When working with a couple, if individual therapy needs arise, what is recommended?

• A. Continue with joint sessions only.
• B. Stop therapy and refer to crisis services.
• C. Coordinate with the same individual therapist to address personal issues during couples sessions.
• D. Refer the client to a separate provider for individual therapy.

Answer: (D)

When personal issues come up that would benefit from individual therapy, the best approach is to refer the partner to a separate provider for individual therapy. This keeps boundaries clear and protects confidentiality, so each therapeutic relationship can specialize: the couple session focuses on relationship dynamics, while the individual therapy helps with personal growth and issues separate from the relationship. Having a separate therapist also reduces the risk of dual roles or conflicting information within one clinician, which can muddy progress in both tracks. If there are safety concerns or a crisis, those needs should be addressed through crisis services, but for typical personal issues, a dedicated individual therapist is the most effective route.