Is couples therapy essential even for people in a healthy relationship?

No one enters a relationship expecting it to be filled with challenges, but life often has other plans. When issues arise, couples turn to therapy to rekindle what was once built with love and care.
That’s what we know, right? If there’s a problem, seek help.
However, during a conversation on Rhea Chakraborty’s podcast ‘Chapter 2’, Shibani Dandekar candidly talked about how she and Farhan Akhtar went to therapy just a few days after their wedding.
They got married on a Monday and were in a therapy session by Wednesday, much to their therapist’s surprise. Dandekar likened therapy to going to the gym, explaining, “You have to keep working on it.”
Does this mean therapy is beneficial even for couples who aren’t necessarily facing issues but are committed to maintaining a healthy relationship?
Mumbai-based relationship expert and author Shahzeen Shivdasani tells India Today that ideally, a couple should seek therapy when they feel that their relationship is not working, they’ve tried everything and have hit a wall, but don’t want to give up on each other.
Sitting down with a therapist gives them a chance to work on their issues.
Therapy offers couples a non-judgmental space to share their problems with a counsellor and receive guidance in situations requiring conflict resolution.
“The best time for couples counselling is before marriage. At this stage, it helps a couple identify each other’s personality traits. It also helps them understand their level of compatibility based on these traits, which will eventually help them navigate future expectations in the relationship and develop a strong bond,” adds Aarti Chawla, a Mumbai-based relationship psychotherapist and life coach.
According to Aarti, therapy can also benefit healthy relationships by helping each partner clear emotional clutter and learn to regulate their emotions.
“Sometimes they carry past baggage and stop being their authentic selves. Even if it’s not impacting the relationship, it’s definitely affecting their individual mental health. So, having a safe space to share and gain emotional strength is always advisable,” she adds.

Those in healthy relationships can benefit from therapy as well (Photo: Getty Images)

Dr Samant Darshi, consultant psychiatrist and director at Psymate (a mental health clinic), NCR, agrees that even healthy couples can benefit from therapy to strengthen their relationship, improve communication, and develop tools for navigating future challenges.
Additionally, regular check-ins can prevent misunderstandings and reinforce positive habits, ensuring the relationship remains strong and resilient over time.
Ruchi Ruuh, a Delhi-based relationship counsellor, says the biggest stigma around seeking therapy is the assumption that something is broken or in trouble.
People fail to view it as a means of improvement or healing. “Seeking therapy for something that isn’t working in a relationship is a sign of strength and awareness, not failure. Normalising therapy can lead to healthier relationships by creating a space for openness, empathy, and emotional intelligence,” she says.
Even for healthy couples who seek therapy, it’s often assumed they’re facing problems rather than making a proactive effort to strengthen their bond. This misconception can discourage many from seeking help until serious issues arise.
In reality, therapy can be a powerful tool for enhancing communication, deepening emotional intimacy, and preventing future conflicts.
Shahzeen Shivdasani adds that we live in a generation where people give up on their relationships too easily, so couples therapy is a beautiful thing and not a stigma.
It’s important to recognise that even couples in healthy relationships may encounter occasional challenges, and seeking therapy can help address these issues early on, preventing them from growing into bigger problems.

Therapy helps couples openly share their concerns (Photo: Getty Images)

Aarti Chawla mentions that there are no side-effects to therapy sessions unless someone is unwilling to confront the situation at hand.
“Sometimes people fear change, they worry that during therapy, the therapist might suggest they change their behaviour or perception. However, therapy doesn’t require someone to change; it’s about shifting their outlook on the situation, which will eventually alter their emotional state,” she adds.
Even healthy couples may worry that therapy could unearth hidden issues or unresolved baggage, or that their partner might bring up concerns they haven’t previously discussed.
Dr Samant Darshi adds that counselling may lead to temporary discomfort as underlying issues are addressed. Partners might experience heightened emotions or conflict during sessions as they face challenging topics.
The outcomes of therapy ultimately lead to clarity and can set individuals on a path to healing, whether together or apart.
“Couples should approach therapy with openness, patience, and a willingness to be vulnerable. It’s essential to trust the process, be honest with yourself and your partner, and understand that progress can take time,” shares Ruchi Ruuh.
She adds that it’s also crucial to find a therapist both partners feel comfortable with and to commit to the hard work required to make lasting changes.
As per the expert, beyond therapy, maintaining a healthy relationship requires continuous effort.
Key practices include regular, open communication, setting and respecting boundaries, prioritising quality time together, practising empathy and appreciation, and addressing conflicts early before they escalate.
Maintaining individuality, pursuing shared goals, and being mindful of each other’s emotional needs also play crucial roles in fostering long-term relationship health.
Remember that a relationship involves two people coming from different backgrounds, cultures, and upbringings, with separate interests and experiences. So, it’s important for them to work on individual triggers and insecurities before they commit to a relationship.
Self-discovery and exploration can help foster a healthy relationship. Even if there are no issues, putting in that extra effort never hurts.