A recent survey in Bengaluru has sparked urgent conversations among parents, educators, and mental health professionals. With over 11,000 responses, the findings reveal a concerning emotional landscape for children navigating social media and the digital world.

Read the full article here: https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/bengaluru/social-media-linked-to-anxiety-anger-among-children-in-bengaluru-survey-3932228

Inner Dawn counsellor Kala Balasubramanian’s views featured in Deccan Herald on the 15^th March 2026.

What the survey reveals

The data paints an unsettling picture of children’s online experiences:

• 41% of families reported children experiencing fear and anxiety due to negative online interactions
• 31% of children faced cyberbullying or trolling
• 29% encountered blackmail or coercion
• 33% received abusive messages from strangers (Deccan Herald)

This isn’t just about screen time anymore. It’s about physical and emotional safety in digital spaces.

The psychological impact of social media

Social media, when unregulated, is a space of comparison, validation-seeking, and exposure to harm. Children and adolescents are especially vulnerable because their emotional regulation systems are still developing.

The survey links social media exposure to:

• Increased anxiety and fear
• Rising anger and irritability
• Heightened sensitivity to peer validation and rejection
• Exposure to online trolling and bullying
• Online grooming, manipulation, and abuse by catfishing
• Exposure to age-inappropriate content

Over time, this can shape self-worth, relationships, identity and attention span. It also impacts the capacity for empathy adversely and the quality of real-world connections.

Psychotherapist Kala Balasubramanian’s perspective

Inner Dawn counsellor Kala Balasubramanian offers a nuanced understanding that moves beyond blaming technology.

• Social media often amplifies existing emotional vulnerabilities, rather than creating them in isolation
• Children lack the psychological tools to process online hostility, making even minor incidents feel overwhelming
• The digital world can blur boundaries, where private emotional experiences become public and persistent
• When children are exposed to screens and online content very early, they get hooked on the dopamine-based addictive content and games.  Social media, short-form videos, and games act like digital drugs, offering dopamine hits through instant rewards and stimulation.
• Mobiles and screens have become the ubiquitous digital pacifier that parents today offer to young children
• When parents themselves immerse themselves in their mobile phones and screens, it is not surprising that the children are as well.  

The conversation cannot be just about restricting access alone, but about building emotional resilience and digital literacy.  Beyond the laws, as a society, we need to take responsibility in our own families, as parents and caregivers.

Why addressing the impact of social media on children matters more than ever

Today’s children are growing up in a hybrid reality where offline and online worlds constantly overlap. A conflict in school doesn’t end at the school gate, it can follow them home through social media and notifications.

Instead of policing screens, can we invite open conversations.

• Create open conversations about online experiences without judgment
• Teach children to recognise unsafe interactions and seek help
• Encourage critical thinking rather than passive consumption
• Model healthy tech boundaries at home

Moving forward: From control to connection

Social media isn’t going away. Laws are being considered to restrict the usage of social media for youngsters.  The goal is not to raise children who fear the digital world, but those who can navigate it with awareness, confidence, and emotional grounding.

Are you concerned about how mobile usage and social media is impacting your child?
Let’s start a conversation. Reach out to explore how therapy and guidance can support your child’s emotional well-being in a digital age. But long before there comes the need for therapy, I believe it is important for parents to build awareness as to the impact of screens and social media on their wards and to address these patterns at the earliest.

The post Damage from social media on children and adolescents first appeared on Inner Dawn Counselling.

In today’s fast-changing relationship landscape, love alone no longer feels like enough. Across Indian cities, a quiet yet powerful shift is unfolding, more individuals and couples are seeking guidance from professionals, choosing premarital counselling before marital commitment, and as a deliberate step toward healthier, stronger relationships.  And the reasons are both cultural and psychological.

Inner Dawn counsellor Kala Balasubramanian’s views featured in Deccan Herald on 21 January 2026.

https://www.deccanherald.com/lifestyle/spike-in-premarital-counselling-3869069

According to a recent Deccan Herald article, therapists in Bengaluru are witnessing a steady increase in demand for premarital counselling from couples, live-in partners, and individuals preparing for first or second marriages who are seeking relationship guidance, either before tying the knot or to resolve issues in their relationships.

Why Is Premarital Counselling Gaining Popularity?

