Even matches made in heaven don’t escape moments of discord. With an increasing number of couples reaching out to professionals for help in times of marital strife, the NIMHANS Centre for Well-Being is planning to conduct group workshops for those who are about to enter long-term relationships.
The first of the group counselling sessions, titled ‘Preparing oneself for a committed, intimate relationship,’ will begin on Saturday.
Bino Thomas, an assistant professor of Psychiatric Social Work who specialises in marriage and family therapy, said youngsters tend to have problems grappling with new relationships. “We have found that many of the couples who come to us seeking intervention tend to have a communication gap or skill deficits that lead to conflicts,” he said. The group counselling sessions will help the individuals understand if they are ready for a relationship and also help them address their concerns.
Describing marriage as an “uncertain event,” Dr. Thomas said the aim of group counselling is to prepare couples about the expectations they have of their partner, decision making, and issues pertaining to sexual intimacy.
The session will also help those who are looking for a relationship or are being forced into one by their parents/family.
The session can be attended by couples who have decided to get married, those who are seeking intimate relationships and those who are in live-in relationships.
Besides the group counselling sessions that they want to conduct every first Saturday, the centre is also ready to conduct individual sessions on Wednesday and Thursday. For more details, call 94808 29670.
