Imago Therapists in Auburn, CA

Photo of Darla Lynn Gale - Darla Lynn Gale, MA, LMFT, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Darla Lynn Gale, MA, LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Auburn, CA 95603
Waitlist for new clients
I work with couples using Imago Therapy and I have extensive experience working with codependency, narcissistic personality, anxiety, depression and domestic violence.
I have a deep desire to provide healing to those who are hurting, to give each individual the resources for positive change, and to help them gain insight and understanding into the world; resulting in a brighter tomorrow. I believe that you cannot change the past, but you can be strengthened by it. My favorite quotes is 'It's okay to look back into the past, just don't stare." The client-therapist relationship is of the utmost importance to me and my goal is to lead individuals on a personal journey of awareness while providing them with hope, empathy, and unconditional positive regard.
I work with couples using Imago Therapy and I have extensive experience working with codependency, narcissistic personality, anxiety, depression and domestic violence.
I have a deep desire to provide healing to those who are hurting, to give each individual the resources for positive change, and to help them gain insight and understanding into the world; resulting in a brighter tomorrow. I believe that you cannot change the past, but you can be strengthened by it. My favorite quotes is 'It's okay to look back into the past, just don't stare." The client-therapist relationship is of the utmost importance to me and my goal is to lead individuals on a personal journey of awareness while providing them with hope, empathy, and unconditional positive regard.
(916) 827-3090 View (916) 827-3090
Photo of Michaela Renee Johnson, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Michaela Renee Johnson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Auburn, CA 95602
I'm Michaela Johnson, a seasoned Clinical Sex Therapist and Collaborative Attachment Based Therapist. For over a decade, I've been navigating the intricate realms of human intimacy, drawing inspiration from the vast expanse of the skies to guide my clients through their emotional journeys. Just as a skilled pilot maneuvers through turbulent weather, I assist my clients in charting a course through the challenges of relationships, helping them soar to new heights of emotional well-being. My expertise lies in unraveling the complexities of human intimacy, addressing primal wounds that often hinder personal growth and connection.
I'm Michaela Johnson, a seasoned Clinical Sex Therapist and Collaborative Attachment Based Therapist. For over a decade, I've been navigating the intricate realms of human intimacy, drawing inspiration from the vast expanse of the skies to guide my clients through their emotional journeys. Just as a skilled pilot maneuvers through turbulent weather, I assist my clients in charting a course through the challenges of relationships, helping them soar to new heights of emotional well-being. My expertise lies in unraveling the complexities of human intimacy, addressing primal wounds that often hinder personal growth and connection.
(530) 776-5765 View (530) 776-5765
Photo of Mary Rossitto, MA, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Mary Rossitto
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Auburn, CA 95603
Life is complex and requires continual adaptation. I am passionate about helping people find a pathway through difficult times by validating their experiences, identifying unhelpful patterns, finding new solutions, and working towards healing. Healing is a process that requires feeling safe in a caring, non-judgmental environment. Each person has their own story to make sense of, and befriend. I am here to provide a down to earth approach and trusting space for you to expand your awareness, coping skills, problem solving, and distress tolerance. Being heard and feeling understood can help in all our other relationships.
Life is complex and requires continual adaptation. I am passionate about helping people find a pathway through difficult times by validating their experiences, identifying unhelpful patterns, finding new solutions, and working towards healing. Healing is a process that requires feeling safe in a caring, non-judgmental environment. Each person has their own story to make sense of, and befriend. I am here to provide a down to earth approach and trusting space for you to expand your awareness, coping skills, problem solving, and distress tolerance. Being heard and feeling understood can help in all our other relationships.
(530) 466-4501 View (530) 466-4501
Photo of Jordan A Hamilton, PhD, Psychologist
Jordan A Hamilton
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Auburn, CA 95603
Feeling Stuck? Struggling with turning points of your life? Trauma is pervasive in our society in varying degrees and intensities. If you’ve been working hard to resolve the anxiety that go with early and middle life. Perhaps you should consider Intensive retreat. We work 6 hours person-to-person per day in three or five days to break through the impasse. Trauma (of any intensity) can impair the ability to imagine, particularly to imagine an open future. It can disrupt the ability to form positive meaning. Trauma floods the present and captures the future in terrifying images.
Feeling Stuck? Struggling with turning points of your life? Trauma is pervasive in our society in varying degrees and intensities. If you’ve been working hard to resolve the anxiety that go with early and middle life. Perhaps you should consider Intensive retreat. We work 6 hours person-to-person per day in three or five days to break through the impasse. Trauma (of any intensity) can impair the ability to imagine, particularly to imagine an open future. It can disrupt the ability to form positive meaning. Trauma floods the present and captures the future in terrifying images.
