Imago Therapists in Kitchener, ON
![Photo of Darion Brenner, MA, RP, CRPO, OAMHP, Registered Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8f6a0aae-391a-4ea9-be58-e71219c1f87c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Darion Brenner
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP, CRPO, OAMHP
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Kitchener, ON N2H
Currently accepting new in-person and virtual clients! Life is a journey that no one should walk alone. Whether you are feeling overwhelmed, emotionally or physically exhausted, hurt, or isolated, I am here to walk with you. I strive to foster a compassionate, warm, and non-judgemental atmosphere for you to explore your current challenges. Together, we will identify your goals, learn your strengths, and develop an individualized treatment plan that feels good to you. There is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to counselling, which is why I use a client-centred, trauma-informed, and strengths-based approach to therapy.
Currently accepting new in-person and virtual clients! Life is a journey that no one should walk alone. Whether you are feeling overwhelmed, emotionally or physically exhausted, hurt, or isolated, I am here to walk with you. I strive to foster a compassionate, warm, and non-judgemental atmosphere for you to explore your current challenges. Together, we will identify your goals, learn your strengths, and develop an individualized treatment plan that feels good to you. There is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to counselling, which is why I use a client-centred, trauma-informed, and strengths-based approach to therapy.
![Photo of Brooke Hill, RP, MEd, Registered Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dbec05d5-c683-4224-adf1-60c4035a9003/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a Clinic Director and Psychotherapist, highly experienced in Canada and abroad, in providing individualized care for a variety of mental issues and illnesses. An ideal client would be someone who is willing to put in the work to take a step towards change. Yet, you may not be ready for change, either way therapy is a safe form to find out. I want to help clients achieve their mental health goals through empowerment, awareness, acceptance and healing, with the use scientifically-based techniques that have been proven to be highly effective. You'll acquire the necessary tools to achieve a mind-body-soul approach to health.
I am a Clinic Director and Psychotherapist, highly experienced in Canada and abroad, in providing individualized care for a variety of mental issues and illnesses. An ideal client would be someone who is willing to put in the work to take a step towards change. Yet, you may not be ready for change, either way therapy is a safe form to find out. I want to help clients achieve their mental health goals through empowerment, awareness, acceptance and healing, with the use scientifically-based techniques that have been proven to be highly effective. You'll acquire the necessary tools to achieve a mind-body-soul approach to health.
![Photo of Infertility Anxiety Trauma - Jessica Sloan, BBA, RP, CHyp, Registered Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f7e350a9-49f5-4009-abe7-244fcae681b6/2/320x400.jpeg)
Infertility Anxiety Trauma - Jessica Sloan
Registered Psychotherapist, BBA, RP, CHyp
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Kitchener, ON N2M
Accepting new clients! Perhaps you have tried talk therapy and it helped with some things but in certain areas, you find it difficult to make changes & are looking for a new approach. You may find that people-pleasing and perfectionism holds you back. You find you start out strong by building new habits and then quickly lose momentum. You may be finding yourself more anxious than usual despite your best attempts at maintaining a positive outlook. You may also be experiencing overwhelm, imposter syndrome, anxiety, phobias, or depression. I also have a special interest in supporting women through pregnancy loss, infertility & burnout.
Accepting new clients! Perhaps you have tried talk therapy and it helped with some things but in certain areas, you find it difficult to make changes & are looking for a new approach. You may find that people-pleasing and perfectionism holds you back. You find you start out strong by building new habits and then quickly lose momentum. You may be finding yourself more anxious than usual despite your best attempts at maintaining a positive outlook. You may also be experiencing overwhelm, imposter syndrome, anxiety, phobias, or depression. I also have a special interest in supporting women through pregnancy loss, infertility & burnout.
