Imago Therapists in Raleigh, NC
![Photo of Michael Rosen, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/43fb3fb9-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have therapy games for children/teens and with couples use an imago framework to better understand and build a more healthy relationship.
I have worked with a very diverse population and like to start with what my clients identify as their needs. Though I'm active and make observations and give guidance, I will quickly make it known to you that I want your feedback even if it is different from mine. This includes my work with adolescents and children as i know they are often reluctant with therapy yet want to be heard and this is how i join with them. Please think of your goals before coming in because this way you can determine if you are satisfied with my services. I am happy at this time to also offer Telepsych therapy sessions as an option
I have therapy games for children/teens and with couples use an imago framework to better understand and build a more healthy relationship.
I have worked with a very diverse population and like to start with what my clients identify as their needs. Though I'm active and make observations and give guidance, I will quickly make it known to you that I want your feedback even if it is different from mine. This includes my work with adolescents and children as i know they are often reluctant with therapy yet want to be heard and this is how i join with them. Please think of your goals before coming in because this way you can determine if you are satisfied with my services. I am happy at this time to also offer Telepsych therapy sessions as an option
![Photo of Carolyn R Craft, PsyD, MDiv, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c0b1ced-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I also incorporate Psychoanalytic Theory, Compassionate Nonviolent Communication, Heart-Math Theory, Imago Therapy, Family Systems Therapy, Mindfulness Practices, EMDR, and where requested, non-religious spiritual counseling, and more.
When your thoughts or actions do not match your feelings, or you find that certain relationships are a problem, it could be time to explore what hidden patterns might be impacting your life. Because you are always in relationship to those in your world, whether family, work, or with a significant other; it is important to find ways to calm overwhelming emotions, overcome negative feelings, develop effective communication skills and discover the real issues in your life. In a non-invasive therapy environment, together we will build permanent resources to support you in being who you truly want to be.
I also incorporate Psychoanalytic Theory, Compassionate Nonviolent Communication, Heart-Math Theory, Imago Therapy, Family Systems Therapy, Mindfulness Practices, EMDR, and where requested, non-religious spiritual counseling, and more.
When your thoughts or actions do not match your feelings, or you find that certain relationships are a problem, it could be time to explore what hidden patterns might be impacting your life. Because you are always in relationship to those in your world, whether family, work, or with a significant other; it is important to find ways to calm overwhelming emotions, overcome negative feelings, develop effective communication skills and discover the real issues in your life. In a non-invasive therapy environment, together we will build permanent resources to support you in being who you truly want to be.
![Photo of Carol Lynn Battle-Ferguson - Carol Battle-Ferguson, LCMHC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/aa346efe-d649-48f5-8e1b-dd4ce3f64cf1/3/320x400.jpeg)
Carol Battle-Ferguson
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27658 (Online Only)
Calling All Women, especially Single Women. You know, sometimes life will throw you a curve, making it difficult to get back on track. I have been counseling for over (20) years. My primary focus has been with concerns on anxiety, depression, grief and self-esteem. Clients' counseling issues include personal, emotional, professional, and relationship problems. When appropriate, I will use Christian Counseling. I will use play therapy, and expressive art therapy techniques with clients. I want you to be healed, mind, body and soul.
Calling All Women, especially Single Women. You know, sometimes life will throw you a curve, making it difficult to get back on track. I have been counseling for over (20) years. My primary focus has been with concerns on anxiety, depression, grief and self-esteem. Clients' counseling issues include personal, emotional, professional, and relationship problems. When appropriate, I will use Christian Counseling. I will use play therapy, and expressive art therapy techniques with clients. I want you to be healed, mind, body and soul.
![Photo of Lori Brinkley, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/acf5d312-fcb4-4044-9b1e-83a14ab4c7f3/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hi, I'm so happy you're here! My name is Lori Brinkley and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 23 years of clinical experience. I treat a wide range of areas including trauma, abuse, depression, anxiety, postpartum, adult children of alcoholics, co-dependency, parenting/co-parenting, boundaries, divorce, caretaking, work-life balance, adoptees, and couples feeling disconnected and isolated. I also provide "couple's counseling for one" which is when one partner is not ready for therapy, where I meet with the willing participant to learn new tools, coping skills, & boundaries to implement in their relationship.
Hi, I'm so happy you're here! My name is Lori Brinkley and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 23 years of clinical experience. I treat a wide range of areas including trauma, abuse, depression, anxiety, postpartum, adult children of alcoholics, co-dependency, parenting/co-parenting, boundaries, divorce, caretaking, work-life balance, adoptees, and couples feeling disconnected and isolated. I also provide "couple's counseling for one" which is when one partner is not ready for therapy, where I meet with the willing participant to learn new tools, coping skills, & boundaries to implement in their relationship.
