Couples Therapy vs Relationship Therapy
“Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response.”
If you’re searching for support and you keep seeing both couples therapy and relationship therapy, it can feel unclear which one fits. The terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but they can also describe different types of work. A helpful way to decide is to look at two things: who attends and what the focus is.
What is couples therapy?
Couples therapy is for two people who are in a romantic partnership and attend sessions together. The focus is the relationship between you — what happens in the space between two people when stress, hurt, fear, or unmet needs show up.
Couples therapy may support you to:
improve communication and reduce repeated conflict cycles
understand patterns like pursue/withdraw, criticism/defensiveness, or shutdown/escalation
rebuild trust after ruptures or betrayal
navigate life transitions (parenthood, fertility, health changes, relocation, bereavement)
strengthen emotional closeness and intimacy (including sexual communication, where appropriate)
make clearer agreements about responsibilities, boundaries, and shared goals
My approach prioritises respectful, ethical practice and aims to support both partners to feel heard, while avoiding “taking sides” or turning sessions into a courtroom.
What is relationship therapy?
Relationship therapy often refers to therapy focused on relationships more broadly — and it is frequently offered one-to-one (though some practitioners may also use it to describe couples work).
Relationship therapy can be helpful if:
you notice repeating patterns in dating or relationships (e.g., choosing emotionally unavailable partners, fear of abandonment, people-pleasing, avoidance of closeness)
you want support after a breakup, divorce, affair, or complicated relationship ending
family relationships feel difficult (parents, siblings, adult children, in-laws)
friendships feel conflictual, painful, or hard to maintain
you want to strengthen boundaries, confidence, and communication across relationships
cultural expectations, identity, or past experiences are shaping how you relate
In this sense, relationship therapy is less about a particular couple and more about your relational world — the themes you carry, the roles you take on, and the ways you protect yourself (sometimes at a cost).
The key difference in one line
Couples therapy: two partners attend; focus is the relationship dynamic between them.
Relationship therapy: often individual; focus is relational patterns across your relationships (romantic, family, friendships, dating).
What if you come as a couple to “relationship therapy”?
If you attend together as partners, the work is essentially couples therapy — even if the therapist calls it relationship therapy. This is why it’s worth reading the service description carefully and checking:
Do they see couples?
Is the work structured for two partners in the room?
What is their training/experience in couples work?
Which one should you choose?
Here are some common scenarios:
Couples therapy may be a better fit if:
you’re stuck in repeated arguments and can’t resolve them alone
one or both of you feels disconnected, resentful, or unheard
you’re rebuilding trust after a rupture
intimacy or sexual connection has changed and it’s impacting the relationship
you want support navigating a major decision together
Relationship therapy (individual) may be a better fit if:
you want to understand your patterns in relationships and dating
you’re healing after a breakup or complex relational experience
you struggle with boundaries, people-pleasing, or fear of conflict
you want support with family or friendship dynamics
you’re exploring identity, culture, attachment, and how these shape relating
A note on confidentiality and boundaries
Both couples therapy and relationship therapy typically involve an agreement that covers confidentiality and its limits (for example, safeguarding and serious risk). In couples work, there are often additional boundaries to clarify at the start, such as:
how the therapist handles information disclosed individually
expectations for respectful communication in sessions
what happens if one partner stops attending
An ethical therapist will be transparent about how they work so you can make an informed choice.
Choosing a therapist: what to look for
It’s appropriate to ask about:
training and experience relevant to the type of therapy you want
professional membership/registration (e.g., BACP)
how sessions are structured and reviewed
fees, cancellations, and practical arrangements
supervision (a key part of ethical practice)
The most important factor is whether you feel able to speak openly and whether the therapist’s approach feels like a good fit.
Final thought
If you’re unsure, you don’t have to get the label “perfect” before you begin. A first session (or initial consultation) can clarify what you’re seeking and whether individual work, couples work, or a blend makes most sense for your situation.
Monica C | Integrative Counsellor, MBACP
Therapy with Monica I hello@therapywithmonica.com
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for mental health care. If you need urgent support, please contact your GP or Samaritans at 116 123.