Imago Therapists in Woodstock, GA

Photo of Ilene L Cooper, LCSW, CIRT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Ilene L Cooper
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CIRT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Woodstock, GA 30188  (Online Only)
I am a licensed clinical social worker and have extensive training in relationship counseling, including; Emotionally Focused Relationship counseling, Imago, and Drs.
Counseling is provided in a supportive atmosphere to find new solutions with the issues you are struggling with. Professional counseling is provided to assist individuals with relationships, diminish stress, and to achieve clarity and confidence about goals and personal desires. Helping clients reach their potential in pursuits that they feel is important is a priority. Each individual is given care and attention to begin to understand the reasons that have led to current difficulties. Goals are established collaboratively to achieve relief and lasting change.
I am a licensed clinical social worker and have extensive training in relationship counseling, including; Emotionally Focused Relationship counseling, Imago, and Drs.
Counseling is provided in a supportive atmosphere to find new solutions with the issues you are struggling with. Professional counseling is provided to assist individuals with relationships, diminish stress, and to achieve clarity and confidence about goals and personal desires. Helping clients reach their potential in pursuits that they feel is important is a priority. Each individual is given care and attention to begin to understand the reasons that have led to current difficulties. Goals are established collaboratively to achieve relief and lasting change.
(678) 245-6191 View (678) 245-6191
Photo of Chrischel Spence Ramsey, MS, LPC, CAADC, CCTP-II, Licensed Professional Counselor
Chrischel Spence Ramsey
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, CAADC, CCTP-II
Verified Verified
Woodstock, GA 30188
Waitlist for new clients
It takes courage to reach out and ask for help. Often times, we wait until we are in a significant amount of distress before we make the decision to seek out a therapist. Take steps now before you get to a crisis. Therapy has proven to be helpful with a variety of issues. If you are going through a rough season of life, I can help. I have over twenty-eight years of experience and my approach is supportive and collaborative. I provide a warm and safe environment to explore your issues objectively.
It takes courage to reach out and ask for help. Often times, we wait until we are in a significant amount of distress before we make the decision to seek out a therapist. Take steps now before you get to a crisis. Therapy has proven to be helpful with a variety of issues. If you are going through a rough season of life, I can help. I have over twenty-eight years of experience and my approach is supportive and collaborative. I provide a warm and safe environment to explore your issues objectively.
(678) 701-6598 View (678) 701-6598
Photo of Jason S Rhoads, NCC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jason S Rhoads
Licensed Professional Counselor, NCC, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Woodstock, GA 30188
Recover your life! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who specializes in addictions, anxiety, depression, situational change, relationship issues, and codependency. I understand that life can be very confusing and painful at times.
Recover your life! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who specializes in addictions, anxiety, depression, situational change, relationship issues, and codependency. I understand that life can be very confusing and painful at times.
(404) 724-8319 View (404) 724-8319
Photo of Kelley Frazier - Turning Point Therapy, MFT, CCLS, MS, Marriage & Family Therapist
Turning Point Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, CCLS, MS
Verified Verified
Woodstock, GA 30189  (Online Only)
Kelley is a Family Therapist working with couples, families, and relationships. She has expertise with clients in person and online. Her style is friendly, warm, and engaging. She focuses on her client's strengths and resources, as well as the things they are currently doing right to enhance and develop ways to face the changes and challenges that bring them to therapy.
Kelley is a Family Therapist working with couples, families, and relationships. She has expertise with clients in person and online. Her style is friendly, warm, and engaging. She focuses on her client's strengths and resources, as well as the things they are currently doing right to enhance and develop ways to face the changes and challenges that bring them to therapy.
(912) 557-9173 View (912) 557-9173
Photo of Mindy A Gold, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Mindy A Gold
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Woodstock, GA 30188  (Online Only)
Welcome! My name is Mindy, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor dedicated to supporting individuals on their journey towards mental wellness and personal growth. With a deep passion for helping others, I have spent 14 years providing compassionate and effective counseling services to clients from diverse backgrounds. My approach to counseling is holistic and client-centered, ensuring that each individual's unique needs and experiences are respected and valued. I believe in creating a safe and non-judgmental space where clients can explore their thoughts and feelings, develop coping strategies, and build resilience.