![Photo of Garrett LaFosse - Garrett LaFosse Counselling and Psychotherapy, MSc, RP, RMFT, Registered Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0d3696ee-4714-44a3-9f52-7d1a81a30f56/3/320x400.jpeg)
Garrett LaFosse Counselling and Psychotherapy
Registered Psychotherapist, MSc, RP, RMFT
Verified Verified
Kitchener, ON N2P (Online Only)
Do you ever struggle with feeling disconnected from others or even yourself? Do you ever think that life should be easier? Do you ever feel exhausted, overwhelmed, frustrated, lost due to the pressure to live up to other people's standards, or to just get through the day? Do you ever question, wonder, or hope that things could be better? So many people are feeling overwhelmed, uncertain, & anxious about how to manage their careers, relationships, and lives. Neglecting your own needs and not taking time for yourself often leads to difficulties for both your mind and body. I believe that it shouldn't be so hard to live a better life.
Do you ever struggle with feeling disconnected from others or even yourself? Do you ever think that life should be easier? Do you ever feel exhausted, overwhelmed, frustrated, lost due to the pressure to live up to other people's standards, or to just get through the day? Do you ever question, wonder, or hope that things could be better? So many people are feeling overwhelmed, uncertain, & anxious about how to manage their careers, relationships, and lives. Neglecting your own needs and not taking time for yourself often leads to difficulties for both your mind and body. I believe that it shouldn't be so hard to live a better life.
![Photo of Jess Crowe, MSW RSW, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bf13f23e-7e87-4f00-bdb9-d2d76d98e55f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Whether you are trying to figure out whether you like your job, transitioning into parenthood, wondering if this is the relationship for you, wanting to pick up the pieces after hurt, or are simply finding yourself saying “I am ready for more” please reach out. This is the work I love to do. I want to be there to offer you a safe space to open up, create meaning and find alignment in your values. Therapy to me is about collaboration and connection. We will make sure to find an approach that fits for you to move you in the direction you are wanting to go.
Whether you are trying to figure out whether you like your job, transitioning into parenthood, wondering if this is the relationship for you, wanting to pick up the pieces after hurt, or are simply finding yourself saying “I am ready for more” please reach out. This is the work I love to do. I want to be there to offer you a safe space to open up, create meaning and find alignment in your values. Therapy to me is about collaboration and connection. We will make sure to find an approach that fits for you to move you in the direction you are wanting to go.
![Photo of Tiffany Lazic, RP, Registered Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/489fd9e9-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Tiffany Lazic
Registered Psychotherapist, RP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kitchener, ON N2H (Online Only)
Within each of us lies the vision and hope for the life we want to live. Yet, we can feel overwhelmed by inner or outer challenges, fears, negative beliefs, low self-esteem, anxiety or depression. In many years of practice, I have seen the resilience of the human spirit. As a Spiritual Psychotherapist, I work with traditional approaches, as well as those rooted in Transpersonal Psychology, Archetypal Psychology and Shamanism which recognize the power and strength inherent within to facilitate change. My aim is to act as guide as clients address past pain and present circumstances that limit the ability to live a life in full bloom.
Within each of us lies the vision and hope for the life we want to live. Yet, we can feel overwhelmed by inner or outer challenges, fears, negative beliefs, low self-esteem, anxiety or depression. In many years of practice, I have seen the resilience of the human spirit. As a Spiritual Psychotherapist, I work with traditional approaches, as well as those rooted in Transpersonal Psychology, Archetypal Psychology and Shamanism which recognize the power and strength inherent within to facilitate change. My aim is to act as guide as clients address past pain and present circumstances that limit the ability to live a life in full bloom.
![Photo of Rose Ann Vita - Putting the Puzzle Together, RP, MDiv, Registered Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/02bfa274-8221-4bc6-b978-3adbbe11e4a9/1/320x400.jpeg)
Putting the Puzzle Together
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, MDiv
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Kitchener, ON N2H (Online Only)
Accepting NEW Clients - I am licenced in Ontario and engaging in psychotherapy with clients for over 7 years. My strength is in life-stage, identity, and relational issues; as well as depression and trauma. Through using verbal and non-verbal explorations of somatic emotions, we might uncover early childhood experiences outside of your awareness which impact your present behaviour and mental well-being. Our overall goal is to gradually re-establish balance and well-being to reduce anxiety, depression, and aimlessness. By providing a safe therapeutic space, you and I will have a place to put the pieces of a puzzled life together.
