Imago Therapists in Woodland Hills, CA
![Photo of Nadia Davani, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c78395f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Life can be filled with struggles, but we don't have to go through them alone. In my practice, I specialize in supporting my clients through anxiety, depression, relationship/self esteem issues, partner relational problems, identity issues, and PTSD/past trauma. Being EMDR certified and with many years of experience, I am equipped to help you alleviate previous unresolved emotional issues in a safe, warm, and nonjudgmental environment. I also have extensive training working with children, adolescents and families. I am also trained in Imago relationship therapy which works best with couples.
Life can be filled with struggles, but we don't have to go through them alone. In my practice, I specialize in supporting my clients through anxiety, depression, relationship/self esteem issues, partner relational problems, identity issues, and PTSD/past trauma. Being EMDR certified and with many years of experience, I am equipped to help you alleviate previous unresolved emotional issues in a safe, warm, and nonjudgmental environment. I also have extensive training working with children, adolescents and families. I am also trained in Imago relationship therapy which works best with couples.
![Photo of Teresa Lalicker, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/92d14469-a312-42ac-bfcc-68eaf15d1f4e/2/320x400.jpeg)
Teresa Lalicker
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Woodland Hills, CA 91364 (Online Only)
I also have experience in mindfulness, Imago, gestalt and self compassion therapy as well as other holistic modalities.
Are you functioning in your life but underneath having feelings of anxiety, depression, self criticism, or despair? Are you experiencing confusion and conflict in your relationships? Perhaps you feel anxious most days, want a relationship, deal with current or past trauma or adversity, or struggle to make big decisions in your life? Therapy can help. Through exploration, my clients are able to express their inner most desires, bringing more peace, balance, and happiness to their lives. I am a licensed holistic and depth oriented psychotherapist with an online private practice in CA and in the process of securing a CO license as well
I also have experience in mindfulness, Imago, gestalt and self compassion therapy as well as other holistic modalities.
Are you functioning in your life but underneath having feelings of anxiety, depression, self criticism, or despair? Are you experiencing confusion and conflict in your relationships? Perhaps you feel anxious most days, want a relationship, deal with current or past trauma or adversity, or struggle to make big decisions in your life? Therapy can help. Through exploration, my clients are able to express their inner most desires, bringing more peace, balance, and happiness to their lives. I am a licensed holistic and depth oriented psychotherapist with an online private practice in CA and in the process of securing a CO license as well
![Photo of Premarital Counseling Woodland Hills, PhD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dc4f6e38-882f-4003-8f54-5ec981f7a9fd/1/320x400.jpeg)
Premarital Counseling Woodland Hills
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Woodland Hills, CA 91364
Hello & welcome! Need a calm and knowledgeable Therapist to guide you through your PreMarital Counseling? I have 30 yrs exp helping engaged or ready to get engaged Couples lock in the best ways to communicate, solve problems together & manage differences that may happen before or after the wedding. My goal is to give you the tools that you need to create and maintain a resilient marriage. Exclusive discount on video sessions to make your life a little easier. Pre-Paid Package deals are available on my website.
Hello & welcome! Need a calm and knowledgeable Therapist to guide you through your PreMarital Counseling? I have 30 yrs exp helping engaged or ready to get engaged Couples lock in the best ways to communicate, solve problems together & manage differences that may happen before or after the wedding. My goal is to give you the tools that you need to create and maintain a resilient marriage. Exclusive discount on video sessions to make your life a little easier. Pre-Paid Package deals are available on my website.
![Photo of Heaven Longwell, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5610e340-2f91-4f74-a7e1-2fdbec522ec9/1/320x400.jpeg)
Heaven Longwell
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Woodland Hills, CA 91367
Warm, Free Spirited & Authentic. My approach is holistic, intuitive yet gently direct. I provide a safe, non- judgmental environment where my clients feel comfortable expressing themselves. My goal is to help my clients align with their authentic selves. I assist with bringing the cause of blockages that limit satisfying ways of living to surface. I am eclectic in my practices and utilize therapeutic techniques as they fit my clients needs. By incorporating holistic methods and mindfulness techniques in working with my clients I consider clients mental, spiritual and emotional health in the work we do together.