Welcome! My name is Mindy, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor dedicated to supporting individuals on their journey towards mental wellness and personal growth. With a deep passion for helping others, I have spent 14 years providing compassionate and effective counseling services to clients from diverse backgrounds. My approach to counseling is holistic and client-centered, ensuring that each individual's unique needs and experiences are respected and valued. I believe in creating a safe and non-judgmental space where clients can explore their thoughts and feelings, develop coping strategies, and build resilience.
(470) 839-3697 View (470) 839-3697

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Andy Dishman, MA, MDiv, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Andy Dishman
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, MDiv, LPC
Verified Verified
Marietta, GA 30060
As a Certified Imago Relationship Therapist, I can help you and your partner learn the skills and tools to successfully navigate these ever changing waters.
Hi. I’m glad you found your way here. I want you to know that if you and your partner are in need of a little extra help to lovingly and kindly navigate these times of uncertainty, I am available. These days are unprecedented with big and important changes happening moment by moment. It is so important to feel and know we have a space in our most significant relationship where we can share, listen, and be heard. There is no greater time than now to feel like we have a partner who is walking along side us. I would welcome the opportunity to help you do just that. Together, you can get through this.
As a Certified Imago Relationship Therapist, I can help you and your partner learn the skills and tools to successfully navigate these ever changing waters.
Hi. I’m glad you found your way here. I want you to know that if you and your partner are in need of a little extra help to lovingly and kindly navigate these times of uncertainty, I am available. These days are unprecedented with big and important changes happening moment by moment. It is so important to feel and know we have a space in our most significant relationship where we can share, listen, and be heard. There is no greater time than now to feel like we have a partner who is walking along side us. I would welcome the opportunity to help you do just that. Together, you can get through this.
(678) 369-3032 View (678) 369-3032
Photo of Aaron Kirkwood - Counseling Associates for Well-Being
Counseling Associates for Well-Being
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Marietta, GA 30062
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 Carol L Moore - Counseling Innovations, MA, LPC, RPT-S, CPCS, CHT, Licensed Professional Counselor
Counseling Innovations
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, RPT-S, CPCS, CHT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Marietta, GA 30060
As a licensed professional counselor, my goal is to help individuals, couples, and families identify areas where change is needed to enhance growth, harmony, and balance in their lives. I take a holistic approach to therapy by incorporating a variety of therapeutic modalities into my practice including CBT, Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Psychodynamic Therapy, Person Centered Therapy, Family Systems Therapy, Imago Therapy, DBT, Mindfulness Based Therapy (i.e., meditation, guided imagery, deep breathing), Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Hypnotherapy, Play Therapy, Art Therapy, Sand Tray Therapy, and Animal Assisted Therapy.
As a licensed professional counselor, my goal is to help individuals, couples, and families identify areas where change is needed to enhance growth, harmony, and balance in their lives. I take a holistic approach to therapy by incorporating a variety of therapeutic modalities into my practice including CBT, Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Psychodynamic Therapy, Person Centered Therapy, Family Systems Therapy, Imago Therapy, DBT, Mindfulness Based Therapy (i.e., meditation, guided imagery, deep breathing), Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Hypnotherapy, Play Therapy, Art Therapy, Sand Tray Therapy, and Animal Assisted Therapy.
(678) 919-1077 View (678) 919-1077
Photo of Cathy Mairin (Formerly Marakovits), LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Cathy Mairin (Formerly Marakovits)
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Kennesaw, GA 30152
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 Kwame Frimpong, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Kwame Frimpong
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Acworth, GA 30102
Hi there, I’m Dr. Kwame! My name is Dr. Kwame Frimpong, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) based in Atlanta, Georgia, and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with Couples and those who are dating and specialize porn addiction, infidelity, building trust, intimacy, communication, and conflict resolution, using Prepare-enriched, Gottman method and symbols for relationship enrichments, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and EMDR to help my clients make progress and start feeling better.
