Yes, in many cases, individual therapy before couples therapy can be beneficial — but it’s not always required. It depends on your unique situation, the challenges in the relationship, and whether either partner is facing personal struggles that may affect the relationship dynamic.

When Individual Therapy First Makes Sense:

Starting with individual therapy may be recommended if:

  • One or both partners are dealing with mental health concerns, such as anxiety, depression, trauma, or past relationship wounds
  • There are issues with emotional regulation, anger, or trust that stem from personal history
  • You need a safe, private space to explore your own emotions, values, or patterns before addressing them as a couple
  • You feel unsure about staying in the relationship and want to gain personal clarity

Individual therapy offers a supportive setting to build self-awareness, improve communication skills, and develop emotional insight — all of which strengthen your ability to participate constructively in couples therapy later on.

When Couples Therapy Can Start Right Away:

On the other hand, couples therapy is a good place to start if:

  • The main concern is communication problems, conflict, emotional disconnection, or life transitions (e.g., parenting, finances)
  • Both partners are ready to work together and feel safe addressing issues as a team
  • There are no severe individual psychological concerns that would prevent productive dialogue in joint sessions

In many cases, therapists will combine both approaches — offering joint sessions alongside individual check-ins as needed.

Expert Insight:

A licensed therapist can assess your relationship dynamics and help you decide the best therapeutic approach. Starting with individual therapy doesn’t mean couples therapy isn’t necessary — and starting with couples therapy doesn’t mean individual therapy is off the table. Both can complement each other depending on your needs.

In summary:
Individual therapy before couples therapy can help you enter the relationship work with greater self-understanding. But the right choice depends on your specific situation — and working with a qualified therapist can help you make that decision with confidence.