It's good to talk

Emma and Matt Willis on what it takes for a happy marriage and their fascinating new mental health show

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They have one of the strongest marriages in showbiz, and now Matt and Emma Willis have revealed therapy is the secret to their relationship.

The couple met in 2004 and married in 2008. Today, they credit therapy with helping them maintain their bond.

“It's been transformative,” says Matt. “It's changed our relationship. The result was definitely worth it.”

Emma agrees. “We learned how to communicate,” she says. “When things happen — individually or as a couple — you can't always see each other's point of view. Friends will usually take your side but a therapist helps you see clearly. It's been phenomenal for us.”

Now the pair are sharing their therapy journey with the nation through their new BBC show Change Your Mind, Change Your Life.

The couple team up with leading therapists - Owen O'Kane, Julia Samuel MBE, Professor Steve Peters and Dr Fatoumata Jatta — to follow Brits facing everyday challenges, from grief to anxiety, as they try to transform their lives with therapy.

Emma, 49, and Matt, 42, leave each participant with an expert, checking in between sessions to offer support. “The duty of care on the show is next level,” Emma says. “Our job is to see them along the way, when they've had time to reflect and decompress. But there is a huge care team around the participants, not just the therapists.”