Imago Therapists in Atlanta, GA

Photo of William Smith - The Atlanta Marriage and Mediation Clinic, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
The Atlanta Marriage and Mediation Clinic
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Atlanta, GA 30305
AMMC offers the highest quality couples counseling and dispute resolution services in Atlanta. We are highly trained and experienced in working with the leading models of therapy for relationship therapy, including Gottman Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, and Imago Therapy, and have proven results in improving marital satisfaction. We also work to resolve family disputes, including divorce mediation, coparenting coordination, and coparenting counseling. We do work frequently with attorneys, including child custody evaluations. We are proud to work regularly with Atlanta's LGBTQ+ community and work to make sure all feel welcome.
AMMC offers the highest quality couples counseling and dispute resolution services in Atlanta. We are highly trained and experienced in working with the leading models of therapy for relationship therapy, including Gottman Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, and Imago Therapy, and have proven results in improving marital satisfaction. We also work to resolve family disputes, including divorce mediation, coparenting coordination, and coparenting counseling. We do work frequently with attorneys, including child custody evaluations. We are proud to work regularly with Atlanta's LGBTQ+ community and work to make sure all feel welcome.
(470) 441-4840 View (470) 441-4840
Photo of Catharine Wirth, LCSW, MA, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Catharine Wirth
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MA
Verified Verified
Atlanta, GA 30324
I can help couples get to the root of what each person is needing from his or her partner. Common issues include: infertility, infidelity, parenting struggles, sexual difficulties, money, divorce/separation, and different relationship goals. As a trained Imago couples therapist, I have real skills to help couples learn to connect with each other in a conscious and deep way. This leads to a more satisfying relationship.
I can help couples get to the root of what each person is needing from his or her partner. Common issues include: infertility, infidelity, parenting struggles, sexual difficulties, money, divorce/separation, and different relationship goals. As a trained Imago couples therapist, I have real skills to help couples learn to connect with each other in a conscious and deep way. This leads to a more satisfying relationship.
(404) 994-2402 View (404) 994-2402
Photo of Alison E Reed, LPC, CIRT, Licensed Professional Counselor
Alison E Reed
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CIRT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30309
In addition to utilizing Imago Relationship Therapy with couples and Prepare/Enrich premarital program with engaged couples, other areas of specialization include helping adults in their relationship with self and others, with life changes/transitions, adult child to parent conflict, spiritual and/or religious concerns and personal growth.
You are not “crazy” because you are feeling disconnected from your spouse or partner, or because you keep finding yourself in dating relationships or friendships that are more frustrating that fulfilling. You are not “crazy” because you have difficulty making decisions due to worry about what other people will think. You are not “crazy” because you are beginning to question what you thought you would never question. You are human-and we all have times in our lives when we need help.
In addition to utilizing Imago Relationship Therapy with couples and Prepare/Enrich premarital program with engaged couples, other areas of specialization include helping adults in their relationship with self and others, with life changes/transitions, adult child to parent conflict, spiritual and/or religious concerns and personal growth.
You are not “crazy” because you are feeling disconnected from your spouse or partner, or because you keep finding yourself in dating relationships or friendships that are more frustrating that fulfilling. You are not “crazy” because you have difficulty making decisions due to worry about what other people will think. You are not “crazy” because you are beginning to question what you thought you would never question. You are human-and we all have times in our lives when we need help.
(770) 856-4613 View (770) 856-4613
Photo of Cathy Mairin (Formerly Marakovits), LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Cathy Mairin (Formerly Marakovits)
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Atlanta, GA 30339
My approach to couples therapy is integrated, having trained in Imago therapy, the Gottman method, Emotionally Focused Couples therapy, Ellyn Bader's Developmental Model, amongst others.
I’ve had the privilege of assisting numerous couples find their way back to connected fulfilling relationships. Whether you are seeking to heal from the trauma of infidelity, eliminate painful patterns of communication, gain greater understanding of one another, be a better team, or light the spark between you again, I’d welcome the opportunity to provide a path to healing and reconnection. I will hold the hope for you as you learn new tools and understanding until you can hold the torch yourselves. I also work with individuals seeking to improve their mental health, relationships, overall sense of wellbeing, and meaning in life.
My approach to couples therapy is integrated, having trained in Imago therapy, the Gottman method, Emotionally Focused Couples therapy, Ellyn Bader's Developmental Model, amongst others.
