Yes, a therapist can see couples in a joint session and also see one of the clients individually in separate sessions. This approach is commonly known as "conjoint therapy" when the therapist works with the couple together and "individual therapy" when the therapist works with one member of the couple individually.
The decision to offer both conjoint and individual therapy can be based on various factors, including the specific needs of the clients and the nature of their issues. Here are a few scenarios where this kind of arrangement might be appropriate:
Relationship Issues: If a couple is facing relationship challenges, joint sessions can provide a space to address these issues together, improving communication and understanding. Individual therapy may be offered to one or both partners if they have personal concerns that need exploration or if there are issues related to the relationship that they may feel more comfortable discussing individually.
Personal Growth: Sometimes, individual therapy can be beneficial for one or both partners to work on personal growth, self-awareness, and any individual psychological issues that may be impacting the relationship.
Trauma or Personal Issues: If one member of the couple has experienced trauma or has personal issues that are affecting the relationship dynamics, individual therapy can be essential to address these matters in a more focused and confidential setting.
Balanced Perspective: Having individual sessions can allow each partner to express their thoughts and feelings openly without concerns about the other person's reaction. This can provide the therapist with a more comprehensive understanding of each individual's perspective.
It's essential for the therapist to maintain professional boundaries and ethical standards when conducting both conjoint and individual therapy. They should avoid sharing confidential information about one client with the other partner without explicit permission and should manage any potential conflicts of interest.
In some cases, therapists may decide not to provide both conjoint and individual therapy for ethical reasons or if they believe it might compromise the therapeutic process. Each situation is unique, and the therapist's approach will be based on their clinical judgment and expertise.