Warm, Free Spirited & Authentic. My approach is holistic, intuitive yet gently direct. I provide a safe, non- judgmental environment where my clients feel comfortable expressing themselves. My goal is to help my clients align with their authentic selves. I assist with bringing the cause of blockages that limit satisfying ways of living to surface. I am eclectic in my practices and utilize therapeutic techniques as they fit my clients needs. By incorporating holistic methods and mindfulness techniques in working with my clients I consider clients mental, spiritual and emotional health in the work we do together.
![Photo of Martha 'Marty' Simpson, LMFT, CSAT, CPTT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f20a0ee-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Martha 'Marty' Simpson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CSAT, CPTT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Woodland Hills, CA 91303
Specializing in recovery from infidelity for more than a decade, I see addicts, & partners, and those involved in single affairs. I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Woodland Hills, California. I LOVE to work with couples because I believe we heal & transform in healthy relationships! I run weekly groups for betrayed partners with a trauma model and personal empowerment approach. I am often called to teach or present locally and nationally about treating betrayal, problematic sexual behavior & creating secure functioning relationships. Fill out a form on my website and my assistant will schedule a time for us to talk!
Specializing in recovery from infidelity for more than a decade, I see addicts, & partners, and those involved in single affairs. I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Woodland Hills, California. I LOVE to work with couples because I believe we heal & transform in healthy relationships! I run weekly groups for betrayed partners with a trauma model and personal empowerment approach. I am often called to teach or present locally and nationally about treating betrayal, problematic sexual behavior & creating secure functioning relationships. Fill out a form on my website and my assistant will schedule a time for us to talk!
![Photo of Claire Paluzzi, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bbcdbc82-9b5c-4ac1-b12f-8295e025d926/2/320x400.png)
Claire Paluzzi
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Woodland Hills, CA 91364 (Online Only)
You might be feeling overwhelmed or anxious about the prospect of embarking in therapy. It takes a lot of strength to take the first step to reach out for support, and you are well on your way to starting your journey of self-discovery. Perhaps you are confronting inner scripts that no longer serve you, struggling with restrictive thoughts and beliefs, or even re-visiting therapy for help with a specific challenge. Whatever the case, I will meet you where you are in your process, create the space for you to show up authentically, and provide the support you need to embark on your own inner exploration.
You might be feeling overwhelmed or anxious about the prospect of embarking in therapy. It takes a lot of strength to take the first step to reach out for support, and you are well on your way to starting your journey of self-discovery. Perhaps you are confronting inner scripts that no longer serve you, struggling with restrictive thoughts and beliefs, or even re-visiting therapy for help with a specific challenge. Whatever the case, I will meet you where you are in your process, create the space for you to show up authentically, and provide the support you need to embark on your own inner exploration.
![Photo of Debbi Molnar, LMFT, LPCC, ACCC, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c535ad7-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Debbi Molnar
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LPCC, ACCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Woodland Hills, CA 91364
The decision to seek therapy often happens because of a crisis or desire for change. My goal is to help you create and attain the life and relationships you want. Often times, we know what the problem is, but don’t have a clear picture of the solution. Together we will create that vision and develop strategies to attain your goals. We will work collaboratively to access strengths and create tools to overcome the obstacles in your way. I work from a solution focused perspective in an active and engaging manner.
The decision to seek therapy often happens because of a crisis or desire for change. My goal is to help you create and attain the life and relationships you want. Often times, we know what the problem is, but don’t have a clear picture of the solution. Together we will create that vision and develop strategies to attain your goals. We will work collaboratively to access strengths and create tools to overcome the obstacles in your way. I work from a solution focused perspective in an active and engaging manner.
![Photo of Dr. Jennifer Dean, PhD, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4ed86fbc-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Jennifer Dean
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW
Verified Verified
Woodland Hills, CA 91364
Earning a doctorate has given me tools for facilitating a deeper connection with the individuals I work with. This includes the non-verbal communication that passes between us, allowing emotions and trauma to process through the body, and creating a non-judgmental space where you can explore your personal challenges with my support. The goal of working in this psychodynamic, explorative way is to create a deep level of healing and change, so you are able to move beyond the fear and resistance that may be holding you back. Please look at my website for more information about me: https://www.woodlandhillstherapy.net
Earning a doctorate has given me tools for facilitating a deeper connection with the individuals I work with. This includes the non-verbal communication that passes between us, allowing emotions and trauma to process through the body, and creating a non-judgmental space where you can explore your personal challenges with my support. The goal of working in this psychodynamic, explorative way is to create a deep level of healing and change, so you are able to move beyond the fear and resistance that may be holding you back. Please look at my website for more information about me: https://www.woodlandhillstherapy.net
![Photo of Couples Therapy Relationship Help, LMFT, PhD, CPC, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8e3e2e7e-b24f-420e-8332-b19c45ea7a4f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Couples Therapy Relationship Help
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, PhD, CPC
Verified Verified
Woodland Hills, CA 91364
Exclusive discount for video sessions. 30 yrs, Laressa Desmond PhD. MFT, Couples Therapist....PreMarital Counselor. I provide a safe, neutral atmosphere for couples seeking to increase cooperation & stop power struggles. When your relationship gets out of sync I can help you reduce arguments, eliminate confusion & improve your communication. It's painful when resentments & misunderstandings build up tensions. Learn to solve problems together more smoothly and refresh your connection. Sessions take place in a relaxed environment designed to reduce your stress & distractions. This allows focus on what's helpful to you & your partner.
