by Lisa Moriarty | Apr 6, 2023 | Relationships and Mental Health
Marriage counseling in St. George, Utah can be transformative — but what happens when one partner isn’t ready to participate?
Marriage and relationships are hard work. It's not uncommon for couples to face challenges that require professional support. Seeking couples counseling provides a safe space to address conflict, rebuild trust, and improve communication. But sometimes, one partner may refuse to go to counseling, leaving the other feeling helpless or hopeless.
Here’s the good news: a refusal to attend therapy doesn’t mean the end of your relationship.
In this blog, we’ll explore three powerful reasons why your partner’s hesitation doesn’t have to be a deal breaker — and how working with a licensed marriage and family therapist or individual therapist can still create healing and positive change.
Not everyone is comfortable with marriage or couples therapy. Some people prefer to process their emotions through individual counseling, coaching, journaling, or even personal development tools.
If your partner isn’t open to therapy yet, it doesn’t mean they don’t care — they may simply be looking for a different way to heal. Respecting one another’s approaches is essential. You can still begin your own work with a therapist in St. George while allowing them time and space.
It’s worth understanding your partner’s reservations. Are they afraid of being vulnerable? Unfamiliar with the process? Maybe they’ve had a negative experience with therapy in the past.
Start the conversation with empathy. Explain why counseling is important to you, and share what you’re hoping to work on. Even without formal counseling, honest conversations can help rebuild trust and open the door for healing.
Need help learning how to communicate more effectively? Individual therapy is a powerful first step.
While couples counseling is ideal, it’s not the only path forward. Change often starts with one person doing the inner work.
Working with a licensed therapist can help you manage your own reactions, improve your communication style, and develop the emotional regulation skills needed to reduce tension in your relationship. Over time, your partner may feel safer joining you in the process — especially when they see the growth you’ve made.
At Desert Consulting, we offer trauma-informed therapy and evidence-based methods like EMDR, Somatic Therapy, and Lifespan Integration, available in-person in St. George and virtually across Utah.
Whether you’re dealing with depression, communication breakdowns, trust issues, or past trauma, you’re not alone — and it’s not too late. Our marriage and family therapists in St. George are trained to support couples through the hardest challenges.
If your partner isn't ready to begin, you can still take the first step for yourself — and for your relationship.
Call Desert Consulting at (435) 669-3659 or book a free consultation online.
We’re here to walk beside you — whether you come in as a couple or on your own.