Imago Therapists in Laguna Beach, CA
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.
Family & Children's Counseling Services, Inc.
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Laguna Beach, CA 92651 (Online Only)
When our children's hearts have been broken, our hearts break, too. Parents often struggle with knowing how to care for a hurting child. The child's behaviors can be challenging. A parent's own unhealed wounds get triggered. Then, there's the parenting guilt! It can be overwhelming. We understand and we are here to help.
When our children's hearts have been broken, our hearts break, too. Parents often struggle with knowing how to care for a hurting child. The child's behaviors can be challenging. A parent's own unhealed wounds get triggered. Then, there's the parenting guilt! It can be overwhelming. We understand and we are here to help.
Kathleen (Kay) Wenger
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LPCC, LMFT
Verified Verified
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
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.
Life sometimes throws us unexpected problems, losses, and other hurts. It is essential to have a solid support system to help us through the hard times. Family & Children's Counseling Services (FCCS) wants to be that support system for you and your family as you find healing and a restored sense of hope for the future.
Life sometimes throws us unexpected problems, losses, and other hurts. It is essential to have a solid support system to help us through the hard times. Family & Children's Counseling Services (FCCS) wants to be that support system for you and your family as you find healing and a restored sense of hope for the future.
Are you stuck in spins that block you in love and work? My interventions are strategic, solution-focused, and action oriented. As a certified PACT therapist I use this dynamic and interactive Psychobiological Approach developed by Stan Tatkin as described in his book "Wired for Love". Couples report immediate shifts and significant progress with this approach compared to prior couples counseling experiences.
Are you stuck in spins that block you in love and work? My interventions are strategic, solution-focused, and action oriented. As a certified PACT therapist I use this dynamic and interactive Psychobiological Approach developed by Stan Tatkin as described in his book "Wired for Love". Couples report immediate shifts and significant progress with this approach compared to prior couples counseling experiences.
Jane Goldberg
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT, REAT, CET
Verified Verified
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
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.
The Retreat Counseling Center
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, PhD, PsyD
Verified Verified
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
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.
Hello! Great to meet you here! I am a clinical psychologist! I am also an author, musician, and former co-host of a national “call-in” psychology radio show. — I've been practicing psychology for 20+ years. One of my main strengths is facilitating you to SEE your core issues quickly, so that you can heal right away. You ought to be able to recognize these after our first session! — Contact me if you are experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or you wish for sincere spiritual growth. — I facilitate your connection with your own intuition and authentic self (the part of us that was often rejected in childhood.)
Hello! Great to meet you here! I am a clinical psychologist! I am also an author, musician, and former co-host of a national “call-in” psychology radio show. — I've been practicing psychology for 20+ years. One of my main strengths is facilitating you to SEE your core issues quickly, so that you can heal right away. You ought to be able to recognize these after our first session! — Contact me if you are experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or you wish for sincere spiritual growth. — I facilitate your connection with your own intuition and authentic self (the part of us that was often rejected in childhood.)
Welcome my name is Denise Bonner, I am licensed therapist, working with individuals and couples for over 20 years. My purpose and intention is to create a safe and supportive environment for my clients within a framework of non judgement and complete acceptance. This enables my clients to feel safe and comfortable to reveal their innermost thoughts and feelings.
Welcome my name is Denise Bonner, I am licensed therapist, working with individuals and couples for over 20 years. My purpose and intention is to create a safe and supportive environment for my clients within a framework of non judgement and complete acceptance. This enables my clients to feel safe and comfortable to reveal their innermost thoughts and feelings.
Kelly Rice, LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Laguna Beach, CA 92651 (Online Only)
As a therapist, I know that sometimes, you may just need someone to listen and walk through a difficult season in life with you. You may find yourself in need of a safe place to explore your thoughts and feelings about dating, a significant relationship or a life transition. You may be coping with pain in ways that are self-destructive, or feeling "stuck", sad, and/or overwhelmed by worry. I offer understanding and caring, compassionate feedback. My goal is to help you tap into your own inner wisdom, so that you can heal, grow, and thrive- ultimately living a more fulfilling life.
