Imago Therapists in Pleasanton, CA

Photo of Mary Kennard, BA, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Mary Kennard
Marriage & Family Therapist, BA, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Pleasanton, CA 94566  (Online Only)
I bring to my practice studies in: Bowen family systems, Bader/Pearson couples Tx training, Gottman's Theory/therapy and Hendrix Imago Therapy for Couples approaches, as well as Somatic Experiencing, ACT, and Brainspotting.
I specialize in working with individuals and couples on a wide variety of personal issues helping them to move from discord to harmony on goals of their choice.I find that everyone has a story to tell and believe that I am very attuned at helping clarify the impact our stories have in our lives. It is my belief that each person has hidden strengths that may have been weakened by life events. I have experience working with all ages, and stages of life; with individuals, couples, and families.With this experience I have developed a great empathy and understanding of those in distress.
I bring to my practice studies in: Bowen family systems, Bader/Pearson couples Tx training, Gottman's Theory/therapy and Hendrix Imago Therapy for Couples approaches, as well as Somatic Experiencing, ACT, and Brainspotting.
I specialize in working with individuals and couples on a wide variety of personal issues helping them to move from discord to harmony on goals of their choice.I find that everyone has a story to tell and believe that I am very attuned at helping clarify the impact our stories have in our lives. It is my belief that each person has hidden strengths that may have been weakened by life events. I have experience working with all ages, and stages of life; with individuals, couples, and families.With this experience I have developed a great empathy and understanding of those in distress.
(925) 400-7634 View (925) 400-7634
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 Arley Fong, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Arley Fong
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Pleasanton, CA 94566
Life has a way of throwing us off balance. We can be moving right along without any issues, then suddenly what used to be working is no longer effective. This can be a short term or long term situation. Adjusting to change is challenging. Trying something different is easier when there is someone coming along with you. I strive to be that non-judgemental and compassionate companion that will provide you the encouragement and feedback to make your efforts for change count!
Life has a way of throwing us off balance. We can be moving right along without any issues, then suddenly what used to be working is no longer effective. This can be a short term or long term situation. Adjusting to change is challenging. Trying something different is easier when there is someone coming along with you. I strive to be that non-judgemental and compassionate companion that will provide you the encouragement and feedback to make your efforts for change count!
(925) 588-3511 View (925) 588-3511
Photo of Nicole Acosta, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Nicole Acosta
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Pleasanton, CA 94566  (Online Only)
I am a Marriage Family Therapist (CA#: MFC 107276) helping people conceptualize their current and ongoing challenges. My specialty is empowering individuals, families, and groups, to prevent and alleviate crisis, change, or stress. I apply a strength-based therapeutic approach that enables individuals to function more effectively to experience a healthier and more satisfying state of well-being in living their life.
I am a Marriage Family Therapist (CA#: MFC 107276) helping people conceptualize their current and ongoing challenges. My specialty is empowering individuals, families, and groups, to prevent and alleviate crisis, change, or stress. I apply a strength-based therapeutic approach that enables individuals to function more effectively to experience a healthier and more satisfying state of well-being in living their life.
(510) 298-3733 View (510) 298-3733
Photo of Mary Vice, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Mary Vice
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Pleasanton, CA 94566
Fulfilling relationships do not happen on their own: with self or other. The more intimate our relationship is with self lends to how deeply and authentically we can connect with others. My ideal clients are individuals or couples who seek to collaborate to build awareness, the first step to ANY meaningful change. We will work together to honor previous attachment injuries. We will identify your thoughts and patterns, and we will investigate the influences that drive your choices/behavior.
Fulfilling relationships do not happen on their own: with self or other. The more intimate our relationship is with self lends to how deeply and authentically we can connect with others. My ideal clients are individuals or couples who seek to collaborate to build awareness, the first step to ANY meaningful change. We will work together to honor previous attachment injuries. We will identify your thoughts and patterns, and we will investigate the influences that drive your choices/behavior.
