How to Handle Silent Treatment in Relationships

By Dr. Arati Bhatt | SereinMind

The silent treatment may appear as a form of cooling off, but when used repeatedly, it becomes emotional manipulation. Being ignored by someone you care about can trigger anxiety, shame, and a desperate need to “fix” things—often without even knowing what went wrong. This dynamic can slowly chip away at emotional safety and trust. Communication is the foundation of any healthy relationship. But when communication turns into silence, it can leave you feeling confused, anxious, and emotionally abandoned. Silent treatment—the act of intentionally ignoring or withdrawing from a partner as punishment—is not just uncomfortable; it can be deeply damaging to the emotional health of a relationship.

At SereinMind, Dr. Arati Bhatt, a trusted counselling psychologist in Gurgaon, helps individuals and couples recognise unhealthy communication patterns like silent treatment and rebuild safe, emotionally supportive relationships.

What Is Silent Treatment?

Silent treatment is not the same as taking space to cool down or reflect. It becomes problematic when one partner deliberately withholds communication as a way to punish, control, or express disapproval—without explanation. This emotional shutdown creates uncertainty and tension, leaving the other partner guessing what went wrong or feeling forced to beg for reconciliation.

Why the Silent Treatment Is Harmful

• It creates emotional insecurity

• It encourages power imbalances in the relationship

• It suppresses open, healthy communication

• It increases anxiety, guilt, or self-blame in the receiving partner

• It damages emotional intimacy and trust over time

In some cases, the silent treatment can become a form of emotional manipulation or abuse, especially when used repeatedly to gain control.

How It Feels to Be on the Receiving End

If you’ve ever been given the silent treatment, you know how painful and confusing it can be. You may:

• Feel like you’ve done something wrong—but aren’t told what

• Try excessively to “fix” the situation to regain peace

• Experience fear of abandonment or rejection

• Internalise blame and question your worth

• Walk on eggshells to avoid triggering it again

  
  

  Individual or Couple therapy at SereinMind helps you explore the emotional effects of this pattern and build healthy boundaries.

  
  

Why People Use Silent Treatment

People often use silent treatment because they:

• Lack emotional regulation skills

• Fear vulnerability or confrontation

• Want to punish or manipulate the other person

• Believe it’s the only way they can be “heard”

• Learned this behaviour in early relationships or family dynamics

While these may explain the behaviour, they don’t excuse it.

How to Respond to Silent Treatment

1. Recognise That It’s Not Your Fault

The silent treatment is a communication issue—not a reflection of your worth.

2. Don’t Over-Apologise or Beg for Attention

This reinforces the behaviour and gives the silent partner more power.

3. Communicate When Ready

If safe, let them know their silence is hurtful and unproductive. Use “I” statements like:“I feel anxious and shut out when communication stops without explanation.”

4. Set Emotional Boundaries

Let them know that while space is okay, stonewalling is not. You have a right to emotional clarity.

5. Seek Support and Clarity

If the silent treatment is chronic or manipulative, it’s important to reflect: Is this a healthy emotional space for me?

Online or Offline counselling with Dr. Arati Bhatt can help you process these dynamics and make empowered decisions in your relationships.

You Deserve Respectful Communication

Love does not have to be silent. If someone shuts you out rather than opening up, it’s not your job to chase them—it’s your responsibility to protect your peace. Healthy relationships are built on dialogue, not emotional punishment.

👉 Book a session with Dr. Arati Bhatt at SereinMind to explore how to navigate silent treatment, rebuild self-worth, and foster healthier communication patterns in your relationships.