(530) 639-8006 View (530) 639-8006
Photo of Sherry Douden - Insights Counseling Group, MA, MFT, ED, Marriage & Family Therapist
Insights Counseling Group
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT, ED
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Auburn, CA 95603
Insights Counseling Group, is a non profit staffed with therapists and interns who have life experience and know first hand that losses occur from transitions like divorce, adoption, childbirth, career loss, & retirement. Many times these losses are compounded over time building compounded trauma. Insights offers EMDR, creative expression, & psychotherapy to help you normalize uncomfortable feelings and cope with changes and to further integrate trauma. Together we create a plan to get you closer to living out your truth & your core values. We can help you attain your goals.
Insights Counseling Group, is a non profit staffed with therapists and interns who have life experience and know first hand that losses occur from transitions like divorce, adoption, childbirth, career loss, & retirement. Many times these losses are compounded over time building compounded trauma. Insights offers EMDR, creative expression, & psychotherapy to help you normalize uncomfortable feelings and cope with changes and to further integrate trauma. Together we create a plan to get you closer to living out your truth & your core values. We can help you attain your goals.
(530) 240-7454 View (530) 240-7454
Photo of Kimberly Sanders, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kimberly Sanders
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Auburn, CA 95603
Are you having problems with relationships or experiencing major life changes? You can find satisfaction in relationships and peace through your transitions! With over thirty years of experience in helping people with their relationships, I offer effective and efficient methods for change. In our initial meetings, we will map your unique path for healing. You will leave with practical tools for increasing peace and joy in your life. In addition, we will clearly discuss what you can expect in terms of approximate length of treatment and treatment outcomes.
Are you having problems with relationships or experiencing major life changes? You can find satisfaction in relationships and peace through your transitions! With over thirty years of experience in helping people with their relationships, I offer effective and efficient methods for change. In our initial meetings, we will map your unique path for healing. You will leave with practical tools for increasing peace and joy in your life. In addition, we will clearly discuss what you can expect in terms of approximate length of treatment and treatment outcomes.
(530) 421-8914 x2 View (530) 421-8914 x2
Photo of Darla Gale - Heartstrings Counseling, Inc., Marriage & Family Therapist
Heartstrings Counseling, Inc.
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
Auburn, CA 95603
Heartstrings Counseling was established as a Non-Profit Corporation in 2013. Our counselors are highly trained and supervised, with compassionate hearts, whose desire is to walk alongside you in your life-journey on a path to more peace, love, joy and hope We would love to talk further with you about our services. Call us today to schedule an appointment.
Heartstrings Counseling was established as a Non-Profit Corporation in 2013. Our counselors are highly trained and supervised, with compassionate hearts, whose desire is to walk alongside you in your life-journey on a path to more peace, love, joy and hope We would love to talk further with you about our services. Call us today to schedule an appointment.
(916) 710-8563 View (916) 710-8563
Photo of Dr. Randall Speyer, PhD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Dr. Randall Speyer
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Auburn, CA 95603
Life is a series of challenges, difficulties, and conflicts. Your response to these experiences can make or break you. A path filled with openness, curiosity, and a passion for learning - what has been called a growth mindset - fosters mastery, resilience, and well-being. A resistance toward growth and change, a fixed mindset, can lead to fear, failure, and mistakes. As a therapist who has embraced the growth mindset, I strongly believe that in creating an environment of emotional safety, acceptance, and understanding, these qualities can be cultivated into a pathway of healing, change, and amazing growth.
Life is a series of challenges, difficulties, and conflicts. Your response to these experiences can make or break you. A path filled with openness, curiosity, and a passion for learning - what has been called a growth mindset - fosters mastery, resilience, and well-being. A resistance toward growth and change, a fixed mindset, can lead to fear, failure, and mistakes. As a therapist who has embraced the growth mindset, I strongly believe that in creating an environment of emotional safety, acceptance, and understanding, these qualities can be cultivated into a pathway of healing, change, and amazing growth.
(530) 461-5602 View (530) 461-5602
Photo of Leslie A Haws - LifeSTAR Sacramento, LMFT, CSAT, CMAT, Marriage & Family Therapist
LifeSTAR Sacramento
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CSAT, CMAT
Verified Verified
Auburn, CA 95602
Sometimes the shame and the isolation becomes unbearable. Sometimes the devastating consequences of compulsive sexual behavior destroy family, job, and reputation. We are the region's leading outpatient treatment program helping individuals, spouses, and families heal from the affects of pornography addiction and other sexually compulsive behaviors. Our affordable program allows you to remain at home and seek recovery while continuing to work. Whether you are a man struggling with sexual behavor that is out of control, or the spouse or partner who suffering the trauma of discovery, our program gives you the sustained support and guidance you need to experience full recovery and the healing of the marital and family relationship.