More people are realising that marriage is not just a romantic decision, but a psychological, emotional and practical partnership.  But this involves other important conversations and agreements on different topics like money, boundaries, future plans, having children, family involvement, etc. Clients seek the support of the counsellor to facilitate these conversations.

Some key reasons behind this rise include:

• Growing awareness about mental health
• Reduced stigma around therapy
• Increased divorce rates prompting prevention over repair
• Diminishing support from family and friends
• Second marriages bring emotional, financial, and family complexities
• Couples wanting deeper compatibility before commitment

Premarital counselling is no longer seen just as a “problem-solving” tool, but also as a way to strengthen relationships and prepare for the relationship responsibilities.

Who can benefit from this process?

Most folks who seek premarital counselling are between 25 and 35 years, though a growing number of individuals in their 40s and beyond are also reaching out, especially those entering second marriages.

This includes:

• Couples who are in a relationship and considering a live-in or marriage
• Live-in partners who may or may not be planning for marriage
• Engaged couples in a love marriage or arranged marriage setting
• Individuals who are considering marriage but are feeling unsure or unclear about it
• Individuals and couples preparing to remarry  

For many, this is about not repeating old patterns and building something healthier this time around.

What Happens in Premarital Counselling?

It is important to get into a marital relationship with expectations that are reasonable and an understanding of what the marital relationship means to both partners.  Lack of knowledge about what marriage entails, the responsibilities that need to be managed, may result in disillusionment and failure of the marital relationship itself. Premarital counselling provides a safe space to explore:

• Communication styles and emotional needs
• Conflict patterns and repair strategies
• Financial beliefs and lifestyle expectations
• Family roles, day-to-day sharing of responsibilities
• Intimacy, trust, and long-term goals
• Conversations around difficult topics like money, boundaries, etc.

Rather than avoiding difficult conversations, couples learn how to have them safely before stress and misunderstandings take root.

How can it help Especially for Second Marriages

Second marriages often carry unspoken fears, past wounds, blended family concerns, and financial complexities. Especially when there are children, co-parenting, visitations involved, etc., there will be a need for continued contact with the ex-spouse/ex-partner, which can create insecurities in the new relationship. Premarital Counselling helps individuals heal unresolved emotional baggage, build trust at a realistic pace, clarify expectations and boundaries, and prevent repeating old relationship scripts.  Instead of “hoping this time will be different,” premarital counselling helps make it intentionally different.

Is Premarital Counselling Right for You?

Marriage is no longer just about tradition or timing. It is about emotional readiness, shared values, and conscious choice. Premarital counselling offers couples a way to step into commitment with clarity rather than confusion. The rise in premarital counselling is not a sign that relationships are weaker; it is proof that people are choosing to be wiser.

• You may benefit from pre-marital counselling if you
• Want deeper emotional understanding of yourself and your partner
• Struggle to communicate during conflict
• Feel unsure about long-term compatibility
• Are entering a second marriage
• Unsure of commitment/marriage/relationship expectations

Think of premarital counselling as a relationship fitness plan. If you are planning to marry, whether for the first or second time, consider premarital counselling as a meaningful first step.

Because love is the beginning. Understanding and growing together is what sustains it.

The post Premarital Counselling, need of the hour in India first appeared on Inner Dawn Counselling.

Urban traffic isn’t just a daily grind. For many Bengaluru commuters, it’s a pressure cooker where tempers flare, and frustrations spill over into dangerous on-road confrontations. According to a recent Deccan Herald report, law enforcement in the city is now aggressively targeting repeat road rage offenders in an effort to make streets safer for everyone.

Inner Dawn counsellor Kala Balasubramanian’s views featured on Deccan Herald on 19-Dec-25

The Road Rage Reality in Bengaluru

Bengaluru’s fast-paced lifestyle and busy roads make it fertile ground for commuter stress. But when frustration turns into aggressive driving, i.e., honking, tailgating, verbal threats or even physical altercations, it’s no longer just stress; it’s a public safety issue.

Police authorities have acknowledged a rising trend of repeat offenders who exhibit dangerous road behaviour and have pledged to intervene more robustly to prevent escalation.

Road rage is a lived reality for millions of city drivers, passengers, delivery workers and pedestrians. The consequences can be increased risk of traffic accidents, stress and anxiety for regular commuters, escalation into violent confrontations, damage to property and public infrastructure etc.

