Photo of Nina Lindajane Holmes, LMFT, TRI, ESMHL, Marriage & Family Therapist
Nina Lindajane Holmes
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, TRI, ESMHL
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Jose, CA 95111
I am a Certified Advanced Imago Relationship Therapist and Certified Imago Workshop Presenter. I am Internal Family Systems or IFS Level One trained, currently enrolled in Level Two IFS training in Intimacy From the Inside Out (the IFS couples model). I have 18 years of clinical experience assisting with relationships as well as with depression, anxiety, eating disorders, substance abuse, trauma, domestic violence, psychosis and sexual assault. I often work collaboratively with the entire family to promote positive change. I provide equine facilitated psychotherapy for individuals who make better progress working outdoors.
I am a Certified Advanced Imago Relationship Therapist and Certified Imago Workshop Presenter. I am Internal Family Systems or IFS Level One trained, currently enrolled in Level Two IFS training in Intimacy From the Inside Out (the IFS couples model). I have 18 years of clinical experience assisting with relationships as well as with depression, anxiety, eating disorders, substance abuse, trauma, domestic violence, psychosis and sexual assault. I often work collaboratively with the entire family to promote positive change. I provide equine facilitated psychotherapy for individuals who make better progress working outdoors.
(408) 916-3092 View (408) 916-3092
Photo of Robert Sperring, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Robert Sperring
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Jose, CA 95148
Hello. My therapeutic approach honors the past but points to now, and to the future. My goal for you is the, "restoration of self" before the pain, with more happiness, and higher functioning in all aspects of your life. Together we will walk through your struggles, and we will come to the other side back to who you are; stronger, happier, and better able to deal with this thing called life. whether is it for you, as a couple, or family. Give yourself a chance to reclaim who you are and want to be.
Hello. My therapeutic approach honors the past but points to now, and to the future. My goal for you is the, "restoration of self" before the pain, with more happiness, and higher functioning in all aspects of your life. Together we will walk through your struggles, and we will come to the other side back to who you are; stronger, happier, and better able to deal with this thing called life. whether is it for you, as a couple, or family. Give yourself a chance to reclaim who you are and want to be.
(408) 668-0154 View (408) 668-0154
Photo of Vicki Foster, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Vicki Foster
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Jose, CA 95126
My name is Vicki Foster. I have an MFT license in Ca. I have been working with individual adults, adolescents, families, and couples for over 30 yrs. I have worked in every level of mental health care and have been teaching clinical Psychology courses at the graduate level for 17 yrs., as well. I am an eclectic therapist that draws from a wide range of theories, whichever one or combination would be most helpful in the resolution of the issues at hand.
My name is Vicki Foster. I have an MFT license in Ca. I have been working with individual adults, adolescents, families, and couples for over 30 yrs. I have worked in every level of mental health care and have been teaching clinical Psychology courses at the graduate level for 17 yrs., as well. I am an eclectic therapist that draws from a wide range of theories, whichever one or combination would be most helpful in the resolution of the issues at hand.
(650) 789-6522 View (650) 789-6522
Photo of Amy Modlin, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Amy Modlin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Jose, CA 95122
My name is Amy Modlin. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have 15 years of experience providing therapy for individuals facing a variety of issues. I specialize in addictions/substance use, depression/anxiety, trauma/PTSD, grief/loss, work-life stressors and life transitions. My approach to therapy is person-centered. I use a variety of modalities, including CBT, ACT, DBT, MI, and Mindfulness to help my clients develop the coping skills they need to manage their symptoms and achieve goals of overall well-being. I walk alongside my clients to guide the process of growth, healing, and increased insight.
My name is Amy Modlin. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have 15 years of experience providing therapy for individuals facing a variety of issues. I specialize in addictions/substance use, depression/anxiety, trauma/PTSD, grief/loss, work-life stressors and life transitions. My approach to therapy is person-centered. I use a variety of modalities, including CBT, ACT, DBT, MI, and Mindfulness to help my clients develop the coping skills they need to manage their symptoms and achieve goals of overall well-being. I walk alongside my clients to guide the process of growth, healing, and increased insight.
View
Photo of Alisa Flakes, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Alisa Flakes
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Jose, CA 95111
Hello, my name is Alisa Flakes and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California. I work with individuals ages 13+, couples, and families in a variety of areas including addiction, anger management, anxiety, behavioral issues, coping skills, cultural stress, depression, relationship issues, family conflict, grief, and trauma & PTSD, amongst others. My approach is strength-based, solution focused and utilizes several modalities such as ACT, CBT, DBT, Family Systems, Gottman Method, Gestalt, and more.
