The main counselling approach I use in working with couples is Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). There are a number of reasons I favour this approach:

• EFT has a larger body of research evidence showing that it works to improve couple problems and prevent problem relapse than any other form of couple therapy.

• EFT restructures the couple bond, enabling partners to discuss and resolve issues between themselves, without the therapist present. Many, other couple therapy approaches promote hearing and understanding in the therapy room but do not transform the relationship so that this continues to occur long-term, outside of therapy.

• EFT is a compassionate approach. It is non-pathologising, non-directive (i.e., it doesn’t tell clients what to do) and views clients as doing the best they can, in the circumstances. The therapist takes a supportive stance, helping clients to access, explore and transform their experience of themselves and the relationship.

Although EFT is the main framework that guides my couples counselling work, I have training and skills in other couple therapy approaches - for example, the Gottman Method. I use strategies from these, other approaches where I think they will benefit my clients. My aim is always to flexibly find the best, possible strategies for each client, rather than forcing them into a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach.