Imago Therapists in Christchurch
Living an extraordinary and joyful life is about ending the mental suffering when events outside of your control occur. With training and qualifications in Counselling, Psychology, and NLP, I will empower you to manage and overcome anxiety, grief, trauma, phobias, and low moods; so that you will restore and enjoy confidence, self-esteem, health, well-being, and better relationships. I work exclusively with adults of all ages; and welcome cultural, sexual, and gender diversity.
Living an extraordinary and joyful life is about ending the mental suffering when events outside of your control occur. With training and qualifications in Counselling, Psychology, and NLP, I will empower you to manage and overcome anxiety, grief, trauma, phobias, and low moods; so that you will restore and enjoy confidence, self-esteem, health, well-being, and better relationships. I work exclusively with adults of all ages; and welcome cultural, sexual, and gender diversity.
Face to face (Auckland), online and phone appointments are available NZ and world wide.
Face to face (Auckland), online and phone appointments are available NZ and world wide.
Shelley Harvill - Rainbow Consulting
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Christchurch 7670 (Online Only)
Shelley obtained a Doctorate of Psychology and completed post grad work in Nova Scotia Canada in 2010. She is a NZ registered clinical psychologist & served in the role of Clinical Manager of a National DBT Service. DBT is an integration of western and eastern psychological philosophies and along with EMDR and CBT based prolonged exposure, is one of Shelley’s preferred therapeutic models for working with emotional regulation, complex needs and trauma.
Shelley obtained a Doctorate of Psychology and completed post grad work in Nova Scotia Canada in 2010. She is a NZ registered clinical psychologist & served in the role of Clinical Manager of a National DBT Service. DBT is an integration of western and eastern psychological philosophies and along with EMDR and CBT based prolonged exposure, is one of Shelley’s preferred therapeutic models for working with emotional regulation, complex needs and trauma.
I work with individuals, couples and policules. Though I work broadly with people who have a variety of emotional health concerns, I have a passion for and commitment to supporting those in Ethically Non Monogamous/polyamorous relationship structures and the LGBTQ+ community. I also have a focus on attachment, trauma, gender and sexuality/sex positivity.
I work with individuals, couples and policules. Though I work broadly with people who have a variety of emotional health concerns, I have a passion for and commitment to supporting those in Ethically Non Monogamous/polyamorous relationship structures and the LGBTQ+ community. I also have a focus on attachment, trauma, gender and sexuality/sex positivity.
Are you struggling with your relationship? Do you feel more like roommates than a happy couple? Do you feel frustrated, anxious, and afraid, wondering if it's even possible to fix it? I will help create a clear, plan with the exact steps to build a thriving relationship, fast. Together, we'll break through old patterns, create great communication for more connection, to rediscover the joy and intimacy you both want. If you're ready to work on yourself and your partnership and experience a truly exceptional relationship, I'm here to guide you every step of the way.
Are you struggling with your relationship? Do you feel more like roommates than a happy couple? Do you feel frustrated, anxious, and afraid, wondering if it's even possible to fix it? I will help create a clear, plan with the exact steps to build a thriving relationship, fast. Together, we'll break through old patterns, create great communication for more connection, to rediscover the joy and intimacy you both want. If you're ready to work on yourself and your partnership and experience a truly exceptional relationship, I'm here to guide you every step of the way.
See more therapy options for Christchurch
Imago Counsellors
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.