Hello, my name is Alisa Flakes and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California. I work with individuals ages 13+, couples, and families in a variety of areas including addiction, anger management, anxiety, behavioral issues, coping skills, cultural stress, depression, relationship issues, family conflict, grief, and trauma & PTSD, amongst others. My approach is strength-based, solution focused and utilizes several modalities such as ACT, CBT, DBT, Family Systems, Gottman Method, Gestalt, and more.
(408) 539-8691 View (408) 539-8691
Photo of Brenda Barba, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Brenda Barba
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Jose, CA 95126
I am so glad you are taking the first step in this journey! Now Let me introduce myself. My name is Brenda Barba, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I have been in the mental health profession for 5 years, but in the field for nearly 10. I enjoy what I do and constantly continue to educate myself to provide the best service to individuals who want to grow, heal, control their emotions, increase self-awareness and confidence, and learn coping skills to reach the best version of themselves. I have worked with a wide range of mental health diagnoses including but not limited to personality disorders, bipolar disorder, PTSD, anxiety.
I am so glad you are taking the first step in this journey! Now Let me introduce myself. My name is Brenda Barba, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I have been in the mental health profession for 5 years, but in the field for nearly 10. I enjoy what I do and constantly continue to educate myself to provide the best service to individuals who want to grow, heal, control their emotions, increase self-awareness and confidence, and learn coping skills to reach the best version of themselves. I have worked with a wide range of mental health diagnoses including but not limited to personality disorders, bipolar disorder, PTSD, anxiety.
(510) 871-8689 View (510) 871-8689
Photo of Lyndsey Motarefi, PhD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Lyndsey Motarefi
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Jose, CA 95101  (Online Only)
{CURRENTLY ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS} Do you find yourself wanting to break free from unhealthy relationship patterns? Do you have goals of improving your relationship emotionally and/or physically? Would you like to heal the wounds of past attachments? Do you feel curious about exploring your sexual identity? Are there sex specific concerns that you would like to obtain more clarity on? If the answer to any of the above questions is yes, please know that you are not alone. Even the healthiest of relationships need a check-up at times.
{CURRENTLY ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS} Do you find yourself wanting to break free from unhealthy relationship patterns? Do you have goals of improving your relationship emotionally and/or physically? Would you like to heal the wounds of past attachments? Do you feel curious about exploring your sexual identity? Are there sex specific concerns that you would like to obtain more clarity on? If the answer to any of the above questions is yes, please know that you are not alone. Even the healthiest of relationships need a check-up at times.
(323) 458-5470 View (323) 458-5470

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Linda Grove - Linda Grove, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Linda Grove
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Milpitas, CA 95035  (Online Only)
Life can be very challenging and at some point we may need a little support. Linda Grove has experience working with relationship issues, boundaries, anxiety, depression, bipolar, grief, loss, life transition, self worth, and trauma. She meets clients where they are at and tailors her approach to fit each clients needs. She strives to create a safe and collaborative environment for self-exploration, acceptance, and growth. She welcomes and has experience working with LGBTQ and diverse cultural communities.
Life can be very challenging and at some point we may need a little support. Linda Grove has experience working with relationship issues, boundaries, anxiety, depression, bipolar, grief, loss, life transition, self worth, and trauma. She meets clients where they are at and tailors her approach to fit each clients needs. She strives to create a safe and collaborative environment for self-exploration, acceptance, and growth. She welcomes and has experience working with LGBTQ and diverse cultural communities.
(657) 315-6723 View (657) 315-6723

Online Therapists

Photo of Paul Kramer, EdD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Paul Kramer
Marriage & Family Therapist, EdD, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
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) 241-0853 View (510) 241-0853
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 Gigi Drummond, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Gigi Drummond
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Davis, CA 95616
My approaches are (NLP)Neurolinguistic Programming, (SFBT)Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, (IT)Imago Therapy, (CBT) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (P P) Positive Psychology, Resilience, Spirituality, and Intuition.
Gigi M Drummond, LMFT. Mission: "Making the world a better place....one person at a time." Focus: Grief, Men's Issues, NLP, Couples Communication, Anger Management, Parenting, Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, Veterans, ADHD, Christian Counseling, Executive Coaching, Couples, Families, Individuals, Groups, Couples, and LGBTQIA. I work well with individuals who want to create permanent and lasting positive change. "When I change the way I look at things, the things I look at change."
My approaches are (NLP)Neurolinguistic Programming, (SFBT)Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, (IT)Imago Therapy, (CBT) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (P P) Positive Psychology, Resilience, Spirituality, and Intuition.
Gigi M Drummond, LMFT. Mission: "Making the world a better place....one person at a time." Focus: Grief, Men's Issues, NLP, Couples Communication, Anger Management, Parenting, Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, Veterans, ADHD, Christian Counseling, Executive Coaching, Couples, Families, Individuals, Groups, Couples, and LGBTQIA. I work well with individuals who want to create permanent and lasting positive change. "When I change the way I look at things, the things I look at change."