Accepting NEW Clients - I am licenced in Ontario and engaging in psychotherapy with clients for over 7 years. My strength is in life-stage, identity, and relational issues; as well as depression and trauma. Through using verbal and non-verbal explorations of somatic emotions, we might uncover early childhood experiences outside of your awareness which impact your present behaviour and mental well-being. Our overall goal is to gradually re-establish balance and well-being to reduce anxiety, depression, and aimlessness. By providing a safe therapeutic space, you and I will have a place to put the pieces of a puzzled life together.
![Photo of Leanne Sawchuk, DipTIRP, BA, RP, CTIC, Registered Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bf93ab29-e565-41db-94a4-7f0c68ff2ec4/2/320x400.jpeg)
Leanne Sawchuk
Registered Psychotherapist, DipTIRP, BA, RP, CTIC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kitchener, ON N2H (Online Only)
Life can be overwhelming at times and it often takes courage and bravery to open the door to something new and to something different. Perhaps you are feeling overwhelmed or disconnected or maybe you need to better understand and work through what is happening in your life right now. I specialize in supporting individuals with eating disorders, body image issues, anxiety and self-esteem, addictions, relationship issues, and trauma. Together we will explore what is happening for you interpersonally and relationally, while making sense of the feelings, thoughts, and behaviours that are holding you back or causing you emotional pain.
Life can be overwhelming at times and it often takes courage and bravery to open the door to something new and to something different. Perhaps you are feeling overwhelmed or disconnected or maybe you need to better understand and work through what is happening in your life right now. I specialize in supporting individuals with eating disorders, body image issues, anxiety and self-esteem, addictions, relationship issues, and trauma. Together we will explore what is happening for you interpersonally and relationally, while making sense of the feelings, thoughts, and behaviours that are holding you back or causing you emotional pain.
![Photo of Amanda Dewar - Strength Counselling Services, MEd, RCC, CCC, RSW, RP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8afeb5da-0b50-4d89-ae9c-7b867e560ccf/1/320x400.jpeg)
Strength Counselling Services
Counsellor, MEd, RCC, CCC, RSW, RP
Verified Verified
Kitchener, ON N2E (Online Only)
We are an online counselling agency so do not provide services in person. Strength Counselling Services has licensed, experienced therapists who use evidence-based practices, prioritize client needs, and maintain ethical standards. We offer culturally sensitive, affordable services in a supportive environment. We offer a comprehensive goals assessment, regularly assess progress, and collaborate with other professionals. We provide transparency in our fees and for thirteen years now have held a positive reputation of trust, and client success. Lastly, ensuring our clients' privacy and confidentiality are of utmost importance to us.
We are an online counselling agency so do not provide services in person. Strength Counselling Services has licensed, experienced therapists who use evidence-based practices, prioritize client needs, and maintain ethical standards. We offer culturally sensitive, affordable services in a supportive environment. We offer a comprehensive goals assessment, regularly assess progress, and collaborate with other professionals. We provide transparency in our fees and for thirteen years now have held a positive reputation of trust, and client success. Lastly, ensuring our clients' privacy and confidentiality are of utmost importance to us.
![Photo of Myles Chisholm, MA, RP, Registered Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/60ceb1d5-3e94-4f33-ac2a-a4bbe965e482/4/320x400.jpeg)
Myles Chisholm
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Kitchener, ON N2G (Online Only)
With over a decade of experience in the field of psychotherapy, I have witnessed the transformative power of healing first-hand. My extensive training in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR) allows me to employ evidence-based techniques tailored to your unique needs. Throughout my career, I have successfully supported clients dealing with a wide range of challenges, including trauma, PTSD, Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), developmental trauma, panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
With over a decade of experience in the field of psychotherapy, I have witnessed the transformative power of healing first-hand. My extensive training in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR) allows me to employ evidence-based techniques tailored to your unique needs. Throughout my career, I have successfully supported clients dealing with a wide range of challenges, including trauma, PTSD, Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), developmental trauma, panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
![Photo of Alison Chisholm, MA, RP, Registered Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cc63ecff-ec9c-4e08-bb0a-0a5075abfc10/1/320x400.jpeg)
Alison Chisholm
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kitchener, ON N2G (Online Only)
With over a decade of experience as a psychotherapist, I specialize in perinatal mental health, offering expert support for fertility challenges, birth preparation, postpartum coping, and healing from birth trauma. As a mother of four, I deeply understand the emotional complexities of parenthood. My practice provides a compassionate and integrative approach tailored to your unique needs.
