Imago Therapists in Irvine, CA
My approach is relational and experiential, blending modalities like Imago, emotion-focused, and cognitive behavioral therapy.
Relationships are like a dance. You may be swaying to an old choreography, stepping on each other’s toes, or missing the love you had when you started moving together. You might be fighting constantly, carrying past wounds, or floundering after an affair. Maybe you are experiencing sex issues, money problems, or overwhelming emotions that impact your ability to connect and meet your needs. You long for a fulfilling bond where you are both seen and supported. You want to work as a team to communicate effectively, ease conflict, and rebuild. And you want to feel better in your own skin so you can show up for yourself and one another.
My approach is relational and experiential, blending modalities like Imago, emotion-focused, and cognitive behavioral therapy.
Relationships are like a dance. You may be swaying to an old choreography, stepping on each other’s toes, or missing the love you had when you started moving together. You might be fighting constantly, carrying past wounds, or floundering after an affair. Maybe you are experiencing sex issues, money problems, or overwhelming emotions that impact your ability to connect and meet your needs. You long for a fulfilling bond where you are both seen and supported. You want to work as a team to communicate effectively, ease conflict, and rebuild. And you want to feel better in your own skin so you can show up for yourself and one another.
Marc Bruderer
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, MBA, AMFT
Verified Verified
Irvine, CA 92618
For couples, I use Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Gottman method, and Imago.
I believe that emotional insights are the cornerstone of therapeutic growth. Drawing from life experience, I offer empathy and understanding to individuals navigating issues like anxiety, depression, family dysfunction, relationship conflicts, past trauma, grief, loneliness, life crises, shame, self-esteem issues, aging, body image concerns, parenting problems, and divorce. My clients seek to uncover emotional insights, foster healthier relationships, and achieve personal growth. They desire a therapist who can empathize and understand their experiences. I help navigate my clients' journey toward health, happiness, and healing.
For couples, I use Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Gottman method, and Imago.
I believe that emotional insights are the cornerstone of therapeutic growth. Drawing from life experience, I offer empathy and understanding to individuals navigating issues like anxiety, depression, family dysfunction, relationship conflicts, past trauma, grief, loneliness, life crises, shame, self-esteem issues, aging, body image concerns, parenting problems, and divorce. My clients seek to uncover emotional insights, foster healthier relationships, and achieve personal growth. They desire a therapist who can empathize and understand their experiences. I help navigate my clients' journey toward health, happiness, and healing.
Holly Pittaway
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, AMFT, EMDR, APCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Irvine, CA 92618
Whether you’re going through life transitions; or just feeling stuck and not sure why, I enjoy sitting with and listening to the inner workings of your thoughts while trying to understand what is either holding you back or keeping you from moving forward and healing. I get to sit alongside clients who are navigating life concerns, anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, complex trauma, relational and identity concerns and more.
Whether you’re going through life transitions; or just feeling stuck and not sure why, I enjoy sitting with and listening to the inner workings of your thoughts while trying to understand what is either holding you back or keeping you from moving forward and healing. I get to sit alongside clients who are navigating life concerns, anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, complex trauma, relational and identity concerns and more.
Let's talk about what nobody wants to talk about. If toxic relationships, boundaries, co-dependency, sexual dissatisfaction, or problems with intimacy are on your mind, we can create a plan to address this. Ultimately, healthy relationships are vital to our overall well being, let’s help you achieve that. Together we will explore the obstacles and challenges that are showing up in your situation.
Let's talk about what nobody wants to talk about. If toxic relationships, boundaries, co-dependency, sexual dissatisfaction, or problems with intimacy are on your mind, we can create a plan to address this. Ultimately, healthy relationships are vital to our overall well being, let’s help you achieve that. Together we will explore the obstacles and challenges that are showing up in your situation.
Are you tired of trying to change your life and not succeed? Do you feel under-valued and misunderstood by others? Are you looking for someone trustworthy with experience handling sensitive emotional issues to provide deep understanding, empathy and help you change your life and relationships? Life can be difficult but you don't have to go through it alone. Great job taking the initial step! I have helped countless people for more than 15 years in therapy and have seen astounding changes in people's lives including their relationships and others. I look forward to our journey of healing, integration and growth together!