By cracking down on repeat offenders, Bengaluru officials are signalling that irresponsible driving behaviour will not be tolerated, and that roads are shared spaces requiring mutual respect.

What the Police Action Entails

The crackdown includes several key components designed to curb repeat offences and change driving culture over the long term:

• Identification of repeat offenders: Traffic cops are monitoring and logging drivers involved in multiple road-rage incidents.
• Stricter enforcement: Repeat offenders face heavier fines, penalties and possible legal action.
• Public awareness campaigns: Police are educating motorists on safe driving etiquette, and the legal repercussions of aggressive behaviour on the road.

The objective shouldn’t be just punishment. It needs to be deterrence and behaviour change, ensuring that public roads are safe for families, commuters, two-wheelers and pedestrians alike.

Are laws and enforcement enough to make safer roads?

As a Psychologist, I believe that many times, the emotions that are piled up in different situations can get violently expressed on the road as rage.

For example, if you are frustrated at work with a co-worker or angry with a family member at home, and you are not able to express it appropriately to them, or repeated instances of frustration get piled up within, then it can get displaced onto the road at other commuters.

It is important to understand the emotional triggers that lead to aggression. Understanding our own emotions, finding ways to regulate them allows us to respond appropriately to not just our own emotions but also to others empathically.

I believe that legislation alone is inadequate. Enforcement needs to be consistent. Having said that, we need to learn and teach Emotional Literacy/Emotional Regulation/Appropriate Expression/Empathy at school and at home.

When these elements work together, the outcome can be a culture shift in driving norms, not just a temporary crackdown.

The post Road Rage: Actions by Bengaluru Police, What more is needed. first appeared on Inner Dawn Counselling.

In today’s fast-changing social landscape, young adults are putting mental health at the heart of their relationships. This shift is especially visible among Bengaluru’s Gen-Z and young millennials, a cohort reshaping how we think about connection, commitment and emotional health. According to relationship experts, this isn’t just a trend; it’s a fundamental change in priorities and relational values.

Inner Dawn Counsellor Kala Balasubramanian’s views featured in Deccan Herald on 19-Nov-25.

Gen-Z and Emotional Literacy: Red Flags, Boundaries, and Compatibility

Five years ago, terms like toxic, gaslighting or attachment styles were mainly clinical jargon. Today, they’re part of everyday conversations among young partners and daters. This heightened emotional vocabulary reflects a generation that:

• Recognises red flags early
• Prioritises healthy boundaries
• Values self-awareness and mutual respect

Instead of suppressing discomfort, Gen-Z engages in conscious relationship building, treating emotional intelligence as a core aspect of compatibility.

Why Mental Health Now Trumps Old Relationship Norms

 Several surveys indicate that a majority of young adults in India are comfortable discussing mental health with partners and see emotional support as a key component of a strong relationship. The Gen-z views that Openness about feelings is now seen as a relationship asset, not a vulnerability. Setting emotional boundaries is seen as a form of self-care and mutual respect.

These trends suggest that today’s young adults are not afraid to pause, reflect, and recalibrate rather than rush into connections that don’t align with their well-being goals.

What This Means for Relationship Culture

Gone are the days when silence about emotional needs was considered strength. Today’s young people are willing to initiate conversations about mental health early in relationships and evaluate if the relationship is enhancing their mental health or depleting it.

For relationship professionals, therapists, and anyone involved in couples counselling, these shifts signal a broader cultural moment, one where mental wellness is inseparable from romantic bonding.

Mental health, Emotional Awareness, Emotional literacy, capacity for Empathy are emerging as relationship parameters

Mental health isn’t just a sidebar in Gen-Z relationships; it’s often the central narrative that shapes how young adults choose, sustain, or exit partnerships. As emotional awareness becomes the new green flag in dating culture, we’re witnessing a healthier, more intentional form of connection that values well-being as much as affection.

The post Mental Health Comes First for Gen-Z in Relationships first appeared on Inner Dawn Counselling.

In an era of evolving social norms, the debate around live-in relationships in India is becoming increasingly relevant. A recent piece in Deccan Herald highlights why experts believe that live-in partnerships need formal legal recognition, focusing on the emotional, psychological, and social challenges faced by couples who choose cohabitation outside marriage.

