Helpline to improve troubled relationships

This is the concept behind “Rishta” ,which is claimed to be the country’s first “relationship helpline” launched from Pune on September 11,on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi.

“It is an endeavour to reach out to people struggling with relationship problems before they become chronic or reach a crisis point,” Dimple Shah,a practicing psychotherapist who has started the venture in association with an advisory panel of professionals drawn from various fields,says.

“In my 15 years of work as psychotherapist,I have seen that inter-personal relation has emerged as the single most crucial factor affecting their performance,health and harmony in life,” she said.

She said while most helplines deal with specific crisis issues and groups,(such as suicide,domestic violence or children) “there is not a single helpline dealing with relationship issues.”

“Many interpersonal relationships show signs of turbulence much before it hits the crisis stage and if concerns are addressed at an early stage,it can save a lot of pain and agony,” Shah who has started the cellphone helpline under the aegis of ‘revival life’,a therapeutic resource aids and educational centre,noted.