Are you tired of trying to change your life and not succeed? Do you feel under-valued and misunderstood by others? Are you looking for someone trustworthy with experience handling sensitive emotional issues to provide deep understanding, empathy and help you change your life and relationships? Life can be difficult but you don't have to go through it alone. Great job taking the initial step! I have helped countless people for more than 15 years in therapy and have seen astounding changes in people's lives including their relationships and others. I look forward to our journey of healing, integration and growth together!
My goal is to guide people restore their self-esteem as a competent individual, build a healthy relationship with others, especially with their spouse and children, and promote lasting change that brings them to feel loved, capable, and alive. It may be a long journey, but by the end of the journey I have seen people moving away from unhealthy vicious cycle of the past and creating more desirable relationships with each other.
My goal is to guide people restore their self-esteem as a competent individual, build a healthy relationship with others, especially with their spouse and children, and promote lasting change that brings them to feel loved, capable, and alive. It may be a long journey, but by the end of the journey I have seen people moving away from unhealthy vicious cycle of the past and creating more desirable relationships with each other.
As a holistic and integrative therapist, I offer life affirming and culturally sensitive care that considers body, mind, emotions and spirit. I hold a safe, non-judgmental and compassionate space for you as you embark on a journey to reconnect to your innate ease, joy and resiliency. I support clients with high stress and anxiety, heartbreak of grief and loss, effects of childhood and generational trauma, and help couples and relationships wanting to resolve conflict, improve communication and restore trust. I support high achieving teens and high functioning adults struggling with exhaustion, burnout, perfectionism and self-doubt.
As a holistic and integrative therapist, I offer life affirming and culturally sensitive care that considers body, mind, emotions and spirit. I hold a safe, non-judgmental and compassionate space for you as you embark on a journey to reconnect to your innate ease, joy and resiliency. I support clients with high stress and anxiety, heartbreak of grief and loss, effects of childhood and generational trauma, and help couples and relationships wanting to resolve conflict, improve communication and restore trust. I support high achieving teens and high functioning adults struggling with exhaustion, burnout, perfectionism and self-doubt.
Sook Kyung Park
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, PhD, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
Irvine, CA 92614 (Online Only)
저를 포함해서 우리 모두는 인생의 여정 가운데 폭풍을 맞이 합니다. 거센 폭풍은 우리를 너무 힘들게 하고 아프고 외롭고 뭐라 견딜 수 없는 슬픔과 좌절을 가져다 줍니다. 그래서인지 우리는 어느새 우울해지고 때론 화가 치밀어 오르기도 하고 걱정과 불안으로 안절부절합니다. 공황이 오기도 하고 온갖 부정적인 감정과 생각으로 죽고 싶은 마음이 들기도 합니다. 한편, 누군가가 나를 도와주기를 간절히 바라고 휘몰아치는 이 감정에서 벗어나고 싶고 다시 새롭고 희망찬 삶이 되기를 소망합니다. 이리저리 얽혀있는 관계의 실타래를 풀고 싶고 가족관계, 부부관계의 회복을 원하며 상처받은 어린시절로부터 치유받고 자유하기를 바랍니다. 땅바닥으로 내동이쳐진 나의 자존감이 다시 회복되기를 바라고 '온전한 나'로 '진정한 나'로 살고 싶습니다. 우울, 불안, 스트레스를 잘 관리하며 '건강한 나'로 살고 싶습니다. 의사소통이 잘되는 부부관계, 부모자녀관계가 되고 싶습니다. 지금의 어려움을 잘 이겨내고 성장하고 싶습니다. 한발자국 더 나아가고 싶습니다.