Inner Dawn Counsellor Kala Balasubramanian’s views featured in Deccan Herald on 01-Oct-25

Live-In Relationships in India: A Changing Reality

Many couples in India opt to live together without marriage for personal reasons, yet this choice often exists in a legal grey zone. Experts say that the lack of legal recognition contributes to:

• Anxiety and insecurity in partners over their rights and future.
• Family conflicts, with parents or relatives frequently unaware or unsupportive of the arrangement.
• Mental health stressors, as couples juggle societal stigma and uncertain legal protections.

Why Experts Are Calling for Legal Recognition

Therapists and relationship specialists argue that legal status would:

• Help safeguard emotional and financial rights of both individuals.
• Reduce the power imbalance and exploitation that can occur when one partner feels insecure about their position.
• Provide clarity in matters such as child custody, property rights, inheritance, and domestic responsibilities.

Without a legal framework, many couples are left vulnerable when relationships change or break down. Recognition could provide much-needed structure and legal recourse similar to what marriages afford.

Live-In Relationships, Law, and Social Acceptance

India’s legal stance currently allows adults to cohabit, and the Supreme Court has affirmed the constitutional right to choose one’s partner. However, this right does not automatically translate into full legal protection or social security benefits. Courts in various states have made rulings to bridge some gaps, but a comprehensive law is still missing.  And there still the matter of social acceptance of couples in live-in relationships.

The recent crimes reported in the media, where the harm has allegedly been caused by the live-in partner, have really put a spotlight on the vulnerability of the state of live-in relationships and the level of social acceptance of such relationships.

What would legalization mean for couples in live-in relationships

As lifestyles shift and relationships evolve, the conversation around legalising live-in partnerships gains urgency. For couples choosing this path, it’s not just about cohabitation but about rights, dignity, and security. Recognising live-in ties legally could be a transformative step toward modernising family law in India.

The post Live-In Relationships in India: The Need for Laws first appeared on Inner Dawn Counselling.

As Indians, we take pride in being a family-oriented culture. Our families do take precedence and priority in our lives. Parents often make significant sacrifices for their children’s comfort, growth, and progress. Respect for elders is one of the primary values that we were taught as children. Despite that, the instances of elder abuse that are surfacing in the news and media are quite disturbing.

In today’s digital age, not much remains hidden. Visuals that are circulating in the news and media, where elders in the family are being beaten up by their own family members, unwell elderly family members are being abandoned, the elderly are being stripped of their own dignity, rights, and denied basic human needs like food, medical care, and shelter in their own families. These are undoubtedly cases of outright crimes and instances of elder abuse.

Hidden nature of Elder abuse. The role of shame.

Yet for every abuse which is revealed this way, I can only assume that there must be many more which go unnoticed, unreported, which remain hidden, which continue to happen, within the confines of the four walls of what is called a home, a space that is supposed to be safe, and yet the elderly are reduced to a burden and bound to shame. That means so much remains hidden out of sight and goes unreported.

The emotional reality of elders, even if they are financially secure

My mom underwent a significant surgery about 3 months ago. And I stayed with her for the last 3 months to take care of her. Living with my parents, in their environs, gave me an opportunity to get to know their friends and neighbours, their social circle. It shouldn’t have surprised me that about 90% of my mom’s and my dad’s friends’ children all live abroad. I found out that for most of them, the parents and their adult children communicate/talk perhaps once a week or even less.

Some of these senior citizens are healthy, and some are struggling with health issues. Though they try to stay occupied with their activities, social circles, smartphones, and everyday activities, talking with them gave me a sense of a void that they all feel, with respect to the distance (both physical and emotional) from their own adult children and families. Though life expectancy has increased, health and quality of life deteriorate with age. Changing family structures means the elderly are bound to experience loneliness and isolation.

The longing for physical presence and emotional availability from children, not just during serious health issues or bereavement

When there are serious health issues, their children, most of them turn up. But it is painful for the parents to constantly live with this uncertainty,  not knowing whether their children will come or not to take care of them. Many times, they come when the parent has passed away.

And among elderly couples, when one of them passes away, it’s incredibly painful for the other to live and manage alone, with limited support from others, especially with their own children being so far away.

The proliferation of Senior Citizens Residences and facilities (marketed as Paradise and the like) shows us a stark mirror of this social reality. That even if there may be financial support/security for elders, yet, there is a dearth of physical presence and emotional availability of their dearest, their grown-up children and grandchildren. No matter how much the elders try to compensate with other aspects of their life or other relatives and friends, the empty look and longing in their faces left me feeling haunted.

