, same pattern. You pursue, they withdraw. Or you both explode. Nothing ever gets resolved, and you're exhausted.
Your partner says you're "too sensitive," "too needy," "overreacting." Are they right? Or are they gaslighting you?
You manage the relationship, initiate conversations, do the emotional work. Your partner just coasts. You're exhausted and resentful.
You know you're not perfect. You want to show up better, communicate more clearly, fight more fairly, even if they don't.
Some days you want to fight for it. Other days you fantasize about leaving. You need help making this decision.
Yes, and we’ll do it together.
Individual relationship therapy isn’t just venting about your partner. It’s strategic work on YOUR role in the relationship, so you can show up differently.
Session 1-2: Understanding the Relationship & Your Patterns
You tell me about the relationship: what’s working, what’s not, what you’ve tried. We map the conflict cycle and identify YOUR role in it (not to blame you, but to empower you). By the end of session 2, you’ll have clarity on what we’re working on.
Session 3-8: Building Skills & Changing Patterns
We work on YOUR communication, boundaries, reactivity, and patterns. You practice expressing needs, de-escalating conflicts, and setting boundaries. We role-play difficult conversations so you’re prepared for real life.
Session 9-20: Implementing Change & Navigating Responses
As you show up differently, your partner will respond (sometimes positively, sometimes with resistance). We navigate their reactions, adjust your approach, and address whether the relationship is actually improving—or whether it’s time to consider leaving.
Session 20+: Maintenance or Transition
If the relationship is improving, we shift to less frequent sessions and focus on sustaining progress. If you’ve decided to leave, we support you through that transition.
We explore patterns, not faults. The goal isn’t to figure out who’s “wrong”, it’s to understand how the dynamic works and how YOU can shift it.
You can’t control your partner. But you CAN control how you communicate, set boundaries, and respond to conflict. That’s where our work lives.
Not every relationship should be saved. If the relationship is harming you, I’ll help you gain clarity and plan your exit.
Yes. When you change how you show up, how you communicate, set boundaries, respond to conflict, the entire relationship dynamic shifts. Sometimes your partner responds positively. Sometimes you realize the relationship isn’t working.
That’s okay. You’ll still gain tools, clarity, and growth. Some relationships improve even when only one partner is in therapy. Others don’t, and that’s important information too.
No. Individual relationship therapy helps you show up better AND recognize when your partner’s behavior is unacceptable. If the relationship is abusive or toxic, I’ll help you see that.
Yes. Gaining clarity on your relationship, what’s fixable, what’s not, what you’re willing to tolerate, is often a major outcome of this work.
You’re probably not THE problem. But we all have patterns that contribute to relationship dysfunction. We’ll explore yours, and help you change them.
Yes. I can transition from individual relationship therapy to couples therapy if your partner becomes willing.
If you’re in an abusive relationship, individual therapy helps you recognize the abuse, build safety plans, and plan your exit. I won’t encourage you to stay in an abusive relationship.
Most clients see shifts within 3-6 months (12-24 sessions). Some see changes sooner; some need longer.
in-person and online options throughout Illinois.
Friday 10 AM – 8 PM
Saturday 9 AM – 3 PM
1525 East 53rd Street
Suite 433
Chicago, IL 60615
Parking: Paid parking available behind Akira and paid street parking.
Public Transit: CTA and Metra
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday
11 AM – 8 PM
125 South Wacker Drive
Suite 308
Chicago, IL 60606
Parking: Paid street parking or multiple public garages..
Public Transit: CTA & Metra.
Whether you’re navigating relationship struggles, identity questions, trauma recovery, or generational patterns you’re ready to break, I’m here to help. Fill out the form, and I will reach out to you as soon as I can.
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