저를 포함해서 우리 모두는 인생의 여정 가운데 폭풍을 맞이 합니다. 거센 폭풍은 우리를 너무 힘들게 하고 아프고 외롭고 뭐라 견딜 수 없는 슬픔과 좌절을 가져다 줍니다. 그래서인지 우리는 어느새 우울해지고 때론 화가 치밀어 오르기도 하고 걱정과 불안으로 안절부절합니다. 공황이 오기도 하고 온갖 부정적인 감정과 생각으로 죽고 싶은 마음이 들기도 합니다. 한편, 누군가가 나를 도와주기를 간절히 바라고 휘몰아치는 이 감정에서 벗어나고 싶고 다시 새롭고 희망찬 삶이 되기를 소망합니다. 이리저리 얽혀있는 관계의 실타래를 풀고 싶고 가족관계, 부부관계의 회복을 원하며 상처받은 어린시절로부터 치유받고 자유하기를 바랍니다. 땅바닥으로 내동이쳐진 나의 자존감이 다시 회복되기를 바라고 '온전한 나'로 '진정한 나'로 살고 싶습니다. 우울, 불안, 스트레스를 잘 관리하며 '건강한 나'로 살고 싶습니다. 의사소통이 잘되는 부부관계, 부모자녀관계가 되고 싶습니다. 지금의 어려움을 잘 이겨내고 성장하고 싶습니다. 한발자국 더 나아가고 싶습니다.
I strive to provide an inclusive feeling in my practice where everyone’s uniqueness is embraced, explored, and celebrated. I utilize a variety of modalities including Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, DBT, and Mindfulness. After practicing for more than 20 years what I have learned is that therapy is not one size fits all, success and progress look different for each person, everybody is doing their best always no matter what, and in the end the best predictor of treatment success is the relationship we create in our work together. If we can build a trusting relationship then the journey will be successful.
I strive to provide an inclusive feeling in my practice where everyone’s uniqueness is embraced, explored, and celebrated. I utilize a variety of modalities including Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, DBT, and Mindfulness. After practicing for more than 20 years what I have learned is that therapy is not one size fits all, success and progress look different for each person, everybody is doing their best always no matter what, and in the end the best predictor of treatment success is the relationship we create in our work together. If we can build a trusting relationship then the journey will be successful.
Kathleen (Kay) Wenger
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LPCC, LMFT
Verified Verified
Irvine, CA 92612
Do you feel out of balance in your life? Having conflicts with important relationships; anxiety about the future; regrets about the past? Feeling as though life is passing you by and the joy you once felt isn't there anymore?
Let me help you restore balance and happiness in your life and relationships. I am an experienced, skilled licensed counselor and psychology educator and want to help you regain your life, and live it to the fullest.
If you are looking for a better life, or just want to resolve a problem that has you stumped, I can help.
Do you feel out of balance in your life? Having conflicts with important relationships; anxiety about the future; regrets about the past? Feeling as though life is passing you by and the joy you once felt isn't there anymore?
Let me help you restore balance and happiness in your life and relationships. I am an experienced, skilled licensed counselor and psychology educator and want to help you regain your life, and live it to the fullest.
If you are looking for a better life, or just want to resolve a problem that has you stumped, I can help.
Are you at a point in your life where you feel you are ready for a change but don’t know where to start? Have you been struggling to take control of an addiction or compulsive behavior and have had no luck on you own? Are you overwhelmed with negative thoughts that leave you paralyzed to take action? Are you struggling to find or maintain healthy relationships with partners, family, friends, or co-workers? Perhaps you're just finally ready to work on yourself, level-up, and enrich your life by establishing a deeper relationship with YOU.
Are you at a point in your life where you feel you are ready for a change but don’t know where to start? Have you been struggling to take control of an addiction or compulsive behavior and have had no luck on you own? Are you overwhelmed with negative thoughts that leave you paralyzed to take action? Are you struggling to find or maintain healthy relationships with partners, family, friends, or co-workers? Perhaps you're just finally ready to work on yourself, level-up, and enrich your life by establishing a deeper relationship with YOU.
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In our work together we will maintain a comfortable, respectful atmosphere while exploring your concerns and tailoring an approach that fits your specific needs. In a world that can divide us, I work with people to focus on the positive attributes in their relationships and to explore forgiveness for the mistakes that are made along the relational journey. I have over 25 years of clinical experience working with couples, individuals and families. I was an educator of Marriage, Family Therapy at Pepperdine University where I worked for 30 years as their Manager of MA Clinical Training and Professional Development.