The pain of elderly who are dependent on others financially

And for the elderly who are not financially secure and are dependent on their children, unless there is understanding, empathy, and respect from their families, their later life journey can be quite painful and onerous. Without the loving support from their families, their everyday needs can become a challenge and uncertain.

Other subtle forms in which elder abuse/mistreatment shows up

Elder abuse need not happen in such overt terms. It can be subtle neglect, being ignored, disrespect in interactions, or their needs being discounted, among other things. The recent trend of senior citizens looking for therapy for issues like neglect from family, distance from loved ones, disrespect by family members, depression, anxiety, etc., is indicative of a deeper malaise. Though it is positive that they are aware and willing to seek support, it highlights a degradation of some of the fundamental structures of our society, “the family”. It is high time that we open our eyes to it and ask ourselves what we need to do about it.

Inner Dawn counsellor Kala Balasubramanian’s views featured on Deccan Herald on 14 June 2025.

Read more at: https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/bengaluru/alarming-rise-in-verbal-abuse-complaints-from-city-s-senior-citizens-3585485

The post Elder Abuse and Neglect in families – The Hidden Crisis first appeared on Inner Dawn Counselling.

In this day and age, where instant gratification is the norm, marked by quick commerce, dating apps, shorts, and reels, it is understandable that Gen-Z finds sustaining relationships difficult. Truth be told, relationship challenges are a reality for all age groups.

Social medial and online influence on relationship challenges

We are progressively more influenced by social media and online influencers.  One may have thousands of friends/followers on social media.  But in real, how much support do we have on the ground is a big question. Gen-Z also prefers text to talking, meeting, and spending time, which affects the quality of connection in relationships. Phubbing is a common occurrence, being on the phone when you are physically with another person.

Long-term/lasting Relationships do not work in the instant gratification mode. All parties involved need to invest time, effort, and energy into the relationship to make it work, to make it fulfilling. Relationships, no matter how good they are, may not always be convenient. Commitment to a relationship and the effort needed to make it work cannot change and shift based on convenience.

The need for Resilience

Unrealistic expectations in relationships compounded by low levels of resilience mean a failure or a rejection feels like an insurmountable challenge.  There’s a tendency to move from one relationship to the next with minimal or no time spent in reflection or processing the grief of the breakup, learning from the loss, etc.

It is important to emphasize that lasting relationships inherently involve emotional labour. That means the partners need to manage their own emotions and cater to the needs of the other.  Conflicts and disagreements need to be managed and resolved without damaging the other or crumbling your self-esteem. Without emotional awareness and the capability to hold self and the other, there is limited scope for emotional connection, emotional intimacy, and bonding.

I believe that we need to start early with children. Parents play a big role here in offering an emotionally inviting and safe home environment. Schools need to start teaching about emotional literacy, empathy, and compassion. And progressively, at different age groups, colleges and organizations need to take up emotional intelligence and interpersonal effectiveness.

A course offered by Delhi University titled ‘Negotiating Intimate Relationships’ is a step in the right direction.

Inner Dawn counsellor Kala Balasubramanian’s views featured in Deccan Herald (13-Jun-25).

Does Gen Z need a course on handling relationships?

The post Gen-Z – Relationship challenges in the age of instant gratification first appeared on Inner Dawn Counselling.

The recent Netflix show called Adolescence, highlights the harm and injury caused based on a child’s social media influence and toxic online conversations.

Herzindagi.com invited Inner Dawn counsellor Kala Balasubramanian to offer her views on children/adolescents influenced negatively by social media, their views of the world shaped by dark forces online, and the need for parental supervision and control. 

How social media influence and toxic online forums impact the world view and perceptions of children and adolescents?

Misogyny, patriarchy, and systemic oppression remain deeply embedded in our society. In the unfiltered world of social media, these forces not only persist but also amplify, shaping the perspectives of young minds in increasingly polarized ways. The illusion of online anonymity fosters a dangerous sense of impunity, normalizing harmful speech and emboldening real-world aggression.

The incel subculture, as highlighted in the series, is a stark and painful manifestation of this reality. What started as online hostility, hate-fuelled rhetoric, dehumanization, and targeted online attacks on women and others, does not remain confined to the digital space. It spills into the real world, leading to acts of violence and, in the most tragic cases, deadly consequences.

What are parents worried about?

In my recent experience of working with parents, the number of parents concerned about their children’s addiction to mobile phones and social media has definitely gone up. Risky sexual behaviour, unbridled online engagement, exposure to age-inappropriate content, online predators, or engaging in abusive online behaviour are significant worrying trends for parents. Technology and social media are here to stay. If that is a given, how do we protect our children from undue harmful social media influence.

I believe that it is important for parents to offer a warm, safe and accepting environment, where children can come and talk to them about any pressure, challenge or problems that they are facing. Silence from either side indicates that issues are being ignored or left uncovered. I understand that these are uncomfortable conversations, nevertheless it is more and more essential and necessary for the safety of the child today and for a healthy future of our society.

I believe the key to change lies in open, honest conversations and strengthening the bridge between parents and children. Young people should feel safe discussing these difficult topics with their parents, knowing they will be heard, supported, and guided. Creating this space for dialogue is crucial in fostering awareness, empathy, and resilience against harmful influences.

What is the level of parental control and supervision needed? How do we limit potentially harmful social media influence and toxic / inappropriate online content?

Parental control and supervision are essential, but true protection comes from education. It’s crucial to equip children at home, in school, in college, and other social setups, with the knowledge to recognize and navigate the harmful effects of social media overuse and abuse. It is absolutely essential to teach children empathy, boundaries, respect and consent. By fostering critical thinking and digital responsibility, we empower them to make informed choices that protect both their well-being and the well-being of those around them.

What is that we can do?

We all have a responsibility to act in whatever ways we can. It’s crucial to address harmful behaviour—both online and in real life—whether in groups, chatrooms, or social media spaces. Silence is not neutrality; it enables toxicity to grow unchecked. Speaking up and taking action are essential in pushing back against harmful narratives.

This conversation is more urgent than ever, given the alarming rise of toxic misogyny in our world. Now is the time to challenge it, educate, and create a culture that refuses to tolerate hate.

Inner Dawn counsellor Kala Balasubramanian’s views featured on HerZindagi.com

https://www.herzindagi.com/society-culture/netflixs-adolescence-exposes-an-ongoing-teen-crisis-decoding-social-media-impact-and-online-extremes-article-1022453

The post Impact of Social Media Influence on Adolescents and Parental Concerns first appeared on Inner Dawn Counselling.

Panel Discussion on Pre-Marital Counselling and Family Well-Being. I had the privilege of being invited as a panellist by the Gender Studies Committee at the School of Law, CHRIST (Deemed to be University),  for a panel discussion on “Pre-Marital Counselling and Family Well-Being”. This was organized as part of the International Women’s Day celebrations,  EMPOW(H)ER on March 10th, 2025.

We explored the role of pre-marital counselling in building healthy relationships, strategies for preparing for marital harmony, ensuring both emotional and financial preparedness in relationships etc.

The panel included esteemed professionals and a moderator to facilitate the discussion.

• Ms. Neelam Kamall, a mental health counsellor and mediator at Looking Glass
• Ms. Latha Prasad, a senior lawyer and mediator at the Bangalore Mediation Centre
• Ms. Kala Balasubramanian a Psychologist and Psychotherapist – Founder of Inner Dawn Counselling.
• Ms Siri a Lawyer and POSH expert – Moderator.

Our discussion focused on the growing relevance of pre-marital counselling in today’s society. As social beings, humans are naturally wired to seek connection and relationships. Pre-marital counselling provides valuable support to individuals and couples (whether in cis-heterosexual or LGBTQI+ relationships) who are navigating their journey toward long-term commitment or marriage. It is particularly beneficial for:

• Couples considering marriage or a committed partnership.
• Those seeking to address relationship concerns before making a long-term commitment.
• Couples in a relationship who want to resolve any prevailing issues.
• Clients entering an arranged marriage who wish to look for compatibility and be prepared for potential challenges.
• Individual clients looking for clarity on their expectations, addressing their fears and doubts if any etc.

