Second chances in love see rising demand for couples therapy, finds study

A growing number of divorced, separated and widowed individuals in India are turning to couples therapy while seeking a second chance at love, according to a new study by matchmaking platform Rebounce. The study highlights a major shift in how previously married singles now approach relationships, placing emotional compatibility and accountability above blind optimism or societal expectations.

The survey was conducted among 8,673 divorced, separated and widowed individuals aged between 27 and 45 across metro cities and smaller towns in India. More than 44 per cent of respondents described couples therapy as a “proactive relationship investment” for a healthier future.

The findings revealed that many second-chance seekers are using therapy to address unresolved emotions, avoid repeating unhealthy relationship patterns and improve communication before entering a serious commitment again. Over 38 per cent of divorced and separated individuals in their 30s said they had already attended therapy after the end of their marriage and would consider couples counselling during courtship if emotional triggers surfaced.

Founder and CEO Ravi Mittal said, “Previously married singles are far more conscious in their approach. They have not only worked around the taboo of ending a marriage that did not deserve to be carried any longer, but also the judgment around seeking professional help to sort out their emotions.”

The survey also found that 57 per cent of respondents were willing to accept emotional baggage from a partner’s past, but not a refusal to work on it. Meanwhile, 28 per cent said they had opted for couples therapy before committing to a second relationship, viewing it as preventive emotional care rather than crisis management.