What Do Relationship Counsellors Do?

Updated: November 2025 · Refreshed content to improve clarity and supportive relevance.

In India, it’s not uncommon for couples to argue about in-laws, money, or even whether to go for an arranged marriage or a love marriage. Breakups, extra-marital affairs, and divorce are becoming more common too. In such moments, many people turn to a relationship counsellor for professional support.

A relationship counsellor is not there to judge you or take sides. Their role is to listen carefully, guide both partners to talk openly, and teach practical ways to rebuild trust and understanding. For example, if one partner keeps re-checking the other’s phone due to jealousy, a counsellor helps the couple work through the insecurity instead of letting it turn into daily fights.

Unlike advice from relatives or friends, a counsellor gives neutral, confidential guidance and uses methods tested in psychology. Today, many people choose a relationship counsellor online, since sessions can be done from home in cities as well as smaller towns.

In this article, you’ll learn who relationship counsellors are, how they can help with Indian relationship issues, what qualifications they have, the typical counselling fees in India, and how to find the right counsellor for your needs.

Who Is a Relationship Counsellor?

A relationship counsellor is a trained professional who helps individuals, couples, and sometimes even families to handle problems in their personal relationships. Their main aim is to improve communication, trust, and understanding between people.

In India, many people confuse counsellors with psychologists or psychiatrists. The difference is simple:

• A relationship counsellor gives guidance, teaches healthy communication, and helps in conflict resolution.
  
• A psychologist may do counselling too, but they are also trained to assess deeper mental health issues.
  
• A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can prescribe medicines for mental health conditions.
  

Relationship counsellors in India often deal with everyday challenges that couples face:

• Frequent fights about money, work stress, or in-laws.
• Doubts before an arranged marriage or after an engagement.
• Rebuilding trust after infidelity or cheating.
• Handling the pressure of divorce or separation.

Whether you are single, dating, married, or separated, a counsellor provides a safe and private space to talk openly without fear of judgment.

What Does a Relationship Counsellor Do?

In India, couples often don’t fight only about “big” things; it’s the daily stress, family pressures, and unspoken expectations that slowly damage the bond. A relationship counsellor steps in to make sense of these situations, calm down the heated emotions, and show a way forward.

Here’s how counsellors actually help in real life:

• Help with in-law conflicts: A very common issue is when one partner feels the other is “always listening to mummy-papa” or “ignoring my side.” A counsellor helps both partners express their frustrations without insulting each other and find boundaries that work in a joint family setup.
• Handle doubts before marriage: In arranged marriages, it’s normal for someone to feel anxious, “Will this person really understand me?” or “What if we are not compatible?” Counsellors guide couples through honest conversations before commitment, reducing the risk of problems later.
• Rebuild trust after cheating: Infidelity is painful, and many couples don’t know how to even start talking about it. A counsellor makes it possible to discuss betrayal openly, without shouting or blaming, and slowly rebuild trust if both partners want to continue.
• Balance money and career stress: Often, fights are not about love but about “Who is earning more?” or “Why are you spending on your family and not mine?” Counsellors help couples agree on financial priorities and reduce constant money-related fights.
• Support during separation or divorce: Divorce is tough, especially when children are involved. Counsellors help couples manage their emotions, co-parent peacefully, and avoid dragging each other into long, bitter fights.
• Reconnect intimacy: Many Indian couples say, “We live under the same roof, but it feels like we are strangers.” Counsellors work on building emotional closeness first, so physical intimacy also improves naturally.

Common Issues Relationship Counsellors in India Handle

Every relationship has its ups and downs, but in India, certain challenges come up again and again because of our culture, families, and expectations. A relationship counsellor understands these local realities and helps people handle them in a practical way.

1. In-law and Joint Family Pressures

Many couples fight because of interference from parents or relatives. A wife may feel her husband always sides with his mother, or a husband may feel caught between his parents and his partner. A counsellor helps set healthy boundaries while still respecting family ties.

2. Arranged Marriage Doubts

It’s normal to feel nervous before an arranged marriage: “Will we match?” “Do I really know this person?” A counsellor provides a safe space to clear doubts, talk about expectations, and reduce the pressure before the wedding.

3. Infidelity and Extra-Marital Affairs

Cheating can break trust completely. Many couples don’t even know how to talk about it without a huge fight. Counsellors guide partners through this painful process, whether the goal is to rebuild trust or to separate peacefully.

4. Lack of Intimacy

Some couples live more like roommates than partners. Busy schedules, parenting, or long-standing fights kill closeness. Counsellors help couples reconnect emotionally first, so physical intimacy can improve naturally.

5. Divorce and Separation

Divorce is becoming more common in Indian cities, but it’s still very painful especially when children are involved. Counsellors support partners in handling emotions, planning co-parenting, and starting fresh without bitterness.

6. Money and Career Conflicts

Arguments about “who earns more” or “where the money is spent” are very common. Counsellors help couples make fair agreements on finances, so money doesn’t become a constant source of stress.

7. Jealousy and Control

Checking phones, asking too many questions, or feeling insecure about a partner’s friends these are common problems in modern relationships. Counsellors help reduce these insecurities and build trust.

Qualifications of a Relationship Counsellor in India

In India, many people are confused about who can call themselves a counsellor. Some think only doctors can do counselling, while others believe any good listener can be a counsellor. The truth lies in the middle.

A relationship counsellor is usually someone with a background in psychology or counselling. Common qualifications include:

• Master’s in Psychology, Counselling, or Clinical Psychology
  
• Diplomas or certifications in marriage and family therapy, relationship counselling, or psychotherapy
  
• Training in therapy methods like CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy), EFT (Emotion-Focused Therapy), or the Gottman Method (a popular couple therapy approach)
  

In India, you may also find counsellors who are clinical psychologists or psychiatrists offering relationship counselling. But many professional counsellors are trained specifically in handling communication, trust, and family conflicts, without focusing only on mental illness.

