General information only. This article is not medical advice and is not a substitute for care from a licensed professional.
Most counselors draw on one or more established approaches and adapt them to your faith and values. Here are three you will often see on profiles.
The Gottman Method
Based on decades of research with couples, it focuses on building friendship, managing conflict well and creating shared meaning. Couples often learn practical tools for softer starts to hard conversations and for repairing after a fight.
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
EFT helps couples recognise the negative cycle they get stuck in, such as one partner pursuing and the other withdrawing, and reach for each other in new ways. It is one of the most researched couples therapies.
Imago Relationship Therapy
Imago uses a structured dialogue where partners take turns mirroring and validating each other. Many couples find it helps them truly hear one another.
Which is best?
The relationship you build with your counselor matters as much as the method. Ask how they would work with your particular concerns, and how they bring faith into their approach.