I’ve had the privilege of assisting numerous couples find their way back to connected fulfilling relationships. Whether you are seeking to heal from the trauma of infidelity, eliminate painful patterns of communication, gain greater understanding of one another, be a better team, or light the spark between you again, I’d welcome the opportunity to provide a path to healing and reconnection. I will hold the hope for you as you learn new tools and understanding until you can hold the torch yourselves. I also work with individuals seeking to improve their mental health, relationships, overall sense of wellbeing, and meaning in life.
(404) 352-0047 View (404) 352-0047
Photo of Jen Moore, LMSW, IMAGO, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jen Moore
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, IMAGO
Verified Verified
Atlanta, GA 30306
IMAGO therapy for couples/individuals, cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety/depression, relationship issues, life transitions.
Whether you are going through a difficult transition in life or are interested in investing time in your personal growth, having a partner to help navigate your journey can be transformational. My approach is person-centered, and strength based, and I draw from many modalities depending on each client's unique needs. IMAGO therapy for couples going through challenging times can help open up channels of communication and strengthen empathy. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for individuals struggling with depression and anxiety can restructure and reframe patterns of thought in order to reset their outlook on life.
IMAGO therapy for couples/individuals, cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety/depression, relationship issues, life transitions.
Whether you are going through a difficult transition in life or are interested in investing time in your personal growth, having a partner to help navigate your journey can be transformational. My approach is person-centered, and strength based, and I draw from many modalities depending on each client's unique needs. IMAGO therapy for couples going through challenging times can help open up channels of communication and strengthen empathy. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for individuals struggling with depression and anxiety can restructure and reframe patterns of thought in order to reset their outlook on life.
(404) 962-7462 View (404) 962-7462
Photo of Michelle D Morris, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Michelle D Morris
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Atlanta, GA 30328
Certified Imago Therapists help clients understand their childhood wounds, their attachment style, and what their half is in their unhappy relationship.
Why is my marriage so difficult? Should we get couples counseling? Why are my other relationships leaving me feeling hopeless? Why me? You need understanding and answers and a way of being that brings you peace and happiness. I have worked with and helped many individuals and couples asking these very questions. Whether you are suffering from relationship difficulties, anxiety, depression, or overwhelming stress I understand and can help. You have the ability to make positive changes in your life you just need the tools to do so. Together we can understand these unwanted detours and learn how to manage next time more successfully.
Certified Imago Therapists help clients understand their childhood wounds, their attachment style, and what their half is in their unhappy relationship.
Why is my marriage so difficult? Should we get couples counseling? Why are my other relationships leaving me feeling hopeless? Why me? You need understanding and answers and a way of being that brings you peace and happiness. I have worked with and helped many individuals and couples asking these very questions. Whether you are suffering from relationship difficulties, anxiety, depression, or overwhelming stress I understand and can help. You have the ability to make positive changes in your life you just need the tools to do so. Together we can understand these unwanted detours and learn how to manage next time more successfully.
(404) 383-0275 View (404) 383-0275
Photo of Linda Ann Olson, PsyD, Psychologist
Linda Ann Olson
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Atlanta, GA 30342
Imago Relationship Therapy and exposure response prevention (ERP) My own experience of growing up with childhood domestic violence (CDV) inspired me to dedicate my life to helping children and adult survivors overcome the effects of CDV and I will help you build the skills to reach your full potential.
My passion is to help people who have experienced any type of trauma; such as divorce, grief and loss, PTSD, and adults survivors who grew up with domestic violence. I also work with people who are suffering from sexual abuse, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety or depression . My specialty is helping children and adults recover from childhood domestic violence. Many of my clients have grown up in homes where they witnessed domestic violence. I help them understand that what they've experienced is not their fault and they are not alone. By discovering their true potential in the work we
Imago Relationship Therapy and exposure response prevention (ERP) My own experience of growing up with childhood domestic violence (CDV) inspired me to dedicate my life to helping children and adult survivors overcome the effects of CDV and I will help you build the skills to reach your full potential.
My passion is to help people who have experienced any type of trauma; such as divorce, grief and loss, PTSD, and adults survivors who grew up with domestic violence. I also work with people who are suffering from sexual abuse, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety or depression . My specialty is helping children and adults recover from childhood domestic violence. Many of my clients have grown up in homes where they witnessed domestic violence. I help them understand that what they've experienced is not their fault and they are not alone. By discovering their true potential in the work we
(404) 390-1583 View (404) 390-1583
Photo of Aaron Kirkwood - Counseling Associates for Well-Being
Counseling Associates for Well-Being
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30345
Our therapists have a range of training and expertise in things like Grief work and Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, and Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy, Imago, & Gottman Method therapy.