In our work together we will maintain a comfortable, respectful atmosphere while exploring your concerns and tailoring an approach that fits your specific needs. In a world that can divide us, I work with people to focus on the positive attributes in their relationships and to explore forgiveness for the mistakes that are made along the relational journey. I have over 25 years of clinical experience working with couples, individuals and families. I was an educator of Marriage, Family Therapy at Pepperdine University where I worked for 30 years as their Manager of MA Clinical Training and Professional Development.
I am a senior level therapist with a doctorate in psychology and over 20 years of clinical experience. I use my expert knowledge and experience to help you overcome anxiety and depression, resolve problems in your relationships and feel more satisfied with your life. In a warm, accepting environment I help you increase your self-understanding and learn practical tools that will enable you to find relief from painful symptoms and troubling relationship issues.
I am a senior level therapist with a doctorate in psychology and over 20 years of clinical experience. I use my expert knowledge and experience to help you overcome anxiety and depression, resolve problems in your relationships and feel more satisfied with your life. In a warm, accepting environment I help you increase your self-understanding and learn practical tools that will enable you to find relief from painful symptoms and troubling relationship issues.
Are you struggling with relationship difficulties or depression? Are you challenged with parenting or do you have a child who is struggling with behavioral, academic or emotional issues? Did you recently lose someone you love? Many of us struggle with isolation, anxiety, depression and feeling "stuck". If you are feeling overwhelmed and confused, therapy can help you cope, adapt, heal and move forward. I can provide you with specific tools to help you understand your challenges, facilitate your coping skills and self-esteem, and help you develop new ways to adapt and change in response to your difficult life situation.
Are you struggling with relationship difficulties or depression? Are you challenged with parenting or do you have a child who is struggling with behavioral, academic or emotional issues? Did you recently lose someone you love? Many of us struggle with isolation, anxiety, depression and feeling "stuck". If you are feeling overwhelmed and confused, therapy can help you cope, adapt, heal and move forward. I can provide you with specific tools to help you understand your challenges, facilitate your coping skills and self-esteem, and help you develop new ways to adapt and change in response to your difficult life situation.
The wound feels as deep as the sea. At times it may feel like torment as you long for relief and comfort, or the resentment builds and consumes you. Other times you feel so alone and like it's all your fault. Whatever your reason for seeking therapy might be, taking the first steps can be difficult and uncertain. I am dedicated in making your first steps as comfortable as possible. Give me a call for a FREE 15 Minute phone consultation, or visit my website at www.dustinshultzmft.com, and begin the process toward wholeness.
The wound feels as deep as the sea. At times it may feel like torment as you long for relief and comfort, or the resentment builds and consumes you. Other times you feel so alone and like it's all your fault. Whatever your reason for seeking therapy might be, taking the first steps can be difficult and uncertain. I am dedicated in making your first steps as comfortable as possible. Give me a call for a FREE 15 Minute phone consultation, or visit my website at www.dustinshultzmft.com, and begin the process toward wholeness.
Congratulations! You are taking the first step in moving your life forward by visiting my profile. With 37 years experience in this field, I want to celebrate your life's journey and be a catalyst for your awakening to new levels of well-being. I have many tools to assist you, from Law of Attraction, Attachment Theory and Neuroplasticity, CBT, Dreamwork, Voice Dialogue, Gottman Method, Jungian Archetypal Stories, to all the Expressive Arts Therapies - Art, Writing, Poetry, Music, Dance, Drama, Guided Imagery, Sand-Tray, Myth and Ritual. My deepest desire is to be present for you as you open the doors to your dreams.
Congratulations! You are taking the first step in moving your life forward by visiting my profile. With 37 years experience in this field, I want to celebrate your life's journey and be a catalyst for your awakening to new levels of well-being. I have many tools to assist you, from Law of Attraction, Attachment Theory and Neuroplasticity, CBT, Dreamwork, Voice Dialogue, Gottman Method, Jungian Archetypal Stories, to all the Expressive Arts Therapies - Art, Writing, Poetry, Music, Dance, Drama, Guided Imagery, Sand-Tray, Myth and Ritual. My deepest desire is to be present for you as you open the doors to your dreams.