Exclusive discount for video sessions. 30 yrs, Laressa Desmond PhD. MFT, Couples Therapist....PreMarital Counselor. I provide a safe, neutral atmosphere for couples seeking to increase cooperation & stop power struggles. When your relationship gets out of sync I can help you reduce arguments, eliminate confusion & improve your communication. It's painful when resentments & misunderstandings build up tensions. Learn to solve problems together more smoothly and refresh your connection. Sessions take place in a relaxed environment designed to reduce your stress & distractions. This allows focus on what's helpful to you & your partner.
![Photo of Dona Laressa Desmond - Marriage Counseling Woodland Hills, PHD , LMFT, CPC, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3bf1d94a-00f3-4f26-9176-735269a58331/1/320x400.jpeg)
Marriage Counseling Woodland Hills
Marriage & Family Therapist, PHD , LMFT, CPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Woodland Hills, CA 91364
30 years providing... Couples Therapy... Marriage Counseling.... PreMarital Counseling. When good love slides into bad patterns I can help you communicate, reduce anger & improve intimacy. It's frustrating when love gets out of sync. Learn how to diffuse resentments, lower tensions & solve problems together more smoothly. Need to rejuvenate your connection? We'll work together as you reduce arguments, increase cooperation & stop power struggles. Sessions are a safe, neutral atmosphere designed to reduce your stress & distractions, allowing you to focus on what's important to you & your partner.
30 years providing... Couples Therapy... Marriage Counseling.... PreMarital Counseling. When good love slides into bad patterns I can help you communicate, reduce anger & improve intimacy. It's frustrating when love gets out of sync. Learn how to diffuse resentments, lower tensions & solve problems together more smoothly. Need to rejuvenate your connection? We'll work together as you reduce arguments, increase cooperation & stop power struggles. Sessions are a safe, neutral atmosphere designed to reduce your stress & distractions, allowing you to focus on what's important to you & your partner.
![Photo of Lynn Marie Rush, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c5cbc15c-48bf-4ced-be4f-3ad92195938c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Have you lost your smile? I would be honored to help you find it. Does your child or teen struggle handling strong emotions, or to make and keep friends? Do communication issues in your relationship leave you wondering whether couple’s therapy could help? If you feel overwhelmed, and recognize the need to make some changes to find your confidence and achieve the balance you’ve been missing in your life and relationships, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s untangle limiting thoughts and explore how unmet needs and faulty core beliefs might be stifling your ability to be your best self right now. Trust the process. Adjust the Vibe.
Have you lost your smile? I would be honored to help you find it. Does your child or teen struggle handling strong emotions, or to make and keep friends? Do communication issues in your relationship leave you wondering whether couple’s therapy could help? If you feel overwhelmed, and recognize the need to make some changes to find your confidence and achieve the balance you’ve been missing in your life and relationships, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s untangle limiting thoughts and explore how unmet needs and faulty core beliefs might be stifling your ability to be your best self right now. Trust the process. Adjust the Vibe.
15 Second Videos
Jennifer Dean
Lynn Marie Rush
Karine Echighian
Robert Jaffe, PhD, LMFT
Veronica Rahal Haddad
Anger Management 818
![Photo of Karine Echighian, MS, MBA, LMFT, CCATP, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/081f9a40-d13a-48b1-83e1-6ebc32d6d642/3/320x400.jpeg)
Karine Echighian
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MBA, LMFT, CCATP
Verified Verified
Woodland Hills, CA 91367
Deciding to seek counseling services is, often times, a personal and difficult decision. Finding the right therapist is a daunting task. Once you take the first step and found the proper support, you are on the path of self-discovery and healing. It is the first step towards "figuring it out" or "making a change". When you find yourself feeling stuck or struggling, reaching out is positive and empowering. Looking forward to helping you thrive all the while providing guidance and support on your journey towards achieving your goals.
