Mehrauli, located in the southern region of Delhi, is a place where centuries-old heritage beautifully intertwines with the rhythm of modern city life. Some of India’s most famous monuments can be found at Mehrauli, a city renowned for its rich historical heritage. One of its treasures is the Qutub Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that towers over India’s rich cultural heritage and architectural genius. The Mehrauli Archaeological Park, Jamali Kamali Mosque, and Zafar Mahal further add to the spiritual and historic aura of the area. While these sites reflect centuries of love, power, and conflict, the streets of Mehrauli today also witness another kind of journey, the journey of modern relationships and the professionals who help mend them: relationship counsellor.
The Growing Need for Relationship Counselling
In a rapidly changing society like India’s, traditional family structures and cultural norms are being challenged by modern lifestyles, individualism, and shifting gender roles. In romantic and marital relationships, these shifts can lead to arguments, misunderstandings, and emotional detachment. Consequently, there is a growing need for marital counselling and other professional assistance.
Professionals with training in relationship counselling assist couples in better understanding and resolving their disputes, enhancing communication, and fortifying their emotional bonds. They offer a secure and impartial environment where couples may express their worries without worrying about being judged.
According to the American Psychological Association (2020), relationship counselling has been shown to significantly improve satisfaction in romantic relationships and even reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety that may arise due to relational stress.
What Does a Relationship Counsellor Do?
A relationship counsellor works with individuals, couples, or families to identify problematic patterns in communication, behaviour, or emotional response. Some of their primary roles include:
- Facilitating Communication: Helping partners express their needs and listen to each other with empathy.
- Conflict Resolution: Teaching tools to resolve disagreements in constructive and non-violent ways.
- Rebuilding Trust: Guiding couples through issues like infidelity, financial dishonesty, or emotional detachment.
- Improving Intimacy: Addressing emotional and physical intimacy issues by fostering understanding and vulnerability.
The counselling process may involve Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), or Gottman Method Couples Therapy, depending on the approach the counsellor uses and the needs of the couple (Lebow et al., 2012).
Why Choose a Counsellor in Mehrauli?
Mehrauli offers a unique combination of peace, history, and accessibility. Counselling centres here are often located in serene environments, close to parks or monuments, which contributes to a sense of calm and openness for therapy. Being one of Delhi’s older yet evolving neighbourhoods, Mehrauli attracts professionals who are well-versed in both modern and traditional dynamics of Indian relationships.
Additionally, the diversity of people living in and around Mehrauli ranging from young working couples to older families rooted in tradition means that counsellors here are equipped to address a wide range of relationship issues, from inter-generational conflicts to pre-marital counselling, post-marital adjustments, and divorce mediation.
When Should You Seek Help?
Many people delay seeking help, often assuming that their issues are too small or too shameful to discuss with a professional. Early action, however, can stop the connection from getting worse. Couples may consider seeking counselling if they experience:
- Frequent arguments or communication breakdowns
- Loss of emotional or physical intimacy
- Mistrust or betrayal
- Parenting conflicts
- Financial disagreements
- Feeling “stuck” or emotionally distant
It’s important to note that relationship counselling is not just for couples on the verge of separation. It can also help strengthen already stable relationships by enhancing mutual understanding and communication skills.
Choosing the Right Counsellor
When selecting a relationship counsellor, look for qualifications such as a Master’s degree in Psychology or Counselling, experience with couples therapy, and certifications from recognized bodies like the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) or the Indian Association for Clinical Psychologists (IACP).
In Mehrauli and nearby areas, you can find experienced psychologists who are trained in evidence-based therapies and offer both in-person, making it easier for clients to access help in a format they are comfortable with.
There are some psychologists:
1. Dr. R. K. Suri holds 40 years of extensive experience in the field of clinical psychology, offering deep insights and seasoned expertise in mental health care, Dr. Suri has been instrumental in guiding couples through complex relationship challenges, helping them strengthen their emotional bonds and improve communication through CBT & REBT.
2. Mr. Utkarsh Yadav is a counseling psychologist based in Delhi, known for his compassionate and client-focused approach. He specializes in anxiety, depression, relationship issues, anger management, and child counseling. Using therapies like CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and solution-focused techniques.
3. Ms. Sakshi Dhankhar is a counseling psychologist with expertise in managing anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and child psychology. She uses evidence-based therapies like CBT, REBT, and DBT.
4. Ms. Mansi is a counseling psychologist who supports individuals in overcoming challenges such as procrastination, low mood, anxiety, anger issues, and excessive mobile phone use. She fosters emotional healing and builds resilience by integrating techniques like mindfulness, art therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), and meditation into her practice.
5. Ms. Tanu Sangwan is a sympathetic counselling psychologist with expertise in child psychology, relationship counselling, and trauma treatment. She uses research-proven methods like mindfulness and cognitive behavioural therapy to promote emotional fortitude and individual development.
6. Ms. Sheetal is a counseling psychologist who assists individuals in managing issues such as procrastination, emotional distress, anxiety, anger, and mobile phone dependency. She encourages emotional growth and resilience through a blend of mindfulness, art therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), and meditation.
Conclusion
As Indian society continues to evolve, the stigma around seeking help for relationship issues is gradually fading. Counselling is becoming a proactive, empowering step toward building healthier relationships, rather than a sign of failure or weakness.
For couples walking hand in hand through Mehrauli’s gardens or standing beneath the towering Qutub Minar, it’s worth remembering that every strong structure be it a monument or a marriage is built on trust, communication, and support. Relationship counsellors serve as the architects of emotional wellbeing, helping couples restore the foundation of love and connection.
Contributed by Ms. Sangeeta Pal, Counselling Psychologist
References
- American Psychological Association. (2020). Understanding psychotherapy and how it works. https://www.apa.org/helpcenter/understanding-psychotherapy
- Lebow, J., Chambers, A. L., Christensen, A., & Johnson, S. M. (2012). Research on the treatment of couple distress. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 38(1), 145–168. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1752-0606.2011.00249.x