(530) 489-5681 View (530) 489-5681
Photo of Michael Anthony Nevans, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Michael Anthony Nevans
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95822  (Online Only)
Mike has received training and is experienced in CBT, ACT, and Imago couple's therapy.
Mike likes to work with people who are ready to make changes in their life. They do not need to know exactly what that looks like or means yet, they just need to be sick and tired of feeling sick and tired. Mike enjoys working with people who have depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar, and addiction issues. He also practices couple therapy and likes to offer premarital counseling, empowerment couple's counseling, and helping the healing process post infidelity or other ruptures in the relationship. Mike spent 4 years working with people in an international setting in Tokyo and enjoys providing therapy in a multicultural space.
Mike has received training and is experienced in CBT, ACT, and Imago couple's therapy.
Mike likes to work with people who are ready to make changes in their life. They do not need to know exactly what that looks like or means yet, they just need to be sick and tired of feeling sick and tired. Mike enjoys working with people who have depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar, and addiction issues. He also practices couple therapy and likes to offer premarital counseling, empowerment couple's counseling, and helping the healing process post infidelity or other ruptures in the relationship. Mike spent 4 years working with people in an international setting in Tokyo and enjoys providing therapy in a multicultural space.
(925) 477-4985 View (925) 477-4985
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 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
1 Endorsed
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) 350-3542 View (510) 350-3542
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 David J Kest, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
David J Kest
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Rafael, CA 94901
Waitlist for new clients
A certified Imago Relationship Therapist in SF and Marin Teaching couples the "Art of Dialogue" .
I offer an "Integrated Approach to Psychotherapy" for adults, couples and families. We may first seek to reduce negative symptoms and increase stability in our life, but eventually I support and challenge my clients to graduate from "surviving to truly "thriving" in all major aspects of their life. Relationships have shaped and influenced who we are and many clients appreciate help with essential relationship skills. I am one of the few therapists in Marin and SF actually certified as an Imago Relationship Therapist and have had the honor to assist the cofounders many times with their weekend workshops. on the West Coast.
A certified Imago Relationship Therapist in SF and Marin Teaching couples the "Art of Dialogue" .
I offer an "Integrated Approach to Psychotherapy" for adults, couples and families. We may first seek to reduce negative symptoms and increase stability in our life, but eventually I support and challenge my clients to graduate from "surviving to truly "thriving" in all major aspects of their life. Relationships have shaped and influenced who we are and many clients appreciate help with essential relationship skills. I am one of the few therapists in Marin and SF actually certified as an Imago Relationship Therapist and have had the honor to assist the cofounders many times with their weekend workshops. on the West Coast.
(650) 924-9677 View (650) 924-9677
Photo of Dr. Paul Kramer, EdD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Dr. Paul Kramer
Marriage & Family Therapist, EdD, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
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) 397-7833 View (650) 397-7833
Photo of Samantha Laurie, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Samantha Laurie
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95838
I have been in practice for 10 years and have experience with a very wide variety of populations and mental health issues clients have had. Most of my experience is with youth of all ages and their families but I also meet with adult individuals and couples as well. My main goal and philosophy are to be a compassionate support person who is family centered, strength-based, implement helpful interventions all in order to validate as well as support you through your individualized challenges and reach your future goals.
I have been in practice for 10 years and have experience with a very wide variety of populations and mental health issues clients have had. Most of my experience is with youth of all ages and their families but I also meet with adult individuals and couples as well. My main goal and philosophy are to be a compassionate support person who is family centered, strength-based, implement helpful interventions all in order to validate as well as support you through your individualized challenges and reach your future goals.
(559) 314-6657 View (559) 314-6657
Photo of Inessa Freya Lieberman, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Inessa Freya Lieberman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Menlo Park, CA 94025  (Online Only)
There's a saying, "Healing is the application of love to the places inside that hurt." I'm here to fully support you in tending to those places. Together we will journey into understanding the major themes and patterns in your life and what they are trying to teach you. This increased level of awareness can help you access your strength and intuition, eliminate negative self talk and choose a more fulfilling relationship with yourself, others and life. I offer a 15 minute meet and greet to ensure we are a good fit.
There's a saying, "Healing is the application of love to the places inside that hurt." I'm here to fully support you in tending to those places. Together we will journey into understanding the major themes and patterns in your life and what they are trying to teach you. This increased level of awareness can help you access your strength and intuition, eliminate negative self talk and choose a more fulfilling relationship with yourself, others and life. I offer a 15 minute meet and greet to ensure we are a good fit.
(707) 207-8551 View (707) 207-8551
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.