Are you struggling to find balance, feel connected, lacking joy in your life? We can help. We are a group of skilled, caring therapists with a wealth of training and experience. Reach out if you need help with anxiety, relationship stress, worry, depression, loneliness, trauma or grief. We help people to improve their well-being and their relationships. Our therapists provide couples', individual, and family therapy, group counseling for adults 18+, We believe in a holistic approach to help you with your emotional and relational well-being. Seeing folks via a secure video platform or in one of our four locations.
Our therapists have a range of training and expertise in things like Grief work and Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, and Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy, Imago, & Gottman Method therapy.
Are you struggling to find balance, feel connected, lacking joy in your life? We can help. We are a group of skilled, caring therapists with a wealth of training and experience. Reach out if you need help with anxiety, relationship stress, worry, depression, loneliness, trauma or grief. We help people to improve their well-being and their relationships. Our therapists provide couples', individual, and family therapy, group counseling for adults 18+, We believe in a holistic approach to help you with your emotional and relational well-being. Seeing folks via a secure video platform or in one of our four locations.
(706) 425-8900 View (706) 425-8900
Photo of Patty Alexander, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Patty Alexander
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
Atlanta, GA 30350
Eclectic approach utilizing cognitive behavior therapy, Brainspotting, stress reduction, self esteem enhancement, Imago relationship skills and other techniques.
Are you experiencing anxiety or depression? Do you feel stuck and have trouble making decisions? In a troubled relationship or marriage? Have problems communicating? Family tensions? Would you like to feel more calm and experience your emotions in a more healthy way? It can be very difficult to know where to turn when you need help. My 15+ years of experience have given me the ability to provide compassionate, non-judgmental guidance, support and direction to some of life's most difficult challenges. I work with trauma, parenting, ADHD, healing from the past, relational issues, adjustment to life change & life coaching.
Eclectic approach utilizing cognitive behavior therapy, Brainspotting, stress reduction, self esteem enhancement, Imago relationship skills and other techniques.
Are you experiencing anxiety or depression? Do you feel stuck and have trouble making decisions? In a troubled relationship or marriage? Have problems communicating? Family tensions? Would you like to feel more calm and experience your emotions in a more healthy way? It can be very difficult to know where to turn when you need help. My 15+ years of experience have given me the ability to provide compassionate, non-judgmental guidance, support and direction to some of life's most difficult challenges. I work with trauma, parenting, ADHD, healing from the past, relational issues, adjustment to life change & life coaching.
(404) 471-3036 View (404) 471-3036
Photo of Keisha Reaves - Push Thru Therapy, NCC, LPC, CPCS, PMH-C, Licensed Professional Counselor
Push Thru Therapy
Licensed Professional Counselor, NCC, LPC, CPCS, PMH-C
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30303  (Online Only)
Having a hard time getting through past traumas from your childhood and you recognize how it's showing up in your relationships? Dealing with the stress of balancing work, family, while also juggling your own needs? Healing from a bad break-up that shattered your idea of where you thought you'd be at in life right now? Then Push Thru Therapy is for you. There is no issue too small or too big to receive help for. Push Thru Therapy is a group practice geared to help women push through various tribulations in their lives. This is a space for women and for mothers.
Having a hard time getting through past traumas from your childhood and you recognize how it's showing up in your relationships? Dealing with the stress of balancing work, family, while also juggling your own needs? Healing from a bad break-up that shattered your idea of where you thought you'd be at in life right now? Then Push Thru Therapy is for you. There is no issue too small or too big to receive help for. Push Thru Therapy is a group practice geared to help women push through various tribulations in their lives. This is a space for women and for mothers.
(678) 374-3818 View (678) 374-3818
Photo of Rick J. Petronella, PhD, MAC, Drug & Alcohol Counselor
Rick J. Petronella
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, PhD, MAC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30350
With nearly 30 years of experience, I firmly believe that the client is the most powerful force in their own lives. With a confidential and accepting environment, I aspire to aid individuals on their journey of self-growth and always guide them in the direction of "True North". I desire to assist them in addressing the feelings and problems that often seem out of their control. I am also highly experienced in coaching couples and families to communicate with one another by addressing difficult issues, and help them reconnect in a healthy and more meaningful way.
With nearly 30 years of experience, I firmly believe that the client is the most powerful force in their own lives. With a confidential and accepting environment, I aspire to aid individuals on their journey of self-growth and always guide them in the direction of "True North". I desire to assist them in addressing the feelings and problems that often seem out of their control. I am also highly experienced in coaching couples and families to communicate with one another by addressing difficult issues, and help them reconnect in a healthy and more meaningful way.