(925) 239-4294 View (925) 239-4294
Photo of Ashley Wilson-Dixon, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Ashley Wilson-Dixon
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Pleasanton, CA 94566  (Online Only)
I'm Dr. Ashley Wilson-Dixon, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a PhD in psychology. I specialize in trauma-informed care, using evidence-based practices to provide personalized interventions for children, teens, adults (including young adults), and families. My approach integrates holistic and transpersonal methods to foster healing and growth.
I'm Dr. Ashley Wilson-Dixon, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a PhD in psychology. I specialize in trauma-informed care, using evidence-based practices to provide personalized interventions for children, teens, adults (including young adults), and families. My approach integrates holistic and transpersonal methods to foster healing and growth.
(323) 643-8569 View (323) 643-8569
Photo of Stephen Sardella, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Stephen Sardella
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pleasanton, CA 94588  (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Since 1974, my training and experience as a psychotherapist has allowed me to help hundreds of individuals, couples and families with a variety of problems. Each person's problems are unique, and I believe each solution must be unique. My approach is customized, treating every person with respect, genuine concern and unquestionable confidentiality.
Since 1974, my training and experience as a psychotherapist has allowed me to help hundreds of individuals, couples and families with a variety of problems. Each person's problems are unique, and I believe each solution must be unique. My approach is customized, treating every person with respect, genuine concern and unquestionable confidentiality.
(925) 945-0167 View (925) 945-0167

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Paul Kramer, EdD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Paul Kramer
Marriage & Family Therapist, EdD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Hayward, CA 94543
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 Shalini Mongia - Alamo Counseling, LMFT, MS, AMFT, PsyD, LCSW, Marriage & Family Therapist
Alamo Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MS, AMFT, PsyD, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Dublin, CA 94568
Alamo Counseling is a group private practice comprised of highly skilled, warm, and engaging counselors and educators. Our services include specialized therapy and wellness solutions for our clients, as well as clinical consultation and continuing education trainings for mental health professionals. Our clinicians implement evidence-based treatment with interventions from humanistic, cognitive-behavioral, and systemic therapies. We help get to the root of your concerns and empower you with strategies and insights to achieve your goals.
Alamo Counseling is a group private practice comprised of highly skilled, warm, and engaging counselors and educators. Our services include specialized therapy and wellness solutions for our clients, as well as clinical consultation and continuing education trainings for mental health professionals. Our clinicians implement evidence-based treatment with interventions from humanistic, cognitive-behavioral, and systemic therapies. We help get to the root of your concerns and empower you with strategies and insights to achieve your goals.
(925) 578-3812 View (925) 578-3812
Photo of Judith Wolder, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Judith Wolder
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Ramon, CA 94582
Hi, I'm Judi Wolder, LMFT 116638. I partner with you to reach life balance and achieve a greater sense of joy and contentment. I use an eclectic approach and draw from much evidence-based modalities to suit your needs. I am committed to helping clients attain life purpose and full personal empowerment. I work with individuals, couples, families, and adolescents (13-17). I treat mood disorders, depression, relationship issues through, OCD, addiction, attachment styles, trauma, grief, illness, life balance, self-care, self-esteem, and much more. For more information, clients may call me to discuss how I can best fit their needs.
Hi, I'm Judi Wolder, LMFT 116638. I partner with you to reach life balance and achieve a greater sense of joy and contentment. I use an eclectic approach and draw from much evidence-based modalities to suit your needs. I am committed to helping clients attain life purpose and full personal empowerment. I work with individuals, couples, families, and adolescents (13-17). I treat mood disorders, depression, relationship issues through, OCD, addiction, attachment styles, trauma, grief, illness, life balance, self-care, self-esteem, and much more. For more information, clients may call me to discuss how I can best fit their needs.