Hi there, I’m Dr. Kwame! My name is Dr. Kwame Frimpong, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) based in Atlanta, Georgia, and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with Couples and those who are dating and specialize porn addiction, infidelity, building trust, intimacy, communication, and conflict resolution, using Prepare-enriched, Gottman method and symbols for relationship enrichments, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and EMDR to help my clients make progress and start feeling better.
(470) 594-6493 View (470) 594-6493
Photo of Eutoka Quillings-Bland, MA, NCC, LPC, BC-TMH, CCTP-II, Licensed Professional Counselor
Eutoka Quillings-Bland
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, NCC, LPC, BC-TMH, CCTP-II
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Acworth, GA 30101
Relationships are hard work. You desire to be the individual that you are, but also try to figure out how to overcome the changes that being in a relationship can bring. Not all relationships are created equal. I want to help you cultivate a healthy relationship (whatever that may look like for you) as well as encourage a healthy relationship with yourself. I desire to provide you with a non-judgmental and empathetic environment where you feel safe to discuss your difficulties. It will be an honor for me to accompany you on your journey of realizing your potential, whether it be individually or in your relationship.
Relationships are hard work. You desire to be the individual that you are, but also try to figure out how to overcome the changes that being in a relationship can bring. Not all relationships are created equal. I want to help you cultivate a healthy relationship (whatever that may look like for you) as well as encourage a healthy relationship with yourself. I desire to provide you with a non-judgmental and empathetic environment where you feel safe to discuss your difficulties. It will be an honor for me to accompany you on your journey of realizing your potential, whether it be individually or in your relationship.
(770) 766-9185 View (770) 766-9185
Photo of Michael-Renee Godfrey, PsyD,RN, LPC,PCS, BC-TMH, CAMS-II, CFRC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Michael-Renee Godfrey
Licensed Professional Counselor, PsyD,RN, LPC,PCS, BC-TMH, CAMS-II, CFRC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Kennesaw, GA 30144
"If my aim is to prove I am enough, the project goes on to infinity; because the battle was already lost on the day I conceded the issue was debatable." ~Nathaniel Branden. As an experiential therapist, I "name the elephant in the room" & help clients navigate obstacles denying them pure joy in living. I work with clients to get out of their own way, embrace their power, choose "gutz over fear," & not let their worst enemy be between their own two ears. My clients learn the power & responsibility of choice, self-compassion when self-esteem fails, respect in accountability, grace when failing forward, and celebration & love of self.
"If my aim is to prove I am enough, the project goes on to infinity; because the battle was already lost on the day I conceded the issue was debatable." ~Nathaniel Branden. As an experiential therapist, I "name the elephant in the room" & help clients navigate obstacles denying them pure joy in living. I work with clients to get out of their own way, embrace their power, choose "gutz over fear," & not let their worst enemy be between their own two ears. My clients learn the power & responsibility of choice, self-compassion when self-esteem fails, respect in accountability, grace when failing forward, and celebration & love of self.
(678) 918-4076 View (678) 918-4076
The Marriage Point
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LPC, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Marietta, GA 30062
Your marriage is the most important relationship in your life. When your marriage is strong, the impact on your family life and your legacy can be transformative. We provide in-person and virtual therapeutic care via counseling sessions and groups for you and your spouse, your family, and yourself individually. Our goal is to help each individual and each couple experience the marital relationship the way it was intended to be: secure, intimate, and passionate. What sets us apart is our specialization in the marital relationship. Each of our clinicians and counselors have post graduate training in areas related to marital wellness.
Your marriage is the most important relationship in your life. When your marriage is strong, the impact on your family life and your legacy can be transformative. We provide in-person and virtual therapeutic care via counseling sessions and groups for you and your spouse, your family, and yourself individually. Our goal is to help each individual and each couple experience the marital relationship the way it was intended to be: secure, intimate, and passionate. What sets us apart is our specialization in the marital relationship. Each of our clinicians and counselors have post graduate training in areas related to marital wellness.