As a therapist, I know that sometimes, you may just need someone to listen and walk through a difficult season in life with you. You may find yourself in need of a safe place to explore your thoughts and feelings about dating, a significant relationship or a life transition. You may be coping with pain in ways that are self-destructive, or feeling "stuck", sad, and/or overwhelmed by worry. I offer understanding and caring, compassionate feedback. My goal is to help you tap into your own inner wisdom, so that you can heal, grow, and thrive- ultimately living a more fulfilling life.
Bree Bonchay-Narcissistic Abuse Expert
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Laguna Beach, CA 92651 (Online Only)
Hello, I specialize in complex trauma, anxiety disorders, and relationship & marital issues. I also have expertise in helping people heal from the impact of narcissistic abuse. Through our work together, you'll gain deeper insight and learn strategies to help you get ‘unstuck’, feel better, lead a more fulfilling life, and build more satisfying relationships. I focus on helping clients manage their distressful symptoms, identify learned patterns and unhelpful ways of thinking, rewire their brains, reprocess trauma, and access their strengths to use as leverage to work through their upsetting events, fears, anxiety, and blindspots.
Hello, I specialize in complex trauma, anxiety disorders, and relationship & marital issues. I also have expertise in helping people heal from the impact of narcissistic abuse. Through our work together, you'll gain deeper insight and learn strategies to help you get ‘unstuck’, feel better, lead a more fulfilling life, and build more satisfying relationships. I focus on helping clients manage their distressful symptoms, identify learned patterns and unhelpful ways of thinking, rewire their brains, reprocess trauma, and access their strengths to use as leverage to work through their upsetting events, fears, anxiety, and blindspots.
15 Second Videos
Kathleen (Kay) Wenger
Cheryl Meier
Meggan Bunce
Lgbtq Therapist Brooklynn Kendall
Irina Farber
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
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.
Judith Russell
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
Laguna Beach, CA 92651 (Online Only)
As a therapist, my goal is to create a safe and supportive space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences without judgment. Each person is the expert of their own life, and my role is to collaborate with you on your journey toward healing and personal growth. My practice is rooted in empathy, compassion, and authenticity and I approach therapy with deep respect for the uniqueness of each individual's story and the social and cultural contexts that shape it. I deeply believe in the power of the therapeutic relationship as a catalyst for healing and change.
As a therapist, my goal is to create a safe and supportive space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences without judgment. Each person is the expert of their own life, and my role is to collaborate with you on your journey toward healing and personal growth. My practice is rooted in empathy, compassion, and authenticity and I approach therapy with deep respect for the uniqueness of each individual's story and the social and cultural contexts that shape it. I deeply believe in the power of the therapeutic relationship as a catalyst for healing and change.
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.
Lgbtq Therapist Brooklynn Kendall
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Laguna Beach, CA 92653
I have extensive training in work within the LGBTQ community, their allies, kink and polyamorous communities I have specialized my work with those who feel "othered." My past and current work involves questions surrounding relationships, sexuality and gender, couples working through whether to get married, stay together, navigating separation with families, and healing relationship wounds. I founded The Nest Counseling Center to provide opportunities for Associate Therapists to continue their education in providing therapy to the LGBTQ Community.
I have extensive training in work within the LGBTQ community, their allies, kink and polyamorous communities I have specialized my work with those who feel "othered." My past and current work involves questions surrounding relationships, sexuality and gender, couples working through whether to get married, stay together, navigating separation with families, and healing relationship wounds. I founded The Nest Counseling Center to provide opportunities for Associate Therapists to continue their education in providing therapy to the LGBTQ Community.