(678) 541-7137 View (678) 541-7137
Photo of Anat Goldblum, MS, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Anat Goldblum
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30328
Although life presents many challenges and obstacles, you do not need to overcome these challenges alone. I help adults and families find peace and better their lives by navigating life’s challenges in an engaging, calm, nurturing, and supportive environment. My areas of expertise include managing anxiety and stress, developing self-esteem and assertiveness, and coping with life challenges, such as relationship distress, parenting challenges, loss of a loved one, and other life transitions. I provide my clients insight and help them build skills so they can live the life they desire.
Although life presents many challenges and obstacles, you do not need to overcome these challenges alone. I help adults and families find peace and better their lives by navigating life’s challenges in an engaging, calm, nurturing, and supportive environment. My areas of expertise include managing anxiety and stress, developing self-esteem and assertiveness, and coping with life challenges, such as relationship distress, parenting challenges, loss of a loved one, and other life transitions. I provide my clients insight and help them build skills so they can live the life they desire.
(678) 562-8831 View (678) 562-8831
Photo of Aimee Copeland, LCSW, MA, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Aimee Copeland
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MA
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30315
During the course of our lives we experience many joys and hardships, and along with them the full range of human emotions. Each moment and feeling is an opportunity to better understand self, other, and the world. Your painful feelings may be signals that old wounds need to be acknowledged or that your truth is not being lived fully. If you are currently struggling to cope with life challenges, feeling unfulfilled or seeking personal growth, the therapeutic relationship can provide an open and nonjudgmental atmosphere to explore the body and mind in a safe, comfortable space.
During the course of our lives we experience many joys and hardships, and along with them the full range of human emotions. Each moment and feeling is an opportunity to better understand self, other, and the world. Your painful feelings may be signals that old wounds need to be acknowledged or that your truth is not being lived fully. If you are currently struggling to cope with life challenges, feeling unfulfilled or seeking personal growth, the therapeutic relationship can provide an open and nonjudgmental atmosphere to explore the body and mind in a safe, comfortable space.
(404) 238-7157 View (404) 238-7157
Photo of Joshua D. Gebhardt, PhD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Joshua D. Gebhardt
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Atlanta, GA 30309
Most clients I work with deal with relationship and performance-related stress, affecting their marriages/partnerships, friendships, family dynamics, work, and overall sense of fulfillment. I help individuals navigate sexual and gender diverse relationships, gain self-awareness, alleviate distress, and enhance well-being and relationships.
Most clients I work with deal with relationship and performance-related stress, affecting their marriages/partnerships, friendships, family dynamics, work, and overall sense of fulfillment. I help individuals navigate sexual and gender diverse relationships, gain self-awareness, alleviate distress, and enhance well-being and relationships.
(404) 999-2169 View (404) 999-2169
Photo of Jeffrey Cohen, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jeffrey Cohen
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30328
Couples often reach out to me to fine-tune their communication or to address larger unresolved issues, including infidelity, substance abuse, a partner who shuts down or withdraws, anger, jealousy, and sexual dissatisfaction, among other reasons. Most couples just want to stop fighting, stop hurting, and regain closeness. My process starts with meeting both of you for the first meeting and then just once separately to get to know each of you better. After that, all future sessions are strictly couple's sessions. I also offer personalized Intensives for couples in crisis.
Couples often reach out to me to fine-tune their communication or to address larger unresolved issues, including infidelity, substance abuse, a partner who shuts down or withdraws, anger, jealousy, and sexual dissatisfaction, among other reasons. Most couples just want to stop fighting, stop hurting, and regain closeness. My process starts with meeting both of you for the first meeting and then just once separately to get to know each of you better. After that, all future sessions are strictly couple's sessions. I also offer personalized Intensives for couples in crisis.
(678) 792-8800 View (678) 792-8800
Photo of Metta Sweet, LCSW, MAT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Metta Sweet
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MAT
Verified Verified
Atlanta, GA 30329
Whether you are facing life challenges such as relationship problems, addiction, work concerns, or health issues, you can move through with more elegance and ease. To me therapy is a gift--a gift of opportunity. An opportunity to heal from the past by increasing understanding of it and gleaning from it the gems that it holds. An opportunity to break long-held rigid patterns born of that past and to start consciously creating new, flexible ones. An opportunity to hold hope for a future free from the past that makes the present a time of freedom and choice.
