Yes, you can see a relationship counsellor by yourself. You do not need your partner's agreement, and you do not need them in the room. Individual relationship counselling helps you understand what is happening between you, what you want, and how you would like to respond. Many people start alone, and for some it is all they need.
Counsellors who help with relationships
See fees and open times. Book when you feel ready.
Palak Kathuria
Trauma informed Counselling Psychologist2 yrsOnline sessions on video call
Expertise
Languages
HindiEnglishPunjabiEarliest slot: 13 Nov, 11:00 am
from ₹300 / session
Book a session
Siddhi Saraf
Clinical psychologistSurat, IndiaOnline sessions on video call and in-person sessions in Surat
Expertise
Languages
EnglishHindiEarliest slot: 13 Nov, 12:00 pm
from ₹2,000 / session
Book a session
Jemishi Mehta
Counselling Psychologist1 yrsChennai, IndiaOnline sessions on video call
Expertise
Languages
HindiEnglishGujaratiEarliest slot: Tomorrow, 3:00 pm
from ₹1,000 / session
Book a sessionWhy would you see a relationship counsellor alone?
People come on their own for many reasons. Your partner may not want to go, or may not be ready yet. You may want to think clearly before you raise something big. You may be unsure whether to stay in the relationship, or keep ending up in similar patterns across relationships. A breakup may have left you feeling lost, or you may want support with family pressure around marriage or a partner.
None of these need to be "serious enough". If the relationship is taking up a lot of your thoughts, that is reason enough to talk to someone.
Can things change if only one person goes?
Often, yes. Relationships are made of two people reacting to each other. When one person starts to respond differently, the pattern between you can shift too.
A counsellor will not promise that your partner will change. What they can do is help you notice what tends to set off a difficult moment, say what you need more clearly and calmly, set limits that feel fair to you, and make decisions you feel steady about, whatever they are.
Some people later invite their partner to a joint session. Others find that working alone is what they needed. Both are fine.
What happens in a first session?
The first session is a conversation to understand where you are. You might talk about how long you have been together and what has changed, what a hard week looks like right now, what you have already tried, and what you hope will feel different.
You can go at your own pace. You do not have to explain everything or defend your partner or yourself. The counsellor is there to understand, not to judge.
By the end, you will usually have a sense of how they work and whether you feel comfortable with them. If the fit is not right, trying another counsellor is normal.
Will the counsellor take my side?
A good counsellor is on the side of your well-being, not against your partner. They will listen closely to your experience. They may also gently ask how your partner might see things, because that can help you find a way forward.
If you feel blamed or rushed in sessions, say so. A counsellor should welcome that feedback.
Is it private?
Your sessions are between you and your counsellor. Your partner does not need to know you are going unless you choose to tell them.
On Leshya, you can book as a guest with your own email, and online sessions happen on a Google Meet or Microsoft Teams link sent to you. If you are worried about privacy at home, choose a time and place where you can talk freely, even a parked car or a quiet walk with headphones.
Online or in person?
Both work. Online sessions can be easier to fit around work and home, and they let you choose a counsellor who speaks your language wherever they are. Leshya counsellors work across several Indian languages, so you can look for someone you can talk to in the language you think in.
In person can feel more grounding for some people. Choose the one you are more likely to keep up.
How do you choose a relationship counsellor?
When you read profiles, check that relationships are listed among the concerns they work with, that they speak a language you are comfortable in, that the fee is shown on the profile before you book, and whether they see people online, in person or both. Read how they work, in their own words, and ask whether it sounds warm and balanced.
If you think you may want joint sessions later, look for someone who also offers couple sessions. That way you do not have to start again with someone new.
When is it time to get help quickly?
If you feel unsafe with your partner, or someone is being hurt, please reach out for help now rather than waiting for a session.
Leshya is not emergency care. In a crisis, call Tele MANAS on 14416.
A quiet first step
Thinking about your relationship can feel lonely, especially when the other person is not ready to talk. You can still take care of your side of it. One conversation with a counsellor is a calm place to start.
If you're thinking about harming yourself, please talk to someone right now. Tele MANAS is free, confidential and always open: call 14416. You matter.
The counselors here can help with ongoing support, but right now a call is faster.
