Marriage counselling
“We have never done it, we are fine”, “these things are not to be known by the public and rather just settled in the family”, and “Have a kid, that’ll solve all the issues you have”, are the most common replies by every typical Indian family when asked if seeking counselling is an option. Well, it’s not them who are to be blamed. The gap between an “issue” and “seeking help” in India is vast and as a mentally developing country, accepting help might also take time.
What is the scene of Marriage counselling in India?
Marriage counselling in India is a growing field, but it is not yet as widely accepted or utilized as it is in some Western countries. Traditionally, marriage in India has been seen as a lifelong commitment, and divorce has been considered taboo. However, as the country becomes more urbanized and modernized, attitudes toward marriage and divorce are changing, and there is an increasing demand for counselling services to help couples navigate the challenges of married life.
Marriage counselling services in India are typically offered by trained professionals, such as psychologists, therapists, or social workers. Some counsellors work in private practice, while others are affiliated with hospitals, clinics, or religious organizations. Counselling sessions may be conducted in person, over the phone, or online, depending on the counsellor’s availability and the couple’s preferences.
One of the challenges facing the marriage counselling field in India is the stigma attached to seeking help for marital problems. Many couples are reluctant to seek counselling due to concerns about privacy, shame, or fear of being judged by others. To address this issue, some counsellors have begun offering online counselling services, which provide a more anonymous and discreet way for couples to access help.
Overall, while the field of marriage counselling in India is still in its early stages, it is growing and evolving to meet the needs of modern couples. As attitudes toward marriage and divorce continue to shift, it is likely that the demand for counselling services will continue to increase in the coming years
Why isn’t marriage counselling accepted in Indian culture?
Marriage counselling is still not widely accepted in Indian culture because of several factors, including social and cultural stigmas, the traditional belief that marriages are made in heaven, and the emphasis on maintaining family harmony and stability.
In India, marriage is considered a sacred union, and couples are expected to work through any problems they may face on their own or with the help of family and friends. Seeking professional help for marital problems is often viewed as a sign of weakness, failure, or personal inadequacy. The cultural stigma associated with seeking therapy and counselling for mental health issues in general, including marital problems, is also a significant barrier.
Furthermore, Indian culture places great importance on maintaining family harmony and stability. Seeking counselling for marital problems can be seen as a threat to this harmony, as it may lead to separation or divorce. This can cause concern for extended family members who may become involved in the process, and they may feel that they have failed to maintain family unity.
However, as India becomes more urbanized and modernized, attitudes towards marriage and divorce are changing, and more people are recognizing the value of seeking professional help to work through marital problems. The younger generation is more accepting of the idea of counselling and therapy and is more open to seeking help when needed. As a result, the acceptance of marriage counselling is gradually increasing in Indian culture
What are the average issues that couples face in India, factually?
Like in any other part of the world, couples in India face a range of issues that can strain their relationships. While the specific problems may vary from couple to couple, some common issues that are often reported include:
- Communication Problems: Lack of communication or misunderstandings can lead to conflicts and distance between partners.
- Financial Issues: Financial stress, including debt, overspending, or disagreements about how money should be managed, can put a strain on a relationship.
- Differences in Expectations: Differences in values, goals, or expectations for the relationship or each other can cause conflicts.
- Infidelity: Infidelity or suspicions of infidelity can cause trust issues and emotional pain.
- Cultural and Religious Differences: Cultural or religious differences between partners can lead to conflicts over beliefs, traditions, and practices.
- Sexual Issues: Differences in sexual desires, preferences, or frequency can lead to problems and dissatisfaction in the relationship.
- Family Conflicts: Conflicts with in-laws or extended family members, particularly when it comes to issues like childcare, household responsibilities, or religious beliefs, can cause stress in a relationship.
It’s important to note that these issues are not unique to India and can occur in any relationship. Seeking help from a professional counsellor can be an effective way to work through these issues and strengthen a relationship
What role do gen-z play in explaining the importance of Marriage counselling to their parents?
