Getting help
Finding professional support
ELOVIYA is self-help. Some things deserve a trained person who can get to know you, and asking for that is a sensible step, not a sign that something has failed.
In immediate danger, call 112 (India), 911 (US), 999 (UK) or 112 (EU). Free support lines
When self-help may not be enough
It may be time to talk to a professional if any of these sound familiar:
- There's been a betrayal, such as an affair, and it keeps coming back however you try to talk about it.
- You feel afraid of your partner, more than once, or you're worried about your own behaviour.
- Low mood, worry or numbness has lasted for weeks and is getting in the way of everyday life.
- You've had thoughts of harming yourself. Please contact a support line today, before anything else.
- You've been stuck on a big decision about the relationship for a long time and keep going round in circles.
- You've tried small changes for a while and nothing seems to move.
If you feel afraid of your partner, many therapists suggest individual support first rather than couples sessions, because talking openly together may not be safe. A domestic-abuse line on our safety page can help you think it through.
Who you might see
Couples or relationship therapist
Works with both of you together, or with one of you about the relationship. Look for specific training in couples work; a general qualification doesn't always include it.
Clinical psychologist
Trained to assess and treat mental-health difficulties such as depression, anxiety and trauma. Some also offer couples therapy.
Counsellor or psychotherapist
Talking therapy for one person or a couple. Training and regulation of these titles vary a lot between countries, so checking a register matters more here.
Psychiatrist
A medical doctor who can diagnose mental-health conditions and prescribe medication. Usually seen through a GP or another doctor, or directly in some countries.
Whoever you choose, it's reasonable to ask about their training, how long they've worked with couples, how they handle safety concerns, what a session costs and how they protect your privacy. Feeling comfortable with the person matters too; it's fine to try someone else.
How to check credentials
India
- Clinical psychologists must be registered with the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) (opens in a new tab). Ask for their RCI registration number.
- Psychiatrists are medical doctors registered with the National Medical Commission (opens in a new tab) or a State Medical Council.
- Counsellors and couples therapists have no single national register. Ask about their degree (for example in psychology or counselling), supervised practice, and specific training in couples work.
- Free, confidential mental-health support is also available through Tele-MANAS on 14416.
United States
- Look for a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), a licensed psychologist, or another licensed clinician such as an LPC or LCSW.
- Every state has a licensing board with a public lookup, so you can confirm a licence is current.
- The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) (opens in a new tab) has a therapist locator.
United Kingdom
- Counsellors and psychotherapists: check the registers of the BACP (opens in a new tab) or the UKCP (opens in a new tab).
- Relationship and sex therapists: COSRT (opens in a new tab) keeps a directory.
- Relate (opens in a new tab) offers relationship counselling across the UK.
- Clinical and counselling psychologists are registered with the HCPC (opens in a new tab).
Elsewhere
- Your country's psychological association or health-professions regulator can usually tell you which titles are protected and how to check a registration.
- For crisis support in your country, findahelpline.com (opens in a new tab) lists free, confidential lines.
We name these registers so you can check for yourself. ELOVIYA has no relationship with any of them and doesn't recommend individual practitioners.