Newport Beach Trauma Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Laguna Beach, CA 92652
Welcome! We are a team of psychotherapist who are united in our commitment to providing the highest-quality mental health care available to adults, adolescents, couples & families. We help high-functioning professionals, anxious overachievers, survivors of abuse, complex trauma and PTSD. Anger, numbness, relationship issues, anxiety, depression, phobias and addictions are usually the result of unresolved trauma. Even the slightest incidents can be traumatizing, impacting us from the inside out and hijacking our ability to cope. The good news is, you can’t change your past, but you don’t have to live there.
Welcome! We are a team of psychotherapist who are united in our commitment to providing the highest-quality mental health care available to adults, adolescents, couples & families. We help high-functioning professionals, anxious overachievers, survivors of abuse, complex trauma and PTSD. Anger, numbness, relationship issues, anxiety, depression, phobias and addictions are usually the result of unresolved trauma. Even the slightest incidents can be traumatizing, impacting us from the inside out and hijacking our ability to cope. The good news is, you can’t change your past, but you don’t have to live there.
More Therapists Nearby
Marc Bruderer
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, MBA, AMFT
Verified Verified
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
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.
Jzeela Gheisar
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CHT
Verified Verified
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677 (Online Only)
Whether you find what you're looking for on my page, or another's, I am so proud of you for getting to this step. There can be great benefits to expressing and exploring thoughts, feelings, inner conflicts, emotional wounds in a safe space. Like many clinicians, I employ a wide range of modalities and interventions. I use a strength based approach, one that's honest, non-judgmental, but direct and explorative. You deserve happiness, a fulfilling life, and I'd be honored to walk alongside your journey to discovery and change. Although we are shaped by our experiences, you are so much more than what has happened to you.
Whether you find what you're looking for on my page, or another's, I am so proud of you for getting to this step. There can be great benefits to expressing and exploring thoughts, feelings, inner conflicts, emotional wounds in a safe space. Like many clinicians, I employ a wide range of modalities and interventions. I use a strength based approach, one that's honest, non-judgmental, but direct and explorative. You deserve happiness, a fulfilling life, and I'd be honored to walk alongside your journey to discovery and change. Although we are shaped by our experiences, you are so much more than what has happened to you.
Genuinely caring about my clients is not enough. The statements you find on this website are all from caring therapists. What's important is finding the most well trained and relatable therapist possible for YOU. If this were a life-threatening illness for a loved one, you would do a lot of research and find the most qualified and experienced doctor. You would do whatever you could to afford the very best help available. Don't settle for less when choosing a therapist for yourself. I think you're worth it! May I recommend two important factors to consider when choosing a therapist, whether that's myself or someone else?
Genuinely caring about my clients is not enough. The statements you find on this website are all from caring therapists. What's important is finding the most well trained and relatable therapist possible for YOU. If this were a life-threatening illness for a loved one, you would do a lot of research and find the most qualified and experienced doctor. You would do whatever you could to afford the very best help available. Don't settle for less when choosing a therapist for yourself. I think you're worth it! May I recommend two important factors to consider when choosing a therapist, whether that's myself or someone else?
Pamela J. Adams, LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677 (Online Only)
The decision to talk to a counselor can be a challenging one. I offer you a supportive, warm environment in which to explore your personal life issues, family dynamics, couple concerns, and employee challenges. Together we can help you create more satisfaction and joy in your life--no matter the issue!
The decision to talk to a counselor can be a challenging one. I offer you a supportive, warm environment in which to explore your personal life issues, family dynamics, couple concerns, and employee challenges. Together we can help you create more satisfaction and joy in your life--no matter the issue!
See more therapy options for Laguna Beach
Nearby Imago Therapists Searches for Laguna Beach
- Aliso Viejo
- Corona Del Mar
- Costa Mesa
- Dana Point
- Irvine
- Laguna Hills
- Laguna Niguel
- Mission Viejo
- Newport Beach
- San Clemente
- San Juan Capistrano
- 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.