Relationship difficulties and couples therapy
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Barkha ChikaraChief Medical Officer, MD (Psychiatry) from NIMHANS · Last reviewed October 2026Couples therapy is a structured form of talking therapy in which a therapist helps partners understand patterns of conflict, communicate better, rebuild trust and decide what they want. It can help whether you want to repair a relationship or separate more kindly. Sessions can be held online.
About 1 in 10 adults in India lives with a mental disorder (National Mental Health Survey, 2015-16). You are not alone.
At a glance
Common signs
- Communication breakdown
- Frequent arguments and conflict
- Emotional distance
- Trust issues or infidelity recovery
How it is usually treated
- Gottman Method Couples Therapy
- Emotionally Focused Therapy
- Imago Relationship Therapy
- Communication skills training
Where to start
A free pre-consultation call, then a video assessment with a psychiatrist. In danger? Call 112, or Tele-MANAS on 14416.
Book your free pre-consultation callRegistered clinicians: psychiatrists with their State Medical Council, psychologists with the Rehabilitation Council of India.
Signs
Tick any that feel familiar. This is not a diagnosis, only a clinician can assess you.
0 ticked. If these have been with you for a while, a free pre-consultation call is a good next step.
Book your free pre-consultation callHow people often describe it
- “We fight all the time and cannot talk calmly”
- “We feel distant from each other”
- “Trust has broken in our relationship”
- “We want to fix this before it gets worse”
People facing relationship difficulties may also notice depression, generalised anxiety or substance use. If any of these sound familiar, mention them to your clinician so your plan can cover them.
When to get help soon
If you feel unsafe or are being hurt at home, call 112. Women can also call the Women Helpline on 181. Tele-MANAS is on 14416.
How it is diagnosed
A therapist meets both partners, often separately as well, to understand the history, patterns and goals. There is no test, and no one is blamed.
Treatment and support
- Communication and conflict-resolution skills
- Emotionally focused therapy and the Gottman method, which are structured, evidence-informed approaches
- Support to rebuild trust after a breach
- Work on parenting and family pressures
- Individual sessions if one partner has depression, anxiety or another condition
How Mindly helps
Mindly offers couples therapy online, in your language. All care is online, by video.
Your first appointment
A clinician listens to what is happening between you and the people close to you, or at work or study, and what you want to change.
Who is involved
A clinical psychologist usually leads therapy, with a psychiatrist involved if mood, anxiety or other symptoms are affecting you.
Between sessions
Sessions focus on skills and conversations you can try between visits.
What to expect
- Free pre-consultation callWe take your history and details, and match you with the right clinician.
- First consultationA video call in your language, with a clinician who already has your report.
- Your planYour clinician agrees a plan with you: therapy, medicine or both, as suits you.
- Follow-up reviewsRegular check-ins, and your plan is adjusted as you recover.
- Staying wellSupport to keep you well and catch early signs of a setback.
Every Mindly plan includes a second opinion from our Chief Medical Officer, a diagnosis-first approach and regular tracking of your recovery. How Mindly care works
Book your free pre-consultation callYour privacy and confidentiality. What you share with Mindly Health stays between you and your care team. Your conversations, reports and messages are treated as confidential and shared only with the team members involved in your care, apart from the limited cases where the law requires it or someone's safety is at serious risk. Read our Privacy Policy and your rights under the Mental Healthcare Act.
Common questions
Can couples therapy help avoid divorce?
It can help many couples repair their relationship, but it does not guarantee a particular outcome. It can also help couples separate respectfully.
Is couples therapy available in Hindi?
Hindi is one of the 11 languages Mindly offers. Ask when booking.
Do both of us need to attend?
Both partners usually attend, but one partner can start alone.
If you or someone near you is in danger, call 112. For free support at any hour, call Tele-MANAS on 14416. Mindly Health is not an emergency service.
Clinicians with a focus in this area
Muskan Jain DesaiClinical Psychologist
Ms. Kamakshi SabharwalClinical Psychologist
Dr. Dhritiman DasCo-Founder & Head of Community, Psychiatrist
Ms. Janvi KhokharClinical Psychologist
Online care in your city
Every consultation is by video, from wherever you are. Choose your city to see how it works.