Sometimes the shame and the isolation becomes unbearable. Sometimes the devastating consequences of compulsive sexual behavior destroy family, job, and reputation. We are the region's leading outpatient treatment program helping individuals, spouses, and families heal from the affects of pornography addiction and other sexually compulsive behaviors. Our affordable program allows you to remain at home and seek recovery while continuing to work. Whether you are a man struggling with sexual behavor that is out of control, or the spouse or partner who suffering the trauma of discovery, our program gives you the sustained support and guidance you need to experience full recovery and the healing of the marital and family relationship.
(916) 823-8274 View (916) 823-8274
Photo of Dr. Shannon Leigh Lynch, PsyD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Dr. Shannon Leigh Lynch
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Auburn, CA 95603  (Online Only)
Hi there! I would first like to congratulate you on taking the first steps toward becoming a better you. I am here to support and empower you through whatever life throws your way. Healing is not linear. Life is chaotic. Things happen to us that are out of our control. And because of this, I aim to offer an empathetic ear and judgment-free space to help you work through the struggles of what it means to be a human in our crazy world! I believe that every person is unique and therefore use an integrative approach to best fit each person's specific needs.
Hi there! I would first like to congratulate you on taking the first steps toward becoming a better you. I am here to support and empower you through whatever life throws your way. Healing is not linear. Life is chaotic. Things happen to us that are out of our control. And because of this, I aim to offer an empathetic ear and judgment-free space to help you work through the struggles of what it means to be a human in our crazy world! I believe that every person is unique and therefore use an integrative approach to best fit each person's specific needs.
(916) 702-8157 View (916) 702-8157

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Marie Newson, MA, MFT, RYT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Marie Newson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT, RYT
Verified Verified
Loomis, CA 95650  (Online Only)
The modalities I find most effective are the Gottman Method and Imago Relationship Therapy.
What would your life look like with less anxiety, healthier relationships, more productivity, improved self-esteem and better personal effectiveness? I believe we are wired to want these things; but sometimes don’t have the tools to achieve them. We can’t change the past, but we can understand what is at the root of present-day challenges and move on from them. Additionally, I provide tools and effective communication strategies to help propel you forward toward your goals and dreams Clients sometimes say, “I wish I’d tried therapy a long time ago”. You are ready when you are ready. It’s never too late for positive self-growth!
The modalities I find most effective are the Gottman Method and Imago Relationship Therapy.
What would your life look like with less anxiety, healthier relationships, more productivity, improved self-esteem and better personal effectiveness? I believe we are wired to want these things; but sometimes don’t have the tools to achieve them. We can’t change the past, but we can understand what is at the root of present-day challenges and move on from them. Additionally, I provide tools and effective communication strategies to help propel you forward toward your goals and dreams Clients sometimes say, “I wish I’d tried therapy a long time ago”. You are ready when you are ready. It’s never too late for positive self-growth!
(424) 294-8977 View (424) 294-8977
Photo of Rebekah Shurtleff, MA, AMFT, APCC, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Rebekah Shurtleff
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
Loomis, CA 95650
Are you ready to find healing and hope? Are you ready to begin a unique journey to achieve your goals and discover your true self? Are you ready to strengthen your relationships? I have openings for couples, individuals, children and families. Saturday and Sunday sessions are available for your convenience. Start your journey today. Your counseling sessions will be client-centered and strength-based. Visit my website at rebekahcounseling.com for a free 15-minute consultation. I look forward to working with you.
Are you ready to find healing and hope? Are you ready to begin a unique journey to achieve your goals and discover your true self? Are you ready to strengthen your relationships? I have openings for couples, individuals, children and families. Saturday and Sunday sessions are available for your convenience. Start your journey today. Your counseling sessions will be client-centered and strength-based. Visit my website at rebekahcounseling.com for a free 15-minute consultation. I look forward to working with you.
