Imago Therapists in Traverse City, MI
![Photo of Kim Clark, MA, LPC, NBCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/eabf0207-5c72-43a7-a0a1-77c8f5b3113c/1/320x400.png)
I love the work that I do in helping people learn how to find a fresh perspective on where they are, where they want to go, and how to get there. My gift is in my ability to easily connect with people and I create an environment where we work together to get results. In addition to face-to-face counseling, I am also a certified Life Coach and Tele-Counselor which means that we can work by phone/web, if needed. I have been practicing for over 20 years working with adults, couples, families and adolescents. I opened up Grace Counseling Professionals in an effort to bring counselors together to make a difference in our community.
I love the work that I do in helping people learn how to find a fresh perspective on where they are, where they want to go, and how to get there. My gift is in my ability to easily connect with people and I create an environment where we work together to get results. In addition to face-to-face counseling, I am also a certified Life Coach and Tele-Counselor which means that we can work by phone/web, if needed. I have been practicing for over 20 years working with adults, couples, families and adolescents. I opened up Grace Counseling Professionals in an effort to bring counselors together to make a difference in our community.
![Photo of Kathryn Penfold - Kathryn Penfold, M.Sc, LLP, BSW, MSc, LLP, Limited Licensed Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/45166f28-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kathryn Penfold, M.Sc, LLP
Limited Licensed Psychologist, BSW, MSc, LLP
Verified Verified
Traverse City, MI 49684
I employ a diverse approach to therapy based on my knowledge of psychological philosophies and techniques in conjunction with the personality and needs of each client.
I employ a diverse approach to therapy based on my knowledge of psychological philosophies and techniques in conjunction with the personality and needs of each client.
![Photo of Elizabeth Marie Tekinski, PhD, LPC, NCC, BC-TMH, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ccd7754f-8ac2-4ae0-840f-ed85958c1466/2/320x400.jpeg)
Elizabeth Marie Tekinski
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, NCC, BC-TMH
Verified Verified
Traverse City, MI 49684
Not accepting new clients
WELCOME! I am so glad you are here. As a pain psychotherapist (etymologically, “psychotherapist” means an “attendant of the soul”), I begin with the conviction that transformation is only possible in the context of a safe and trusting relationship and that your highest Self already knows what it needs to heal. I also am of the Palliative Care Philosophy that “True Pain” consists of at least five dimensions: physical, psychological, emotional, social, and spiritual/existential.
WELCOME! I am so glad you are here. As a pain psychotherapist (etymologically, “psychotherapist” means an “attendant of the soul”), I begin with the conviction that transformation is only possible in the context of a safe and trusting relationship and that your highest Self already knows what it needs to heal. I also am of the Palliative Care Philosophy that “True Pain” consists of at least five dimensions: physical, psychological, emotional, social, and spiritual/existential.
![Photo of Stacey R. Krause, LMSW, ACSW, GC-C, CCATP, CCTP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6dd8376a-bb34-49d5-8175-f543a0dc2e5d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Stacey R. Krause
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, ACSW, GC-C, CCATP, CCTP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Traverse City, MI 49696 (Online Only)
I have been working with individuals and couples for 26 years. I see ages 14 and up. I enjoy helping couples and teens. My interests include communication skills, anger management, self-harm, relationship issues, parenting, depression, bi-polar and adjustment disorders. I also am an LGBTQ+ ally and military friendly.
I have been working with individuals and couples for 26 years. I see ages 14 and up. I enjoy helping couples and teens. My interests include communication skills, anger management, self-harm, relationship issues, parenting, depression, bi-polar and adjustment disorders. I also am an LGBTQ+ ally and military friendly.
![Photo of Tracy Mallwitz, LCPC, LPC, CAADC, SAP, CCS](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/467e4454-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Tracy Mallwitz
Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC, LPC, CAADC, SAP, CCS
Verified Verified
Traverse City, MI 49685 (Online Only)
Licensed in Maine and Michigan offering EMDR for trauma. I'm here to ignite positive transformation through the power of the therapist-client connection. Imagine a safe haven where your voice is heard, where every concern finds a comfortable space for discussion, no matter its size. I'm your partner on this journey, using a strengths-based approach to uncover the roots of thoughts, feelings, and actions, offering unwavering support and deep empathy for your healing.
Licensed in Maine and Michigan offering EMDR for trauma. I'm here to ignite positive transformation through the power of the therapist-client connection. Imagine a safe haven where your voice is heard, where every concern finds a comfortable space for discussion, no matter its size. I'm your partner on this journey, using a strengths-based approach to uncover the roots of thoughts, feelings, and actions, offering unwavering support and deep empathy for your healing.
