Should I do couples therapy or individual therapy?

Couples therapy can be more beneficial than individual therapy for those undergoing IVF because infertility is a shared experience that affects both partners emotionally, physically, and relationally. While individual therapy allows one person to process their emotions privately, couples therapy creates a space where both partners can openly communicate their fears, hopes, and frustrations together. This helps prevent misunderstandings, reduces feelings of isolation, and fosters a deeper sense of teamwork during a process that can often feel overwhelming. A trained therapist can guide couples in developing coping strategies, improving emotional support, and addressing any conflicts that may arise, ensuring they remain connected rather than drifting apart under the weight of stress.

Additionally, couples therapy helps partners navigate key IVF-related decisions together, from financial concerns to medical choices and emotional coping mechanisms. It encourages collaboration, ensuring both voices are heard and respected, rather than one partner feeling burdened with the decision-making. This type of therapy can also help prevent resentment, as it provides a structured environment where difficult topics—such as failed cycles, differing coping styles, or ethical considerations around embryos—can be discussed in a healthy and productive way. By strengthening communication and emotional resilience as a couple, therapy not only supports them through IVF but also lays the foundation for a stronger relationship, regardless of the outcome.