👉 Important to remember: A counsellor is not the same as a psychiatrist. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who prescribe medicines. Counsellors mainly give guidance, use talk therapy, and help partners solve conflicts.

Cost of Relationship Counselling in India

One of the first questions people ask is: “How much does a relationship counsellor charge in India?” The cost depends on the city, the counsellor’s experience, and whether you are taking sessions online or in person.

• Online counselling sessions: ₹800 – ₹3,000 per session on average. Many people prefer this because it saves travel time and gives privacy.
  
• In-person sessions in metro cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad): ₹1,500 – ₹3,000 per session. Well-known clinics or senior counsellors may charge more.
  
• Small city or NGO services: Some centres and non-profits offer sessions at ₹500 – ₹1,000, and in a few cases, even free counselling.
  

👉 Most sessions last 45 minutes to 1 hour. Some couples need only a few sessions to solve one problem, while others may continue for weeks or months if the issues are deeper.

For many couples, the cost may feel high at first, but compared to the long-term stress, fights, and misunderstandings it can prevent, counselling is often seen as a valuable investment in the relationship.

Relationship Counsellor vs Psychologist vs Therapist

In India, many people get confused about who to meet: a counsellor, a psychologist, or a psychiatrist. The titles sound similar, but their roles are different.

• Relationship Counsellor
  
  • Focus: Everyday relationship and family issues like communication gaps, fights, in-law problems, cheating, or intimacy.
    
  • Method: Talk therapy, practical guidance, conflict resolution, and emotional support.
    
  • Training: Usually a degree or certification in psychology or counselling.
• Psychologist
  
  • Focus: Broader mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, trauma, or OCD.
    
  • Method: Can also provide counselling but may use more structured therapy like CBT or behavioural therapy.
    
  • Training: Master’s or PhD in psychology.
• Psychiatrist
  
  • Focus: Severe mental health disorders such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or clinical depression.
    
  • Method: Medical doctor (MBBS + MD Psychiatry) who can prescribe medicines.
    
  • Training: Medical degree.
    

👉 In simple words:

• If you want help mainly with relationship or family conflicts, go to a relationship counsellor.
• If you feel your struggles also include mental health symptoms (like depression, panic, or trauma), a psychologist may be a better fit.
• If you need medicine for mental health, you must see a psychiatrist.

How to Find a Good Relationship Counsellor in India

Finding the right counsellor can feel confusing, especially if you’re searching for the first time. The good news is, it’s easier than ever to get started.

1. Search on Google

The quickest way is to type “relationship counsellor near me” or “relationship counselling online” on Google. You’ll see counsellors, clinics, and platforms listed in your area. Check their websites, reviews, and Google ratings before booking.

2. Use Online Counselling Platforms

Many people now prefer online counselling because it’s private, convenient, and flexible. With online sessions, you don’t need to travel or worry about being seen at a clinic. You can attend from your own home at a time that suits you.

At PsychiCare, we provide online relationship counselling with licensed counsellors who understand both modern and traditional Indian relationship challenges, whether it’s in-laws, trust issues, intimacy, or parenting conflicts.

3. Look at Qualifications and Experience

Always check if the counsellor has a degree in psychology, counselling, or related training. More experienced counsellors usually have handled cases similar to yours, which can make you feel more confident.

4. Choose Comfort and Confidentiality

The most important factor is whether you feel comfortable with the counsellor. Sessions should be confidential, judgment-free, and safe, so you can share openly.

👉 If you’re not sure where to begin, you can start with an online session at PsychiCare. Our team makes it simple to book, easy to access, and completely private.

Conclusion

In India, many couples and families face relationship challenges from daily fights about money or in-laws to bigger issues like cheating, separation, or loss of intimacy. A relationship counsellor provides a safe space to talk, rebuild trust, and find practical solutions without judgment.

Whether you are single, engaged, married, or going through a breakup, counselling can help you understand yourself and your partner better. Online sessions have now made it easier to connect with professional counsellors from anywhere in India, privately and conveniently.

👉 If you feel stuck in your relationship, remember, you don’t have to manage everything alone. Explore our online relationship counselling services at PsychiCare and take the first step towards healing and healthier connections.

FAQs About Relationship Counsellors

How much does a relationship counsellor charge in India?

In India, counselling fees usually range from ₹800 to ₹2,500 per session online. In metros and big hospitals, it may go up to ₹3,000. Some NGOs and student clinics offer lower-cost or even free sessions.

Can I go to relationship counselling alone?

Yes. Many people attend counselling alone when their partner is not ready. A counsellor can still help you learn better ways to handle conflicts, reduce stress, and improve communication.

Is relationship counselling confidential in India?

Yes. Counsellors are trained to keep sessions private and judgment-free. What you share will not be disclosed to family, friends, or employers.

Does relationship counselling really work for Indian couples?

Yes. Research shows most couples who attend counselling report better communication, reduced fights, and stronger emotional connection. In India, counsellors often address culture-specific issues like in-law conflicts, arranged marriage pressures, and trust after infidelity.

Are relationship counsellors and psychologists the same?

Not exactly. Relationship counsellors mainly focus on guidance for relationship and family issues. Psychologists are trained for a wider range of mental health concerns. In India, some psychologists also work as counsellors, but not all counsellors are clinical psychologists.

How many sessions do couples usually need?

It depends on the issue. Some couples see improvement in 3–5 sessions, while deeper problems like long-term trust issues or divorce adjustment may take 10 or more sessions.