(916) 545-7941 View (916) 545-7941
Photo of Amanda Somberg, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Amanda Somberg
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Danville, CA 94526
I know how desperate you feel, having the same fight again and again with no resolution. You try harder, but your partner just seems to sabotage you. So you fight back, "lose it," and feel guilty. You reminisce about the past, hoping the future will get better. If this vignette strikes a chord, please know that I specialize in relationships at "marital death's doorstep." Grandiosity, rage, and shame become empathy, cooperation, and mutual respect. Hope and love do flourish again. This is a big promise, so call for a free 20-minute phone consultation. A happier life is out there.
I know how desperate you feel, having the same fight again and again with no resolution. You try harder, but your partner just seems to sabotage you. So you fight back, "lose it," and feel guilty. You reminisce about the past, hoping the future will get better. If this vignette strikes a chord, please know that I specialize in relationships at "marital death's doorstep." Grandiosity, rage, and shame become empathy, cooperation, and mutual respect. Hope and love do flourish again. This is a big promise, so call for a free 20-minute phone consultation. A happier life is out there.
(925) 588-4777 View (925) 588-4777
Photo of Shalini Mongia, MS, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Shalini Mongia
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Danville, CA 94506
Therapy is a process of healing, growth, and change. Changing patterns that aren't working and creating positive change, while feeling more happiness in your relationships, work, family, life, and self. Therapy provides an opportunity to discuss struggles, decrease stress, increase understanding of self and others, find solutions, and create positive change. I am the owner of Alamo Counseling, a group private practice comprised of highly skilled, warm, and engaging therapists and educators. We implement evidence-based treatment with interventions from humanistic, cognitive-behavioral, and systemic therapies.
Therapy is a process of healing, growth, and change. Changing patterns that aren't working and creating positive change, while feeling more happiness in your relationships, work, family, life, and self. Therapy provides an opportunity to discuss struggles, decrease stress, increase understanding of self and others, find solutions, and create positive change. I am the owner of Alamo Counseling, a group private practice comprised of highly skilled, warm, and engaging therapists and educators. We implement evidence-based treatment with interventions from humanistic, cognitive-behavioral, and systemic therapies.
(925) 392-4042 View (925) 392-4042
Photo of Stefanie Perata, LMFT, SEP, Marriage & Family Therapist
Stefanie Perata
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, SEP
Verified Verified
Danville, CA 94506
Are emotions getting in the way of leading the life you want? Being overwhelmed by normal human experiences such as stress, anxiety, depression, or anger can massively affect our physical bodies and cause immense challenges in our daily lives. Whether you’ve experienced a decline in health, challenges with romantic or personal relationships, career burnout, addictive habits, increased doubt, or you simply feel lost and unsettled on your journey... there is hope! Strong emotions do not have to dictate how we experience life. You can regain your joy.
Are emotions getting in the way of leading the life you want? Being overwhelmed by normal human experiences such as stress, anxiety, depression, or anger can massively affect our physical bodies and cause immense challenges in our daily lives. Whether you’ve experienced a decline in health, challenges with romantic or personal relationships, career burnout, addictive habits, increased doubt, or you simply feel lost and unsettled on your journey... there is hope! Strong emotions do not have to dictate how we experience life. You can regain your joy.
(925) 578-3860 View (925) 578-3860

Online Therapists

Photo of Paul Kramer, EdD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Paul Kramer
Marriage & Family Therapist, EdD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Burlingame, CA 94010
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.
(650) 668-0376 View (650) 668-0376
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.
(925) 320-0698 View (925) 320-0698
Photo of Janet Greenwood, PhD, RN, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Janet Greenwood
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, RN, MFT
Verified Verified
Fair Oaks, CA 95628
, Certified Imago Couples Therapist with a Ph.
I specialize in working with couples wanting to recover from a crisis. I offer over 30 years experience as a Certified Imago Relationship Therapist, PhD, RN, Licensed marriage therapist. You can select either our 10 Hour Couples Program or the 5 hour private Intensive Couples Session. Prevent unnecessary divorce; change begins the first session. Increase emotional and physical intimacy and fall back in love with your partner.
