You’re Not Alone: Why Couples Therapy Scares Us More Than Self-Help

By Sabina Storberg
Sep 20, 2024
Couple hugging

While many people eagerly seek out personal therapy as part of their self-care routine, couples or relationship therapy often feels like a much harder step. There’s an underlying fear that discussing relationship problems means admitting there’s something fundamentally broken, and for many, that feels like failure. However, research shows that relationship therapy is incredibly beneficial.

A survey conducted in 2023 found that 99% of couples who attended therapy felt it had a positive impact on their relationship, yet only 37% of adults had ever attended.

One of the main concerns holding people back from couples therapy is the fear that their partner won’t fully engage. Many individuals feel alone in their efforts to improve the relationship, worried that their partner may not show up — either physically or emotionally. This concern can amplify feelings of isolation, even within a partnership. Yet, the act of showing up to therapy is a powerful indicator that both partners care about the future of their relationship. It’s a step that shows a willingness to invest in something better.

The hesitation also comes from the fact that couples therapy often feels more vulnerable than personal therapy. Personal therapy is viewed as self-care, a personal growth journey where there’s only you and the therapist. Couples therapy, on the other hand, introduces another layer of emotional complexity. It’s not just about working through your own issues — it’s about confronting those of your partner as well, which can feel intimidating.

Also, many people avoid couples therapy because they worry it will be a high-pressure situation. Traditional therapy often involves booking appointments, coordinating schedules, and committing to sessions with both partners fully present, which can be daunting. However, modern solutions are changing the game, making relationship support more accessible and less intimidating.

That’s where Inetta AI steps in to change the dynamic. Inetta AI eliminates these barriers by offering therapy and coaching on your own schedule. You don’t need to wait weeks for an appointment or stress about convincing your partner to join a session. With Inetta, you can start with personal therapy and open confidential, separate relationship chats. This means that one person can begin working on the relationship even if the other isn’t ready. Eventually, Inetta makes it easy to invite a partner or family member into the conversation — without the high-pressure setting of an in-person appointment. This flexibility not only makes relationship therapy more accessible but also removes much of the stigma and discomfort that people often associate with it.

The app offers real-time guidance and allows couples or family members to explore issues at their own pace. This makes it easier to navigate sensitive topics and build stronger emotional connections without waiting for things to become more serious or unmanageable .

In the end, the reluctance to pursue relationship therapy often stems from fear — fear of rejection, fear of vulnerability, and fear of failure. But showing up, whether it’s alone or together, is the first and most important step in showing that you care. And in a time when only a minority of people are seeking couples therapy, the always-available, low-pressure format of AI therapy could be the key to making relationship care a routine part of life.

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