(770) 637-7586 View (770) 637-7586
Photo of Deborah A Russo, PsyD, MS,  MA, CES, Psychologist
Deborah A Russo
Psychologist, PsyD, MS, MA, CES
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Roswell, GA 30075
I am invested in helping individuals & couples navigate the challenges & milestones that surface in serious dating, pre-engagement, engagement, and married relationships. I am a certified facilitator for several evidence-based relationship-building inventory programs that help reduce vulnerability of a failed relationship. Research shows that most people wait until they are six years into a relationship before they reach for the help, direction, and support they need. I help intentional couples build resilient bonds by more deeply understanding one another through learning & practicing tools to enrich their relationship.
I am invested in helping individuals & couples navigate the challenges & milestones that surface in serious dating, pre-engagement, engagement, and married relationships. I am a certified facilitator for several evidence-based relationship-building inventory programs that help reduce vulnerability of a failed relationship. Research shows that most people wait until they are six years into a relationship before they reach for the help, direction, and support they need. I help intentional couples build resilient bonds by more deeply understanding one another through learning & practicing tools to enrich their relationship.
(678) 293-4203 View (678) 293-4203
Photo of Anna Baxter - Love Positive Counseling, LPC, CPCS, Licensed Professional Counselor
Love Positive Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CPCS
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
Roswell, GA 30075
We are passionate about providing a safe space for our clients to find internal and external peace by living and loving more authentically. If you want to foster more love for yourself, boost your self-esteem, confidence, authenticity, start here. We can alleviate depression, anxiety, uncertainty; and heal your pain and trauma. We believe everyone deserves empathy and support free of judgment. We particularly love working with people in or considering non-monogamous relationships and transgender or gender non-conforming youth. Office hours include evenings and weekends.
We are passionate about providing a safe space for our clients to find internal and external peace by living and loving more authentically. If you want to foster more love for yourself, boost your self-esteem, confidence, authenticity, start here. We can alleviate depression, anxiety, uncertainty; and heal your pain and trauma. We believe everyone deserves empathy and support free of judgment. We particularly love working with people in or considering non-monogamous relationships and transgender or gender non-conforming youth. Office hours include evenings and weekends.
(678) 210-9907 View (678) 210-9907
Photo of Roy A Blankenship | Csat| Emdr | Sex Addiction, LPC, LMFT, CSAT, EMDR, CAADC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Roy A Blankenship | Csat| Emdr | Sex Addiction
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LMFT, CSAT, EMDR, CAADC
Verified Verified
Kennesaw, GA 30144
Sometimes, life becomes overwhelming or seemingly out of control resulting in anxiety, sadness, depression, confusion, anger, or irritability, along with a feeling of being powerless and without options. Factors may be related to work, marriage, parenting, financial stress, addiction, infidelity, symptoms of past traumatic experience(s), and many other things. Is your situation draining your energy or keeping you awake at night resulting in tiredness and fatigue? Is your situation affecting your life in negative ways? I have been helping people discover solutions to these kinds of problems for 25 years. Let me help you today!
Sometimes, life becomes overwhelming or seemingly out of control resulting in anxiety, sadness, depression, confusion, anger, or irritability, along with a feeling of being powerless and without options. Factors may be related to work, marriage, parenting, financial stress, addiction, infidelity, symptoms of past traumatic experience(s), and many other things. Is your situation draining your energy or keeping you awake at night resulting in tiredness and fatigue? Is your situation affecting your life in negative ways? I have been helping people discover solutions to these kinds of problems for 25 years. Let me help you today!
(678) 820-6410 View (678) 820-6410
Photo of Harmony Anderson Ilenda, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Harmony Anderson Ilenda
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
Roswell, GA 30075
Any number of difficult circumstances and life challenges can bring you to pursue counseling. I have over 20 years of experience so I know I can help! Are you feeling stuck, anxious, or depressed? I offer a Faith-based and real-life approach to my counseling work. I enjoy working with individual as well as couples, both for marital therapy and premarital counseling. I want to help you foster deeper connections in your relationships and experience success in work, love, friends, and family. Let's begin this important work as soon as possible! Give me a call or email to schedule. I'm currently accepting new clients.