Deciding to seek counseling services is, often times, a personal and difficult decision. Finding the right therapist is a daunting task. Once you take the first step and found the proper support, you are on the path of self-discovery and healing. It is the first step towards "figuring it out" or "making a change". When you find yourself feeling stuck or struggling, reaching out is positive and empowering. Looking forward to helping you thrive all the while providing guidance and support on your journey towards achieving your goals.
![Photo of Relationship Help, PhD, LMFT, CPC, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/53ccff97-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Relationship Help
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT, CPC
Verified Verified
Woodland Hills, CA 91364
Looking for emotional relief? Do you feel underlying tensions but you or your partner are conflict avoidant? I have 30 yrs helping Couples change resentment to resiliency. Learn pillars of a secure attachment & ensure a cooperative future together. Resentments are a slow, rusty corrosive to the joy between you. Learn solutions and get emotional relief to long held tensions. My training is in communication, conflict resolution, emotional intelligence & positive relationship skills. My sessions have a safe, optimistic atmosphere. Our sessions will be relaxed, informative & non judgmental.
Looking for emotional relief? Do you feel underlying tensions but you or your partner are conflict avoidant? I have 30 yrs helping Couples change resentment to resiliency. Learn pillars of a secure attachment & ensure a cooperative future together. Resentments are a slow, rusty corrosive to the joy between you. Learn solutions and get emotional relief to long held tensions. My training is in communication, conflict resolution, emotional intelligence & positive relationship skills. My sessions have a safe, optimistic atmosphere. Our sessions will be relaxed, informative & non judgmental.
![Photo of Marriage Help Couples Counselor, PhD, LMFT, CPC, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/53cd291b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Marriage Help Couples Counselor
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT, CPC
Verified Verified
Woodland Hills, CA 91364
Laressa Desmond,PhD, LMFT, Nothing hurts like constantly stumbling over the same old communication problems with your partner, when all you really want to do is be close. It’s hard to concentrate or have a lightness to the day when relationship struggles drag you down. We fall in love with people who are different enough from us to create a spark. It’s that “completion feeling” of interest & fascination. We feel sad & confused when the spark burns instead of warming us. It’s a baffling betrayal to our emotional logic that we can deeply love someone that we frequently fight with & sometimes emotionally dread.
Laressa Desmond,PhD, LMFT, Nothing hurts like constantly stumbling over the same old communication problems with your partner, when all you really want to do is be close. It’s hard to concentrate or have a lightness to the day when relationship struggles drag you down. We fall in love with people who are different enough from us to create a spark. It’s that “completion feeling” of interest & fascination. We feel sad & confused when the spark burns instead of warming us. It’s a baffling betrayal to our emotional logic that we can deeply love someone that we frequently fight with & sometimes emotionally dread.
![Photo of Barbara Calvi, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/501cea01-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Are you struggling with trying to manage the anxiety and fear of the threat of how life is changing now? Are you overwhelmed by the uncertainty of how to make sense of the new normal? Are you unsure about how to proceed? Is your marriage suffering under the stress and strain of sheltering in place? Is all this exacerbating existing underlying challenging or painful issues in your relationship? YOU ARE NOT ALONE! Many people and couples are struggling right now. You may be already working hard to manage all your feelings, take care of those around you, take care of your relationship. It may be especially difficult now.
Are you struggling with trying to manage the anxiety and fear of the threat of how life is changing now? Are you overwhelmed by the uncertainty of how to make sense of the new normal? Are you unsure about how to proceed? Is your marriage suffering under the stress and strain of sheltering in place? Is all this exacerbating existing underlying challenging or painful issues in your relationship? YOU ARE NOT ALONE! Many people and couples are struggling right now. You may be already working hard to manage all your feelings, take care of those around you, take care of your relationship. It may be especially difficult now.
![Photo of Tiffanie Turner, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8590aace-a85e-4299-a7ed-5e05ec2d0c6c/2/320x400.jpeg)
Tiffanie Turner
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Woodland Hills, CA 91364 (Online Only)
Sometimes we all need a little assistance to navigate through life's challenging moments. I equip couples, individuals, and families with the necessary tools to unblock the pathway to a more enriching and fulfilling quality of life. Whether it is depression, anxiety, relational issues, or increasing one's creative potential, I provide a plan that is custom designed to meet your individual needs.