The Role and Benefits of Pre-Marital Counselling

Today the definitions of relationships and marriage have changed; gender roles are in the process of change. Monogamy, ethical non-monogamy, and other types of relationships have emerged. And as always, change also brings in a resistance to change as well. Given this changing landscape, pre-marital counselling helps individuals and couples develop a deeper understanding of self and each other by exploring key aspects of their relationship, including:

Assessing Compatibility – Exploring shared values, expectations, and emotional connection
Communication – Effective communication and emotional literacy skills
Conflict Resolution – Healthy ways to navigate disagreements and strengthen the relationship
Discuss Key Life Aspects – Discussion on finances, boundaries, future goals, physical intimacy, parenting expectations etc.

A skilled counsellor facilitates this process using open-ended questions, reflective exercises, and guided discussions to foster mutual understanding and empathy. Active listening, paraphrasing, and empathic responses help model effective communication and emotional connection.

The lawyers and mediators on the panel discussed about how the mediation process can help resolve conflicts and how pre-marital counselling can help in being prepared for marital life and avoiding a lot of pain and challenges upfront.

Key Insights from the Panel Discussion

The panel also explored the importance of:

• Neutrality in Counselling & Mediation – A counsellor or mediator must remain impartial to create a safe space for all clients
• Empathy and Active Listening – Patience and deep listening are essential in understanding clients’ perspectives
• Communication as a Life Skill – Effective communication and conflict resolution are crucial not only for couples but for all interpersonal relationships
• Pre-Marital Counselling for Diverse Relationships – Support is valuable for all individuals, couples, including LGBTQI+ couples and those planning for arranged marriages
• Proactive Relationship Building – Addressing potential challenges early can help strengthen relationships and foster long-term well-being

This discussion underscored the value of equipping individuals and couples with the tools to build healthier, more fulfilling relationships.

#PreMaritalCounselling #RelationshipWellbeing #EmotionalLiteracy #ConflictResolution #CommunicationSkills #WomensDay

The post Powerful impact of pre-marital counselling in these changing times first appeared on Inner Dawn Counselling.

With too many gadgets and internet access becoming ubiquitous, there is no dearth of the attraction that these devices, apps, games and social media, offer to people of all age groups. Oxfords word of the year 2024 Brain rot – highlights the damage caused by over engagement on online content that is trivial and unchallenging.

Right from infants, children, adolescents, adults all the way up to senior and super senior citizens, we are enamoured by the variety offered by technology especially social media and are endlessly entertained by them. But when we purposelessly scroll the feeds, be it insta reels or youtube shorts or facebook videos or mindless forwards on the chat apps, do they add any value. It is fascinating to our brain for sure and keeps us coming back for more. Many times once we start looking at the reels, it is un-put-downable. But is it healthy? Or does it damage us more than the entertainment that it offers?

‘Brain rot’ – Oxford’s word of the year 2024

‘Brain rot’ – Oxford’s word of the year 2024 – is “the supposed deterioration of a person’s mental or intellectual state, especially viewed as the result of overconsumption of material (now particularly online content) considered to be trivial or unchallenging. Also: something characterized as likely to lead to such deterioration”.

To understand this, we need to delve a bit into the reward – reinforcement mechanisms at play. We all know the basics of reinforcement and punishment. If a behaviour is desirable, then we reinforce it. Reinforcement encourages the desired behaviour to occur more. When a behaviour is rewarded every single time then its called continuous reinforcement. When the reinforcement occurs for a desired behaviour, but not every single time, then its called variable reinforcement. This is a powerful way of keeping us glued to any app or device or game. When we cannot expect what will show up in the next reel, it keeps us excited. and keeps our dopamine reward system active – making us crave for it even more.

On the other hand, overuse of technology is also adding to the endemic loneliness gripping our society today

Your phone or tab or social media can be endlessly entertaining. It may not demand that you do your chores or have a meaningful conversation or interaction with it. Everything is available at the touch of your fingers. You don’t have to deal with the messiness of a real relationship. Yet that is exact what we need today. Difficult situations, disagreements and conflicts and learning to manage them, dealing with ambiguity, which we are all robbed of with mindless scrolling of social media and endless entertainment. We are robbed of the opportunity to work our brain muscles to build our capacity, to deal with, to cope with, to problem solve, and to make and maintain real connections in real life.

Inner Dawn counsellor Kala Balasubramanian’s views featured in herzindagi.com

https://www.herzindagi.com/society-culture/oxfords-declares-word-of-the-year-brain-rot-why-we-seek-it-and-what-it-does-to-our-brains-article-1010276

The post Brain rot – What you need to know about mindless online scrolling first appeared on Inner Dawn Counselling.