(916) 526-3517 View (916) 526-3517
Photo of Natalee Gaddini-Birdwell, MA, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Natalee Gaddini-Birdwell
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Granite Bay, CA 94756
Waitlist for new clients
As your therapist, I am committed to creating an inclusive space where you are welcome exactly as you are. I do this with compassion and empathy by listening deeply to what is most important to you. Through therapy, I am dedicated to providing a space where you are met with warmth, authenticity, and acceptance. We all deserve to feel truly seen and heard. Whether you are a couple who has recently faced betrayal or are feeling stuck in the relationship, a teenager experiencing anxiety, or an adult navigating a major life transition, I am here to support you through it.
As your therapist, I am committed to creating an inclusive space where you are welcome exactly as you are. I do this with compassion and empathy by listening deeply to what is most important to you. Through therapy, I am dedicated to providing a space where you are met with warmth, authenticity, and acceptance. We all deserve to feel truly seen and heard. Whether you are a couple who has recently faced betrayal or are feeling stuck in the relationship, a teenager experiencing anxiety, or an adult navigating a major life transition, I am here to support you through it.
(916) 571-6958 View (916) 571-6958
Photo of Katey Olson, MA , LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Katey Olson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA , LMFT
Verified Verified
Loomis, CA 95650
I strongly believe that therapy is a sacred place to be heard, seen, valued, and challenged. Everyone goes through seasons of their life where they need a safe person to come alongside them to offer support and understanding. I love identifying each person’s unique strengths and building off those strengths to help them become the best versions of themselves. I take a person-centered approach to help build a strong and safe relationship with my clients. I encourage clients to take ownership of their treatment and establish their own goals for therapy. My goal is to support you every step of the way on your journey towards healing.
I strongly believe that therapy is a sacred place to be heard, seen, valued, and challenged. Everyone goes through seasons of their life where they need a safe person to come alongside them to offer support and understanding. I love identifying each person’s unique strengths and building off those strengths to help them become the best versions of themselves. I take a person-centered approach to help build a strong and safe relationship with my clients. I encourage clients to take ownership of their treatment and establish their own goals for therapy. My goal is to support you every step of the way on your journey towards healing.
(916) 248-7372 View (916) 248-7372
Photo of Alice Rodriguez, LPPC, CADCII, MBA, MS
Alice Rodriguez
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPPC, CADCII, MBA, MS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Granite Bay, CA 94756
Life experiences challenging? Anxiety, stress, and trauma can complicate our lives. My goal is to help you identify and heal from issues past and present that prevents you from living your best life (including trauma, addiction, and depression). In addition to CBT, I have specialized training in trauma treatment known as Brainspotting, a powerful, cutting-edge treatment modality, it goes deep and quick. I am a certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADCII). I am Certified in Brainspotting. I work with first responders, veterans, and fire survivors. I also provide immigration evaluations..
Life experiences challenging? Anxiety, stress, and trauma can complicate our lives. My goal is to help you identify and heal from issues past and present that prevents you from living your best life (including trauma, addiction, and depression). In addition to CBT, I have specialized training in trauma treatment known as Brainspotting, a powerful, cutting-edge treatment modality, it goes deep and quick. I am a certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADCII). I am Certified in Brainspotting. I work with first responders, veterans, and fire survivors. I also provide immigration evaluations..
(916) 739-2310 View (916) 739-2310
Photo of Nadia Padurets, LMFT, LPCC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Nadia Padurets
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
Granite Bay, CA 94756
Thank you for taking the time to look over my profile. Whatever has brought you to this point in your search, counseling can help. I recognize that going to therapy can be challenging for some, so my goal is to make you feel at ease throughout the process. You might be seeking guidance, support, or simply a safe space to process your emotions. You can also be dealing with challenges that prevent you from feeling joyful, confident, or moving forward in your relationship or personal life. We can work together to find the core of your challenges, identify your strengths, and help you develop a sense of self.
Thank you for taking the time to look over my profile. Whatever has brought you to this point in your search, counseling can help. I recognize that going to therapy can be challenging for some, so my goal is to make you feel at ease throughout the process. You might be seeking guidance, support, or simply a safe space to process your emotions. You can also be dealing with challenges that prevent you from feeling joyful, confident, or moving forward in your relationship or personal life. We can work together to find the core of your challenges, identify your strengths, and help you develop a sense of self.
(916) 694-1203 View (916) 694-1203

Online Therapists

Photo of A Marie Mastrup, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
A Marie Mastrup
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sonoma, CA 95476  (Online Only)
I find that Trauma-Focused CBT and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), and IMAGO Therapy, are effective approaches to address trauma, anxiety, OCD and issues of Codependency and Self-Worth.
