A toxic relationship is one in which patterns such as constant criticism, control, jealousy, disrespect or emotional manipulation leave you feeling drained, anxious or smaller than you are. Counseling helps you see the pattern clearly, understand your own responses, and decide what to do next, whether that is changing the relationship or leaving it. The Meeting Matters offers confidential support for individuals and couples in Islamabad and online across Pakistan.
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Walking on eggshells to avoid a reaction, being criticised or belittled regularly, feeling controlled about where you go, who you see or how you spend money, jealousy that restricts your life, having your feelings dismissed or your memory of events denied, or feeling worse about yourself the longer the relationship goes on. Family and in-law dynamics can add to the pressure.
Many couples are caught in painful but changeable patterns, such as cycles of criticism and withdrawal. Abuse is different: it involves fear, intimidation, control or violence. If you feel unsafe, safety comes first, and individual sessions are the right starting point rather than joint ones. Your therapist will help you work out which situation you are in.
You do not need your partner to attend. Individual counseling can help you understand why certain patterns feel so hard to leave, rebuild self-esteem and boundaries, process what has happened, and make decisions at your own pace without pressure either way.
Where both partners are willing and it is safe, couples counseling can interrupt destructive cycles. Approaches such as Emotionally Focused Therapy and the Gottman Method focus on the pattern between you rather than blaming either person.
Your therapist does not tell you what to do. The aim is to help you see your situation clearly, so that whatever you decide is a choice you can stand behind, including when the answer is that you are not ready to decide yet.

Founder & Lead Psychologist — Couples, Marriage & Relationship Counselling

Clinical Psychologist, CBT, DBT & NLP Therapist

Clinical Psychologist — Relationship, Couples & Marriage Counselor
“I had a really great experience at Meeting Matters Clinic in F-11. The therapists here are highly professional aur unka ravaiya bohat supportive hai. It's not easy to find a safe space for mental health, but yahan ka mahol bohat pur-sakoon…”
Muhammad Subhan Azeem · Google Review
“I am truly grateful to Ms. Tasmiya Asghar and the team at Meeting Matters. I reached out during one of the most difficult periods of my life while dealing with grief and trying to be the best parent I could be for my children. Ms. Tasmiya's…”
Hashir Kiani · Google Review
“I was experiencing gender dysphoria, and my father took me to see Dr. Ayesha Tariq for therapy. So far, I have completed 15 sessions with her. During this time, she has helped me understand and process my emotions in a healthier way and has…”
Muhammad Maaz · Google Review
The Meeting Matters has been providing professional counseling, therapy and training since 2010 — over fifteen years of clinical experience supporting individuals, couples and families across Pakistan and around the world. Our psychologists are trained in evidence-based approaches including CBT, DBT, EMDR and psychodynamic therapy, delivered through confidential online counseling and online therapy as well as in-person sessions at our Islamabad clinic.
Alongside specialist support for this concern, you have access to our full range of services — the same experienced team, available online or in person:
One-to-one online counseling and therapy for anxiety, depression, stress and personal growth.
Online relationship counseling for communication, conflict and rebuilding trust.
Online marriage counseling for couples working through distress or disconnection.
Guided conversations before marriage, available online.
Family counseling for communication, parenting and conflict resolution.
Child and adolescent therapy with parent guidance.
Secure online therapy sessions from anywhere.
Workplace wellbeing programs for organisations.
Support for career transitions and workplace stress.
Take the first step toward better mental health. Our compassionate team is here to support you.