Gen-Z, like any other generation, can play an essential role in helping to explain the importance of marriage counselling to their parents. Here are some ways Gen-Z can help:
- Educate themselves: Gen-Z can take the time to learn about the benefits of marriage counselling and its effectiveness in resolving marital issues. They can then use this knowledge to explain the importance of counselling to their parents.
- Communicate clearly: Gen-Z can communicate with their parents in a clear and concise manner about their concerns and explain why they feel counselling could be beneficial. They can also listen to their parents’ concerns and work to address any misconceptions or fears they may have about counselling.
- Provide support: Gen-Z can offer support to their parents throughout the counselling process. This could include attending counselling sessions with them, helping to find a counsellor, or simply being there to listen and offer encouragement.
- Lead by example: If Gen-Z members are in a relationship themselves, they can show their parents the positive impact that counselling can have on a relationship by attending counselling themselves and sharing their experiences.
- Use technology: Gen-Z members can use technology to help their parents find resources on marriage counselling, such as online directories or reviews of local counselling services.
By taking these steps, Gen-Z can help break down the cultural stigma surrounding marriage counselling in India and encourage more couples to seek help when they need it
How has Instagram helped in creating awareness about marriage counselling in India?
Instagram, like other social media platforms, has become a powerful tool for creating awareness about various issues, including marriage counselling in India. Here are some ways that Instagram has helped in creating awareness about marriage counselling in India:
- Sharing information: Instagram users in India can use the platform to share information about the benefits of marriage counselling, the different types of counselling available, and where to find counselling services. This can help to spread awareness about the value of counselling and encourage more couples to seek help.
- Promoting positive messages: Many Instagram users in India are using the platform to promote positive messages about relationships, mental health, and self-care. By sharing positive messages and promoting a healthy lifestyle, Instagram can help to reduce the stigma associated with seeking counselling and encourage more people to prioritize their mental health.
- Building a community: Instagram can be used to build a community of like-minded people who are interested in promoting the importance of marriage counselling. By connecting with others who share the same values and beliefs, individuals can build a support network and encourage each other to seek help when needed.
- Sharing personal experiences: Many Instagram users in India are using the platform to share their personal experiences with counselling, including the challenges they faced and the positive impact that counselling had on their relationships. By sharing their stories, they can help to reduce the stigma associated with seeking counselling and encourage others to seek help.
Overall, Instagram has played a valuable role in creating awareness about marriage counselling in India, and it can continue to be a powerful tool for promoting mental health and encouraging more couples to seek help when they need it.
Movies/shows that began a conversation on marriage counselling?
There are several movies and shows that have helped to start a conversation about marriage counselling in India. Here are a few examples:
- “Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna” (2006): This Bollywood movie explores the challenges of marital infidelity and the importance of seeking counselling to resolve marital issues.
- “Masaan” (2015): This Hindi movie portrays the difficulties of inter-caste relationships and the value of seeking counselling to overcome social and cultural barriers.
- “Little Things” (2016 – present): This Indian web series follows a young couple and their everyday struggles with life, career, and relationships. The show highlights the importance of communication, understanding, and seeking counselling when needed.
- “Made in Heaven” (2019): This Indian web series explores the complex issues surrounding arranged marriages, infidelity, and social status. The show depicts the transformative power of counselling and how it can help couples overcome their differences.
- “Couples Therapy” (2019 – present): While not an Indian production, this American documentary series shows real-life couples attending counselling sessions with a therapist. The show provides insights into the counselling process and helps to break down the stigma associated with seeking counselling.
These movies and shows have helped to bring attention to the importance of marriage counselling and promote open discussions about relationships, mental health, and seeking help when needed
Does marriage counselling mean you don’t trust your partner enough to talk to them about your issues?
No, seeking marriage counselling does not mean that you do not trust your partner enough to talk to them about your issues. In fact, seeking counselling can be a sign of trust and commitment to your relationship. Many couples seek counselling as a way to improve their communication, deepen their understanding of each other, and work through challenges together.
