Beyond crisis: Make couples therapy a routine

Couples therapy, for most couples, is a lifestyle choice. In a podcast interview, Shibani Akhtar and Farhan Akhtar spoke about attending a session immediately after their wedding. “It was a mutual decision and didn’t take any convincing… It sounded like a smart thing to do… it’s like going to the gym, you just have to keep working on (relationship) it.”
According to Srishti Vatsa, a counselling psychologist, “Couples therapy is beneficial for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of themselves and their partner, irrespective of their relationship status, sexual orientation, or stage of life.” She adds, “It is particularly useful for couples who are going through communication challenges, cultural differences or recurring conflicts.”

Mumbai-based Sania (name changed for privacy purpose) got married four years back, and began couples therapy in her courtship period. “There seemed to be a communication gap… It felt like we had hit a wall. After a few sessions of therapy, we became mindful of our actions and reactions. A few years down the line, this mindfulness has become autonomous for us,” shares Sania. Therapy with your partner can also help you realise that the relationship has hit a dead end. Janice (name changed) from Goa was married for 11 years before realising that her efforts to resolve issues weren’t met with equal efforts from her ex-partner. She says, “My therapist insisted that my ex-partner make the second appointment to show his commitment to the process. He didn’t make one. He didn’t open up about the issues we were facing. It’s a process that you have to commit to, and he was not able to do it.”
Couples therapy especially benefits professionals in high-stress careers who struggle to maintain relationships. Vatsa says, “It provides a structured space to reconnect, manage stress, and prioritise their relationship. Therapy equips them with tools for better communication and balance between work and personal life.”

Pre-marital therapy isn’t mandatory but it helps couples build a strong foundation for marriage. When couples choose to go for therapy proactively, they are essentially making sure they are equipped to handle challenges – big or small, that are likely to come their way.