Limited openings, please e-mail for availability. After 15 years working with community-based agencies in multiple roles as well as about 20 years working with vulnerable youth, I am happily dedicated to private practice care. My practice is centered around whole-person treatment. Together, we will explore root causes to your symptoms, the narrative of your family system, process old trauma and develop healthy coping skills to manage your symptoms. Trauma, OCD, ADHD, Generalized Anxiety and Codependency Treatment, are my primary specialties. I look forward to learning about and helping you identify your unique goals for therapy.
I find that Trauma-Focused CBT and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), and IMAGO Therapy, are effective approaches to address trauma, anxiety, OCD and issues of Codependency and Self-Worth.
Limited openings, please e-mail for availability. After 15 years working with community-based agencies in multiple roles as well as about 20 years working with vulnerable youth, I am happily dedicated to private practice care. My practice is centered around whole-person treatment. Together, we will explore root causes to your symptoms, the narrative of your family system, process old trauma and develop healthy coping skills to manage your symptoms. Trauma, OCD, ADHD, Generalized Anxiety and Codependency Treatment, are my primary specialties. I look forward to learning about and helping you identify your unique goals for therapy.
(323) 576-4671 View (323) 576-4671
Photo of Matt Gomes, MA, PhD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Matt Gomes
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Pleasanton, CA 94566
I am a certified Imago Relationship Therapist and specialize in helping couples learn how to clearly communicate in a way that deepens the love and connection you have for each other - even through the hard times.
You might not believe it now, but YOU have the answers to your problems within you. Together we can discover your own inner resources to tackle ANY problem, create your health story, develop joyful and fulfilling relationships, turn family discord into harmony, and learn to deal with difficult people. I find results-focused therapy based on a client-centered philosophy to be truly effective and can help you achieve your life goals with the least resistance.
I am a certified Imago Relationship Therapist and specialize in helping couples learn how to clearly communicate in a way that deepens the love and connection you have for each other - even through the hard times.
You might not believe it now, but YOU have the answers to your problems within you. Together we can discover your own inner resources to tackle ANY problem, create your health story, develop joyful and fulfilling relationships, turn family discord into harmony, and learn to deal with difficult people. I find results-focused therapy based on a client-centered philosophy to be truly effective and can help you achieve your life goals with the least resistance.
(925) 308-5305 View (925) 308-5305
Photo of Paul Kramer, EdD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Paul Kramer
Marriage & Family Therapist, EdD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
With couples I often use Emotionally Focused Therapy, The Gottman Method, and Imago Relationship Therapy.
At some point we all struggle to adjustment to life's changes; it's normal to feel stuck and I believe people have what it takes to adjust. For the past 20 years, I have been working with children and teens who are struggling to balance the demands of school and their social life. I integrate parents in my work as much as possible. I also work with adults and Couples often come to me for help in distress and are confused about how or why their relationship has derailed. I am dedicated to helping people build stronger; more intimate relationships and I use several modalities when attempting to help couples in distress.
With couples I often use Emotionally Focused Therapy, The Gottman Method, and Imago Relationship Therapy.
At some point we all struggle to adjustment to life's changes; it's normal to feel stuck and I believe people have what it takes to adjust. For the past 20 years, I have been working with children and teens who are struggling to balance the demands of school and their social life. I integrate parents in my work as much as possible. I also work with adults and Couples often come to me for help in distress and are confused about how or why their relationship has derailed. I am dedicated to helping people build stronger; more intimate relationships and I use several modalities when attempting to help couples in distress.
(510) 591-4976 View (510) 591-4976
Photo of Jamie Rizzo, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jamie Rizzo
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bethel Island, CA 94511  (Online Only)
I have advanced training in Imago Relationship Therapy, EMDR, EFT, and Hypnotherapy.
You are ready for healing and change and have taken the courageous first step by seeking therapy! Past trauma and life transitions have led you to this point, and you realize it is time to heal, release and move forward into the life you want to live. Let's explore new coping skills to reduce stress and anxiety. I believe that each person carries the resources within themselves to create the life they envision and I am here to assist you in accessing your inner resources to navigate life experiences and deepen your connection to Self.
I have advanced training in Imago Relationship Therapy, EMDR, EFT, and Hypnotherapy.
You are ready for healing and change and have taken the courageous first step by seeking therapy! Past trauma and life transitions have led you to this point, and you realize it is time to heal, release and move forward into the life you want to live. Let's explore new coping skills to reduce stress and anxiety. I believe that each person carries the resources within themselves to create the life they envision and I am here to assist you in accessing your inner resources to navigate life experiences and deepen your connection to Self.
(510) 768-7252 View (510) 768-7252
Imago Therapists

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-romanticizing 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.