Whether you are facing life challenges such as relationship problems, addiction, work concerns, or health issues, you can move through with more elegance and ease. To me therapy is a gift--a gift of opportunity. An opportunity to heal from the past by increasing understanding of it and gleaning from it the gems that it holds. An opportunity to break long-held rigid patterns born of that past and to start consciously creating new, flexible ones. An opportunity to hold hope for a future free from the past that makes the present a time of freedom and choice.
(404) 566-9249 View (404) 566-9249
Photo of Tina Black, LCSW, RYT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Tina Black
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, RYT
Verified Verified
Atlanta, GA 30327
Maximize the joy, happiness and fulfillment in your life. Let me help you navigate the challenging times, or reach even higher when things are good, to achieve the most positive life experience possible. Whether you are faced with mental health issues, personal or professional problems, or simply want to improve your day-to-day experience I can support and guide you through it. If you need more than therapy to meet your goals, I have the unique arrangement of working with a counselor who provides coaching and we can arrange a combination of services for a truly effective treatment experience.
Maximize the joy, happiness and fulfillment in your life. Let me help you navigate the challenging times, or reach even higher when things are good, to achieve the most positive life experience possible. Whether you are faced with mental health issues, personal or professional problems, or simply want to improve your day-to-day experience I can support and guide you through it. If you need more than therapy to meet your goals, I have the unique arrangement of working with a counselor who provides coaching and we can arrange a combination of services for a truly effective treatment experience.
(404) 491-8594 View (404) 491-8594
Photo of Dr. Elena Kim, PhD, Marriage & Family Therapist
Dr. Elena Kim
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD
Verified Verified
Atlanta, GA 30345
Did you grow up under abusive, narcissistic, or emotionally immature parents? You couldn't get along with them and their marriage or relationship was dysfunctional and unhealthy. You're afraid of repeating the same fights and hurtful behavior in your own intimate relationship. You're scared your partner doesn't "get" you and that s/he won't accept or leave you. Maybe you have a hard time understanding yourself and knowing why you treat your partner the way you do. If your parents were abusive, narcissistic, or emotionally immature, you don't have a model of what a healthy relationship looks like and you fear you'll end up like them.
Did you grow up under abusive, narcissistic, or emotionally immature parents? You couldn't get along with them and their marriage or relationship was dysfunctional and unhealthy. You're afraid of repeating the same fights and hurtful behavior in your own intimate relationship. You're scared your partner doesn't "get" you and that s/he won't accept or leave you. Maybe you have a hard time understanding yourself and knowing why you treat your partner the way you do. If your parents were abusive, narcissistic, or emotionally immature, you don't have a model of what a healthy relationship looks like and you fear you'll end up like them.
(470) 592-8780 View (470) 592-8780
Photo of Amy T Scully, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Amy T Scully
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30309
I believe that behind every problem lies the powerful desire for something better. In addition to working with couples and families, my expertise is in therapy with adolescents (13+) and adults, both gay and straight. I use research-based therapies that offer practical methods and skills that build emotional flexibility, self-awareness and resilience. Many of my clients are working to become free of self-defeating patterns resulting from emotional neglect in early or adolescent development. My typical client is intelligent and responsible as well as anxious and stressed, lonely, depressed or angry.
I believe that behind every problem lies the powerful desire for something better. In addition to working with couples and families, my expertise is in therapy with adolescents (13+) and adults, both gay and straight. I use research-based therapies that offer practical methods and skills that build emotional flexibility, self-awareness and resilience. Many of my clients are working to become free of self-defeating patterns resulting from emotional neglect in early or adolescent development. My typical client is intelligent and responsible as well as anxious and stressed, lonely, depressed or angry.
(404) 975-4713 View (404) 975-4713
Photo of J'lynn Harvey, MS, LAMFT, CCTP, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
J'lynn Harvey
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, LAMFT, CCTP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30309
Congratulations on taking the first step of your healing journey and the road to rediscovering you! I am passionate about helping teens, young adults, and couples identify and address the unique challenges they face. I specialize in working with individuals who are struggling to heal from relational trauma and issues due to infidelity, abandonment, abuse, divorce, codependency, bullying, and more. I love working with individuals who want to be in romantic relationships, by working through the hurts and traumas from previous relationships.
Congratulations on taking the first step of your healing journey and the road to rediscovering you! I am passionate about helping teens, young adults, and couples identify and address the unique challenges they face. I specialize in working with individuals who are struggling to heal from relational trauma and issues due to infidelity, abandonment, abuse, divorce, codependency, bullying, and more. I love working with individuals who want to be in romantic relationships, by working through the hurts and traumas from previous relationships.
(404) 800-7492 View (404) 800-7492
1
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.