It’s important to understand that seeking counselling is not a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of strength and a willingness to work on the relationship. Counselling can provide a safe and supportive space for couples to discuss their issues and concerns, and it can help to facilitate deeper levels of trust and understanding between partners.
It’s also important to note that not all issues can be resolved through communication alone, and that’s where counselling can be particularly helpful. A trained therapist can provide guidance, tools, and techniques to help couples work through complex issues and develop new skills to improve their relationship.
In summary, seeking marriage counselling is a proactive and positive step towards strengthening a relationship, and it is not a sign that you do not trust your partner enough to talk to them about your issues.
What are a few stereotypes of marriage counselling in India?
There are several stereotypes associated with marriage counselling in India. Here are a few examples:
- It is only for people with serious problems: Many people in India view marriage counselling as something that is only needed for couples with serious issues, such as infidelity or communication breakdown. This belief can prevent couples from seeking counselling when they could benefit from it.
- It is only for weak or failed marriages: There is a common perception that seeking marriage counselling is a sign of weakness or failure. This stigma can prevent couples from seeking help, even when they recognize that they need it.
- It is expensive and time-consuming: Some people may view counselling as an expensive and time-consuming process, and they may not be willing or able to commit to the required time and expense.
- It is only for urban and educated couples: Some people may believe that marriage counselling is only for urban and educated couples and that it is not relevant or accessible to people in rural or less-educated areas.
- It is a western concept: There is a belief that marriage counselling is a western concept and that it is not compatible with Indian culture and values.
These stereotypes can prevent couples from seeking counselling when they need it, and they can contribute to the stigma surrounding mental health and therapy in general. It’s important to understand that counselling can be a helpful and valuable tool for all couples, regardless of their background, culture, or level of education.
When should a couple seek it?
A couple should consider seeking marriage counselling when they are experiencing significant challenges in their relationship that they are unable to resolve on their own. Some signs that it may be time to seek counselling include:
- Communication breakdown: If the couple is having difficulty communicating with each other and resolving conflicts, it may be time to seek counselling.
- Trust issues: If one or both partners have broken the trust in the relationship through infidelity or other actions, counselling can help the couple work through their issues and rebuild trust.
- Intimacy issues: If the couple is struggling with physical or emotional intimacy, counselling can help them understand the underlying causes and develop strategies to improve their connection.
- Different goals and values: If the couple has different goals and values that are causing conflict in their relationship, counselling can help them explore these differences and find common ground.
- Major life transitions: If the couple is going through a major life transition, such as the birth of a child or a career change, counselling can help them navigate the changes and maintain their relationship.
It’s important to remember that seeking counselling does not mean that the relationship is irreparable or that the couple has failed. Counselling is a proactive step towards improving the relationship, and it can provide the couple with tools and strategies to overcome challenges and build a stronger, healthier partnership
Celebs who are open about marriage counselling
There are several celebrities in India who have been open about their experiences with marriage counselling, including:
- Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh: In an interview, Deepika Padukone mentioned that she and her husband Ranveer Singh have undergone couples therapy to help them maintain a healthy relationship.
- Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia D’Souza: Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia D’Souza have spoken about the benefits of marriage counselling in interviews, and have credited counselling with helping them build a stronger relationship.
- Kajol and Ajay Devgn: Kajol and Ajay Devgn have also been open about their experiences with marriage counselling, and have spoken about the positive impact it has had on their relationship.
- Shahid Kapoor and Mira Rajput: Shahid Kapoor and Mira Rajput have mentioned that they have attended marriage counselling sessions to help them navigate the challenges of their relationship.
- Farhan Akhtar and Adhuna Bhabani: Farhan Akhtar and Adhuna Bhabani underwent couples therapy during their marriage, and have spoken about the benefits of counselling in maintaining a healthy relationship.
These celebrities have helped to break down the stigma surrounding marriage counselling in India and have encouraged others to seek help when they need it.