Any number of difficult circumstances and life challenges can bring you to pursue counseling. I have over 20 years of experience so I know I can help! Are you feeling stuck, anxious, or depressed? I offer a Faith-based and real-life approach to my counseling work. I enjoy working with individual as well as couples, both for marital therapy and premarital counseling. I want to help you foster deeper connections in your relationships and experience success in work, love, friends, and family. Let's begin this important work as soon as possible! Give me a call or email to schedule. I'm currently accepting new clients.
(404) 620-4248 View (404) 620-4248
Photo of Anne S. Mayfield, NCC, CSAT, RRT-P, Licensed Professional Counselor
Anne S. Mayfield
Licensed Professional Counselor, NCC, CSAT, RRT-P
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Marietta, GA 30062
As a certified RRT Practitioner and a CSAT offering psychotherapy, hypnotherapy, EMDR, and Rapid Resolution Therapy, I specialize in healing trauma as well as in sex, love, and relationship addiction. Counseling is, for me, about witnessing someone else's personal story and providing a safe place to experience the whole range of emotions. I provide a nurturing, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment in which to explore your issues. Together we will develop new strategies to help you deal with life's challenges so that you are better able to experience life's joys.
As a certified RRT Practitioner and a CSAT offering psychotherapy, hypnotherapy, EMDR, and Rapid Resolution Therapy, I specialize in healing trauma as well as in sex, love, and relationship addiction. Counseling is, for me, about witnessing someone else's personal story and providing a safe place to experience the whole range of emotions. I provide a nurturing, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment in which to explore your issues. Together we will develop new strategies to help you deal with life's challenges so that you are better able to experience life's joys.
(404) 238-7878 View (404) 238-7878
Photo of Eddie Reece, MS, LPC, BC-TMH, Licensed Professional Counselor
Eddie Reece
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, BC-TMH
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Roswell, GA 30075
Not getting along with someone, something or yourself? Would you like to improve your everyday situations and live a better life? Want to communicate effectively with loved ones and ones not so loved? Want to achieve more intimacy in loving relationships? Are you stressed or anxious? I can help. I'm committed to you living a better life, so if I don't work with your particular issue, I'll help you find someone who does. I may not become your therapist, but by contacting me, you'll be taking a big first step to living the life you want.
Not getting along with someone, something or yourself? Would you like to improve your everyday situations and live a better life? Want to communicate effectively with loved ones and ones not so loved? Want to achieve more intimacy in loving relationships? Are you stressed or anxious? I can help. I'm committed to you living a better life, so if I don't work with your particular issue, I'll help you find someone who does. I may not become your therapist, but by contacting me, you'll be taking a big first step to living the life you want.
(770) 450-5474 View (770) 450-5474
Photo of Alice Carpenter Bentley, MA, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Alice Carpenter Bentley
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, NCC
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Roswell, GA 30075
Thank you for considering me as your therapist. Finding or reaching out to a therapist for the first time can be intimidating, but I'm not. I'm honored to be able to work with you and I have a genuine desire to help. I have a primarily psychoanalytic orientation, although I use other therapeutic methods and techniques as needed. I work with family of origin issues, trauma, depression and anxiety, adjustment issues, addiction and relapse (post-rehab), PTSD, and with family of narcissists or those with borderline personality disorder. I welcome the chance to get to know you and talk to you about your goals.
Thank you for considering me as your therapist. Finding or reaching out to a therapist for the first time can be intimidating, but I'm not. I'm honored to be able to work with you and I have a genuine desire to help. I have a primarily psychoanalytic orientation, although I use other therapeutic methods and techniques as needed. I work with family of origin issues, trauma, depression and anxiety, adjustment issues, addiction and relapse (post-rehab), PTSD, and with family of narcissists or those with borderline personality disorder. I welcome the chance to get to know you and talk to you about your goals.
(678) 679-6716 View (678) 679-6716
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.