![Photo of Shawn Johnson, PhD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8aa85c3c-a664-4ed5-ab6b-885c4711f62f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Shawn Johnson
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Traverse City, MI 49686 (Online Only)
Are you seeking emotional support for yourself, your marriage or family? 'Sometimes feel caught in destructive conflicts with those you love? Are you or someone close to you impacted by a serious medical diagnosis? Or have you lost a beloved person in your life? These experiences and many others, can lead us to feel devastated or out of control. Therapy as a strength building relationship in which we explore your most challenging life stories with privacy, compassion and without judgment. When we meet, I'll invite you to set aside your day to day stressors and focus on new ways to improve your life.
Are you seeking emotional support for yourself, your marriage or family? 'Sometimes feel caught in destructive conflicts with those you love? Are you or someone close to you impacted by a serious medical diagnosis? Or have you lost a beloved person in your life? These experiences and many others, can lead us to feel devastated or out of control. Therapy as a strength building relationship in which we explore your most challenging life stories with privacy, compassion and without judgment. When we meet, I'll invite you to set aside your day to day stressors and focus on new ways to improve your life.
![Photo of Samantha Strachan, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6c9cfbef-0379-4b8a-a3ce-5156a5053409/2/320x400.jpeg)
Samantha Strachan
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Traverse City, MI 49685 (Online Only)
With the ease and flexibility of teletherapy, join me from the comfort of your own home on our therapy journey together! The courage it takes to acknowledge the impact of life stressors on your confidence and emotional wellbeing can feel monumental. The expectation to navigate individual, family and life transitions without a supportive guide can feel crippling especially while struggling to find healthy ways of thinking and problem solving. Together we can work on: Improving mental health - Increasing self-awareness and self-esteem - Enhancing interpersonal relationships - Increase resilience & ability to manage life's challenges
With the ease and flexibility of teletherapy, join me from the comfort of your own home on our therapy journey together! The courage it takes to acknowledge the impact of life stressors on your confidence and emotional wellbeing can feel monumental. The expectation to navigate individual, family and life transitions without a supportive guide can feel crippling especially while struggling to find healthy ways of thinking and problem solving. Together we can work on: Improving mental health - Increasing self-awareness and self-esteem - Enhancing interpersonal relationships - Increase resilience & ability to manage life's challenges
More Therapists Nearby
Specializing in; Treatment of co-occurring issues of substance abuse and mental health disorders, relationships therapy, child and adolescent treatment, child custody cases, post traumatic stress disorders and geriatric care. Specialized program development, corporate and organizational development. International and multi cultural treatment with international based therapists.
Specializing in; Treatment of co-occurring issues of substance abuse and mental health disorders, relationships therapy, child and adolescent treatment, child custody cases, post traumatic stress disorders and geriatric care. Specialized program development, corporate and organizational development. International and multi cultural treatment with international based therapists.
Online Therapists
![Photo of Carol Ann Robinson - Carol Robinson, MA, LPC Counseling Services, PLLC, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/43dfd1b8-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Carol Robinson, MA, LPC Counseling Services, PLLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Midland, MI 48640
I have 22 years experience in working with adults, teens (13+), couples and families. Counseling is a means for an individual, couple or family to take charge of their lives. My role is to advocate for the changes that you decide on making. Counseling is a team effort! I am committed to helping you reach your goals and direct you to other resources if/as needed. Empowerment, growth and change can all be accomplished though counseling.
I have 22 years experience in working with adults, teens (13+), couples and families. Counseling is a means for an individual, couple or family to take charge of their lives. My role is to advocate for the changes that you decide on making. Counseling is a team effort! I am committed to helping you reach your goals and direct you to other resources if/as needed. Empowerment, growth and change can all be accomplished though counseling.
![Photo of Amy McDonald, MA, LPC, CST, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e5f0642a-9e52-4075-976c-484f9c23b3fc/2/320x400.jpeg)
Amy McDonald
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, CST
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Midland, MI 48640
You may be struggling with understanding why you are unable to connect intimately with your partner(s) or struggling with sexual difficulties following cancer or childbirth. Have you experienced religious based shame around sexuality? Have you experienced trauma that has left an impact on your emotional, sexual, and relational functioning? You are not alone! When we can find and operate from our authentic self, we can form meaningful relationships and heal and recover from traumatic experiences.
You may be struggling with understanding why you are unable to connect intimately with your partner(s) or struggling with sexual difficulties following cancer or childbirth. Have you experienced religious based shame around sexuality? Have you experienced trauma that has left an impact on your emotional, sexual, and relational functioning? You are not alone! When we can find and operate from our authentic self, we can form meaningful relationships and heal and recover from traumatic experiences.
See more therapy options for Traverse City
Nearby Searches for Traverse City
- Acme
- Benzonia
- Beulah
- Elk Rapids
- Frankfort
- Glen Arbor
- Interlochen
- Kalkaska
- Kingsley
- Lake Leelanau
- Suttons Bay
- Williamsburg
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.