Sometimes we all need a little assistance to navigate through life's challenging moments. I equip couples, individuals, and families with the necessary tools to unblock the pathway to a more enriching and fulfilling quality of life. Whether it is depression, anxiety, relational issues, or increasing one's creative potential, I provide a plan that is custom designed to meet your individual needs.
![Photo of Sharon Alonso, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d8d4bdb-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming. You're likely looking for a therapist who feels like a good fit, which is very important, as the relationship between therapist & client is an essential element for a successful journey in therapy. I am a licensed psychotherapist with over 20 years of experience working with people of all ages (children, adults, couples, & families). I provide psychotherapy to help people grow in their understanding of themselves and others, in how they experience and work with their feelings, and in developing and maintaining healthy, satisfying interpersonal relationships.
Finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming. You're likely looking for a therapist who feels like a good fit, which is very important, as the relationship between therapist & client is an essential element for a successful journey in therapy. I am a licensed psychotherapist with over 20 years of experience working with people of all ages (children, adults, couples, & families). I provide psychotherapy to help people grow in their understanding of themselves and others, in how they experience and work with their feelings, and in developing and maintaining healthy, satisfying interpersonal relationships.
![Photo of Robert B Jaffe - Robert Jaffe, PhD, LMFT, PhD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/29bca9eb-4093-4d5f-925f-bcfbe6dfdc33/2/320x400.jpeg)
Robert Jaffe, PhD, LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Woodland Hills, CA 91367
I believe every human has unique struggles and deserves therapy that is tailored to best help them. I work with individuals, couples, and families to treat a variety of issues including anxiety, depression, and addiction. Since I have a license in Marriage and Family Therapy, I have a perspective that allows me to help patients see their struggles in a way they may not have considered.
I believe every human has unique struggles and deserves therapy that is tailored to best help them. I work with individuals, couples, and families to treat a variety of issues including anxiety, depression, and addiction. Since I have a license in Marriage and Family Therapy, I have a perspective that allows me to help patients see their struggles in a way they may not have considered.
![Photo of Mindi Levins-Pfeifer, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4a9e08be-d2f5-4a23-b0c5-7a5700be678d/3/320x400.jpeg)
Mindi Levins-Pfeifer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Woodland Hills, CA 91367
My specialty is building relationships and making clients feel safe in a space to share. I focus on 1:1 ,couples, families and groups. I am always looking to balance solution focused sessions with underlying clinical issues. Helping clients feel like they can get some relief early on in therapy is a priority. Anxiety, depression, addiction, family relation issues, life transitions and Covid are just some areas of work are that are my specialty. Whether you are comfortable free flow talking or need a more interview style, I am comfortable doing both. I also specialize in young adult and dual diagnosis.
My specialty is building relationships and making clients feel safe in a space to share. I focus on 1:1 ,couples, families and groups. I am always looking to balance solution focused sessions with underlying clinical issues. Helping clients feel like they can get some relief early on in therapy is a priority. Anxiety, depression, addiction, family relation issues, life transitions and Covid are just some areas of work are that are my specialty. Whether you are comfortable free flow talking or need a more interview style, I am comfortable doing both. I also specialize in young adult and dual diagnosis.
![Photo of Veronica Rahal Haddad, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d67e9b50-1f09-440a-9619-359e1c0cff91/1/320x400.jpeg)
Veronica Rahal Haddad
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
Woodland Hills, CA 91302
My ideal client is someone who is going through a life stage crisis, wether that be starting on the journey of recovery from drugs and alcohol, coming to terms with their sexuality, struggling with their current relationship or stuck in the question of "what am I suppose to do now?" My client is looking for a new perspective on their life and is very willing to do the work to get it. My client knows that they have a hidden and untapped potential within them that is waiting to be awoken and desires to wake it.
My ideal client is someone who is going through a life stage crisis, wether that be starting on the journey of recovery from drugs and alcohol, coming to terms with their sexuality, struggling with their current relationship or stuck in the question of "what am I suppose to do now?" My client is looking for a new perspective on their life and is very willing to do the work to get it. My client knows that they have a hidden and untapped potential within them that is waiting to be awoken and desires to wake it.
See more therapy options for Woodland Hills
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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.