With over a decade of experience as a psychotherapist, I specialize in perinatal mental health, offering expert support for fertility challenges, birth preparation, postpartum coping, and healing from birth trauma. As a mother of four, I deeply understand the emotional complexities of parenthood. My practice provides a compassionate and integrative approach tailored to your unique needs.
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Myles Chisholm
![Photo of Shelley Atkinson, Registered Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e7f5e4d4-5be5-427a-aedb-98a954084133/4/320x400.jpeg)
How incredible would it be to live with purpose and meaning, to be the co-creator of your life? Working alongside you, I help you explore how you may be walking and showing up in the world that doesn’t allow your authentic, true self to emerge. By shining the light on shadows that may be causing you pain, I help you see your situation in a clear light, illuminating thoughts, behaviours and deeper patterns that you may have been carrying for a long time. I help you make peace with the layers, feelings and pain from the past, and empower you to recognize your freedom and ability to chose your own path, embracing the life you want.
How incredible would it be to live with purpose and meaning, to be the co-creator of your life? Working alongside you, I help you explore how you may be walking and showing up in the world that doesn’t allow your authentic, true self to emerge. By shining the light on shadows that may be causing you pain, I help you see your situation in a clear light, illuminating thoughts, behaviours and deeper patterns that you may have been carrying for a long time. I help you make peace with the layers, feelings and pain from the past, and empower you to recognize your freedom and ability to chose your own path, embracing the life you want.
![Photo of Melissa Fellin - Bloom Child & Family Therapy, MSW, RSW, MA, PhD, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d7f4ee06-bb9b-40ed-8bcf-06350b462ff5/3/320x400.jpeg)
Bloom Child & Family Therapy
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, MA, PhD
Verified Verified
Kitchener, ON N2G
Bloom Child & Family Therapy supports children and their families using creative approaches and evidenced-based practices. At Bloom we strive to provide accessible, quality mental health care for children, adolescents and their families. Bloom therapists are ultra-creative! Play, expressive arts and animal-assisted therapies allow Bloom to make their services accessible to all children and their families. Whether you are coming for family therapy or your child is attending therapy, we believe that family and/or primary caregivers are key to children’s healing and growing. We are looking to build strong and healthy families.
Bloom Child & Family Therapy supports children and their families using creative approaches and evidenced-based practices. At Bloom we strive to provide accessible, quality mental health care for children, adolescents and their families. Bloom therapists are ultra-creative! Play, expressive arts and animal-assisted therapies allow Bloom to make their services accessible to all children and their families. Whether you are coming for family therapy or your child is attending therapy, we believe that family and/or primary caregivers are key to children’s healing and growing. We are looking to build strong and healthy families.
![Photo of Genevieve Ellen McMath - Genevieve McMath and Associates, BScN, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e435e0bc-308a-4705-9fc7-aa5d30cb5a66/1/320x400.jpeg)
Genevieve McMath and Associates
Registered Social Worker, BScN, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Kitchener, ON N2A
As my client/s you are an individual, couple, or family who want(s) to work collaboratively towards broadly defined health and wellness goals (such as emotional and interpersonal wellness) aimed at supporting a sustained improved quality of life in all aspects. Your goals may be short-term, crisis-generated (with an eye toward resolution), or aimed at sustained long-term improvements in relationships, self-regard, life management, cessation of self-destructive behaviours or self-destructive self-talk. My ideal client is simply someone who wants to improve the quality of their life in a way that is meaningful to them.
As my client/s you are an individual, couple, or family who want(s) to work collaboratively towards broadly defined health and wellness goals (such as emotional and interpersonal wellness) aimed at supporting a sustained improved quality of life in all aspects. Your goals may be short-term, crisis-generated (with an eye toward resolution), or aimed at sustained long-term improvements in relationships, self-regard, life management, cessation of self-destructive behaviours or self-destructive self-talk. My ideal client is simply someone who wants to improve the quality of their life in a way that is meaningful to them.