, Certified Imago Couples Therapist with a Ph.
I specialize in working with couples wanting to recover from a crisis. I offer over 30 years experience as a Certified Imago Relationship Therapist, PhD, RN, Licensed marriage therapist. You can select either our 10 Hour Couples Program or the 5 hour private Intensive Couples Session. Prevent unnecessary divorce; change begins the first session. Increase emotional and physical intimacy and fall back in love with your partner.
(916) 546-1518 View (916) 546-1518
Photo of Zoe Gillispie, PhD, Psychologist
Zoe Gillispie
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Redwood City, CA 94063
I also have advanced training in Imago Relationship Therapy, an effective form of couples therapy.
Hello and Welcome! I am a licensed psychologist in private practice in Redwood City, CA. I have been practicing as a therapist for children, couples, adults, and families since 2002. As a therapist, my goal is to help you focus on your unique strengths in a warm, interactive, and collaborative setting. I can help children and adults, individuals or couples, and/or families address parenting concerns, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and medical problems.
I also have advanced training in Imago Relationship Therapy, an effective form of couples therapy.
Hello and Welcome! I am a licensed psychologist in private practice in Redwood City, CA. I have been practicing as a therapist for children, couples, adults, and families since 2002. As a therapist, my goal is to help you focus on your unique strengths in a warm, interactive, and collaborative setting. I can help children and adults, individuals or couples, and/or families address parenting concerns, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and medical problems.
(650) 581-9040 View (650) 581-9040
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 Larisa Southerland, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Larisa Southerland
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94104  (Online Only)
I primarily use Imago Relationship Therapy to help repair relational ruptures, rebuild trust, and develop effective ways of communicating that soon become second nature.
Navigating relationships can be tricky, to say the least. I believe the most important element of any relationship is communication. Breakdowns in communication are common and may go undetected for months, or even years. Becoming aware of how we communicate and adjusting appropriately can make all the difference in our interactions moving forward. My goal is to help you and your partner become effective communicators. My therapeutic style is down to Earth and compassionately curious.
I primarily use Imago Relationship Therapy to help repair relational ruptures, rebuild trust, and develop effective ways of communicating that soon become second nature.
Navigating relationships can be tricky, to say the least. I believe the most important element of any relationship is communication. Breakdowns in communication are common and may go undetected for months, or even years. Becoming aware of how we communicate and adjusting appropriately can make all the difference in our interactions moving forward. My goal is to help you and your partner become effective communicators. My therapeutic style is down to Earth and compassionately curious.
(323) 894-0768 View (323) 894-0768
Photo of Gillian Nathan, LCSW, CHT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Gillian Nathan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CHT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114  (Online Only)
I integrate numerous approaches, including Imago, Hoffman Process, Depth Hypnosis, visualizations and communication techniques, as well as drawing on my decades of yoga and mindfulness practice.
Are you ready to invite ease, joy and connection into your life? To let go of old pain and live more fully in the present? My office is a safe and supportive environment for self-exploration, healing, and change. Together we address challenges by identifying current strengths and resources and adding new tools and resources. By developing more balance in your emotional, physical and spiritual aspects of self, this holistic approach helps you find greater peace and fulfillment in your life and relationships.
I integrate numerous approaches, including Imago, Hoffman Process, Depth Hypnosis, visualizations and communication techniques, as well as drawing on my decades of yoga and mindfulness practice.
Are you ready to invite ease, joy and connection into your life? To let go of old pain and live more fully in the present? My office is a safe and supportive environment for self-exploration, healing, and change. Together we address challenges by identifying current strengths and resources and adding new tools and resources. By developing more balance in your emotional, physical and spiritual aspects of self, this holistic approach helps you find greater peace and fulfillment in your life and relationships.
(415) 726-2811 View (415) 726-2811
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.