Jill Boultinghouse
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, EMDR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Irvine, CA 92603
I have over 20 years of experience as a therapist. I truly understand how difficult it can be to ask for help. Many feel uncomfortable & anxious when seeking help from a counselor about such sensitive & personal issues. It takes courage and faith to reach out. I believe together we will find real solutions to your struggles.
I have over 20 years of experience as a therapist. I truly understand how difficult it can be to ask for help. Many feel uncomfortable & anxious when seeking help from a counselor about such sensitive & personal issues. It takes courage and faith to reach out. I believe together we will find real solutions to your struggles.
Lisa Maurel
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Irvine, CA 92602
Waitlist for new clients
Whether you are digging for the courage to pursue your dreams, change a self destructive pattern,or live a more fulfilled life; the journey to wholeness is worth taking. I specialize with people at major cross roads in their lives who want to stop hiding, stop using, stop living in fear and begin living more fully from their heart. While I currently have a wait list, see my endorsements for other professionals sources. I am a founding board member of the Malama Collective. For sliding scale psychotherapy, visit The Malama Collective, our non-profit mental health clinic.
Whether you are digging for the courage to pursue your dreams, change a self destructive pattern,or live a more fulfilled life; the journey to wholeness is worth taking. I specialize with people at major cross roads in their lives who want to stop hiding, stop using, stop living in fear and begin living more fully from their heart. While I currently have a wait list, see my endorsements for other professionals sources. I am a founding board member of the Malama Collective. For sliding scale psychotherapy, visit The Malama Collective, our non-profit mental health clinic.
The Retreat Counseling Center
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, PhD, PsyD
Verified Verified
Irvine, CA 92606
At The Retreat Counseling Center, we provide therapy, counseling, and coaching services to Orange County's busy professionals and their families. Chances are, since you've landed on this webpage, some things in your life may not be working well. Maybe you're on the edge of a divorce? Or maybe your job is in jeopardy. Or maybe you just feel a bit lost with what you feel you're supposed to do next in life. And maybe because of reasons such as this and more, you're feeling more anxious and less happy than before. This is tough stuff, but we're glad you've landed here. We want to help.
At The Retreat Counseling Center, we provide therapy, counseling, and coaching services to Orange County's busy professionals and their families. Chances are, since you've landed on this webpage, some things in your life may not be working well. Maybe you're on the edge of a divorce? Or maybe your job is in jeopardy. Or maybe you just feel a bit lost with what you feel you're supposed to do next in life. And maybe because of reasons such as this and more, you're feeling more anxious and less happy than before. This is tough stuff, but we're glad you've landed here. We want to help.
Jarfa Wabs, MA LMFT dba Counseling Together
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Irvine, CA 92612
Finding a therapist at a time when your whole world is falling apart, is one more difficult task to add to the many tasks required of you. Well, you aren't alone! Couples & family counseling is one of my many focuses. Premarital and marriage counseling can be very effective in starting and saving relationships. I also focus on stress, fears, and anxiety that might be causing unexplained aches and pains in your body, frustrating you and others around you. I am well versed on issues of Chronic illness, hormonal imbalances, Fibromyalgia, Infertility, Postpartum, Menopause, Thyroid and many life events affecting healthy relationships.
Finding a therapist at a time when your whole world is falling apart, is one more difficult task to add to the many tasks required of you. Well, you aren't alone! Couples & family counseling is one of my many focuses. Premarital and marriage counseling can be very effective in starting and saving relationships. I also focus on stress, fears, and anxiety that might be causing unexplained aches and pains in your body, frustrating you and others around you. I am well versed on issues of Chronic illness, hormonal imbalances, Fibromyalgia, Infertility, Postpartum, Menopause, Thyroid and many life events affecting healthy relationships.
See more therapy options for Irvine
Nearby Imago Therapists Searches for Irvine
- Aliso Viejo
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- Costa Mesa
- Huntington Beach
- Laguna Beach
- Laguna Hills
- Laguna Niguel
- Mission Viejo
- Newport Beach
- Orange
- Santa Ana
- Tustin
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.