![Photo of Susan Lovelady, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c3e66f3-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Susan Lovelady
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Kitchener, ON N2E
Not accepting new clients
I provide individual, family and marriage counselling. I enjoy working with adolescents both individually and with their families. I specialize in providing counselling for anxiety, depression, parenting, stress and anger management, conflict resolution, family violence, sexual abuse, burnout and chronic pain.
I provide individual, family and marriage counselling. I enjoy working with adolescents both individually and with their families. I specialize in providing counselling for anxiety, depression, parenting, stress and anger management, conflict resolution, family violence, sexual abuse, burnout and chronic pain.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Anna Gold - Anna Gold , MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8f0c670f-2730-43e0-9af1-aa2902575a72/1/320x400.jpeg)
As a certified IMAGO therapist, and with over 35 years of experience, Anna is passionate about helping couples.
When you are in need of help to improve the communication and connection in your relationship, then it is essential to find a qualified relationship therapy expert. Anna Gold is the Director of Southern Ontario Counselling Centre and the co-director of Replenish Relationships. Anna offers sessions to couples at any stage of relationship. She and her husband run retreats & workshops for couples using IMAGO, Gottman, and many other modalities. They support couples in developing tools that move the work and conflict in their relationships towards productive, happy and loving outcomes. Deep loving involves deep knowing!
As a certified IMAGO therapist, and with over 35 years of experience, Anna is passionate about helping couples.
When you are in need of help to improve the communication and connection in your relationship, then it is essential to find a qualified relationship therapy expert. Anna Gold is the Director of Southern Ontario Counselling Centre and the co-director of Replenish Relationships. Anna offers sessions to couples at any stage of relationship. She and her husband run retreats & workshops for couples using IMAGO, Gottman, and many other modalities. They support couples in developing tools that move the work and conflict in their relationships towards productive, happy and loving outcomes. Deep loving involves deep knowing!
![Photo of Amanda Dewar - Strength Counselling Services, MEd, RCC, CCC, RSW, RP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/90a37617-94f6-41e8-9d2b-94589c45ab56/1/320x400.jpeg)
Strength Counselling Services
Counsellor, MEd, RCC, CCC, RSW, RP
Verified Verified
Waterloo, ON N2J (Online Only)
We are an online counselling agency so do not provide services in person. Strength Counselling Services has licensed, experienced therapists who use evidence-based practices, prioritize client needs, and maintain ethical standards. We offer culturally sensitive, affordable services in a supportive environment. We offer a comprehensive goals assessment, regularly assess progress, and collaborate with other professionals. We provide transparency in our fees and for thirteen years now have held a positive reputation of trust, and client success. Lastly, ensuring our clients' privacy and confidentiality are of utmost importance to us.
We are an online counselling agency so do not provide services in person. Strength Counselling Services has licensed, experienced therapists who use evidence-based practices, prioritize client needs, and maintain ethical standards. We offer culturally sensitive, affordable services in a supportive environment. We offer a comprehensive goals assessment, regularly assess progress, and collaborate with other professionals. We provide transparency in our fees and for thirteen years now have held a positive reputation of trust, and client success. Lastly, ensuring our clients' privacy and confidentiality are of utmost importance to us.
![Photo of Karen Beattie Willis, RP, OM, Registered Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/baf2ff9a-1d57-4678-92af-ffe8e728129d/2/320x400.jpeg)
Karen Beattie Willis
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, OM
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cambridge, ON N1R (Online Only)
Many of us come to periods in our lives when we feel overwhelmed, confused or immobilized by our circumstances and our feelings. Or we reach a point in life when we know in our gut that something has to change, but we just don’t know where to begin. Doubt and negative self-talk can make us feel stuck. Sometimes we struggle with feelings of sadness, anger, shame or anxiety and can feel very alone in that struggle. Having a safe place to talk and a safe, non-judgmental person to talk to is key to healing and moving beyond the “stuck place”.
Many of us come to periods in our lives when we feel overwhelmed, confused or immobilized by our circumstances and our feelings. Or we reach a point in life when we know in our gut that something has to change, but we just don’t know where to begin. Doubt and negative self-talk can make us feel stuck. Sometimes we struggle with feelings of sadness, anger, shame or anxiety and can feel very alone in that struggle. Having a safe place to talk and a safe, non-judgmental person to talk to is key to healing and moving beyond the “stuck place”.
![Photo of Leslie Dahlinger, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/af9002af-2b6e-433b-8a15-e344e3603de3/7/320x400.jpeg)
Leslie Dahlinger
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Waterloo, ON N2J (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
With over 30 years of providing psychotherapy services, I can help you get to the core of your issues. I have a down to earth, informal style of communicating and am told I am easy to open up to. Over my career I have worked with all genders, sexual orientations, and people from a variety of religious, racial and cultural backgrounds.
With over 30 years of providing psychotherapy services, I can help you get to the core of your issues. I have a down to earth, informal style of communicating and am told I am easy to open up to. Over my career I have worked with all genders, sexual orientations, and people from a variety of religious, racial and cultural backgrounds.
![Photo of Kelly-Lee Mansi, MA, RP, PCC, Registered Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5246ca54-e23c-4b06-9726-4c1ea76596db/3/320x400.jpeg)
Kelly-Lee Mansi
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP, PCC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Cambridge, ON N3H
Hello, my name is Kelly-Lee, I believe that every person is entitled to live a life that is healthy, wealthy and wise. For almost 20 years, I have worked with a wide variety of individuals, couples and groups from a diverse range of socioeconomic, cultural and sexually diverse backgrounds to help empower them to overcome misaligned belief systems that were blocking their mental health, their sense of harmony and well-being. My psychotherapy and counselling work are primarily Adlerian based and incorporates an eclectic array of cognitive, psychodynamic, experiential, somatic and evidence-based therapies.
Hello, my name is Kelly-Lee, I believe that every person is entitled to live a life that is healthy, wealthy and wise. For almost 20 years, I have worked with a wide variety of individuals, couples and groups from a diverse range of socioeconomic, cultural and sexually diverse backgrounds to help empower them to overcome misaligned belief systems that were blocking their mental health, their sense of harmony and well-being. My psychotherapy and counselling work are primarily Adlerian based and incorporates an eclectic array of cognitive, psychodynamic, experiential, somatic and evidence-based therapies.
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How does Imago therapy work?
Imago relationship therapy is a form of couples counseling meant to help partners address conflict, communication problems, and related issues. Imago sessions typically involve couples sitting facing each other and participating in guided conversations. Therapy will also involve exercises such as re-imagining one’s partner as a wounded child; re-romanticising a relationship through appreciation, surprises, and even gift-giving and restructuring frustrations by transforming complaints into requests. The ultimate goal is to re-envision the relationship as a source of safety and happiness.
What is the Imago method?
A core technique of Imago therapy is the Imago dialogue, in which partners learn to avoid hurtful statements and establish ways to interact based on each having equal space and power. In the dialogue, partners take turns as the “sender,” who shares their thoughts, and the “receiver.” The receiver is asked to “mirror,” or paraphrase, what their partner has said, without response or rebuttal, and then validate their statements, acknowledging understanding even if they do not personally agree with it. Finally, the receiver displays empathy by stating what they imagine the other is feeling, and showing appreciation for it.
How long does Imago therapy take?
As with most forms of talk therapy, there is no set duration or end point for Imago therapy. After becoming comfortable with a therapist and the core techniques of Imago coaching, some couples quickly make progress, but most should expect sessions to extend for months, encompassing at least 12 to 20 sessions, along with extensive “homework” from their therapist.
Does Imago therapy work?
There is limited empirical evidence to support the benefits of Imago therapy, but some smaller studies suggest that it does help couples, at least in the short-term. A 2017 study found that marital satisfaction increased significantly after couples completed 12 sessions of Imago therapy, and remained higher for some time after that, but did not always result in “complete recovery.” Other studies found greater empathy and fewer feelings of relationship burnout in couples after therapy. Some research suggests that Imago therapy can aid individuals as well as couples; people with ADHD in particular may benefit from the development of communication, self-control, and listening skills that form the basis of the technique.