![Photo of Alyssa Doberstein, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d7e79e2d-4394-41b6-816b-213894324eb7/2/320x400.jpeg)
Alyssa Doberstein
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27612
Finding a therapist that you connect with and feel understood by is an integral part of therapy. I help people work towards improved connection within themselves, their relationships, and their sexuality. At times we may struggle to communicate and connect with our partners, experience a lack of passion and romance, or have difficulty managing life struggles, distressing events, or conflict in our relationships. Therapy can be a chance to rediscover yourself, your relationships, and heal from painful life experiences while exploring new skills and resources to grow and develop increased relationship and life satisfaction.
Finding a therapist that you connect with and feel understood by is an integral part of therapy. I help people work towards improved connection within themselves, their relationships, and their sexuality. At times we may struggle to communicate and connect with our partners, experience a lack of passion and romance, or have difficulty managing life struggles, distressing events, or conflict in our relationships. Therapy can be a chance to rediscover yourself, your relationships, and heal from painful life experiences while exploring new skills and resources to grow and develop increased relationship and life satisfaction.
![Photo of Julie A Hovrud, MSW, LCSW, CCTP, CMIP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4bb5e3ab-1d0f-4c9e-bc1e-fc1786ec8eaf/1/320x400.jpeg)
Julie A Hovrud
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, CCTP, CMIP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27614 (Online Only)
Addressing challenges in our personal life is not easy. While a common reaction to difficulties and challenges is to attempt to avoid them, it seldom solves the problem. Friends can help with some struggles in life, while other challenges need unbiased, emotional support from a professional. I utilize compassion and practical feedback to help you effectively address these difficulties and challenges. My style of therapy utilizes an eclectic approach to personalize and tailor the therapy to your needs. I help individuals and couples recognize and build on strengths to attain growth and help facilitate change to enrich your life.
Addressing challenges in our personal life is not easy. While a common reaction to difficulties and challenges is to attempt to avoid them, it seldom solves the problem. Friends can help with some struggles in life, while other challenges need unbiased, emotional support from a professional. I utilize compassion and practical feedback to help you effectively address these difficulties and challenges. My style of therapy utilizes an eclectic approach to personalize and tailor the therapy to your needs. I help individuals and couples recognize and build on strengths to attain growth and help facilitate change to enrich your life.
![Photo of Colleen Cash, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f7188e42-e62a-4375-849a-93603ed92c83/1/320x400.png)
Hello! I am a counselor licensed in North and South Carolina with over 22 years of experience. I’ve worked with a wide variety of issues including depression, anxiety, family and parenting issues, ADHD, behavioral issues, and more. I determine effective therapy strategies for each unique client, and employ a combination of Cognitive Behavioral, Schema Focused, Narrative, and Brief Solution Focused techniques. My clients tell me they appreciate that I am direct, honest, and hold them accountable, while also being compassionate. I am very practical and teach techniques that can be applied to most all situations in life.
Hello! I am a counselor licensed in North and South Carolina with over 22 years of experience. I’ve worked with a wide variety of issues including depression, anxiety, family and parenting issues, ADHD, behavioral issues, and more. I determine effective therapy strategies for each unique client, and employ a combination of Cognitive Behavioral, Schema Focused, Narrative, and Brief Solution Focused techniques. My clients tell me they appreciate that I am direct, honest, and hold them accountable, while also being compassionate. I am very practical and teach techniques that can be applied to most all situations in life.
![Photo of Andrea Garcia, MSW, LCSWA, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a9e9011c-543b-4f0f-a3cf-cc29c24e19bc/2/320x400.jpeg)
Andrea Garcia
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSWA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27605
Hi there! I'm so excited to connect with you. I'm a bilingual Latina and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate (LCSWA). I offer therapy in both English and Spanish to teens, young adults, and couples. My focus areas include anxiety, depression, life transitions, family dynamics, relationship conflict, self-esteem, and managing stress. My goal is to create a personalized therapeutic journey for each person, centered around what resonates most with their individual needs and experiences while creating a warm, compassionate, and comfortable therapeutic space.
Hi there! I'm so excited to connect with you. I'm a bilingual Latina and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate (LCSWA). I offer therapy in both English and Spanish to teens, young adults, and couples. My focus areas include anxiety, depression, life transitions, family dynamics, relationship conflict, self-esteem, and managing stress. My goal is to create a personalized therapeutic journey for each person, centered around what resonates most with their individual needs and experiences while creating a warm, compassionate, and comfortable therapeutic space.
![Photo of Sarah C Stevens - Sarah Stevens Therapy , LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b355fef9-7df7-4030-82d7-765f1b33e3c7/1/320x400.jpeg)
I believe that every human is shaped by an interplay of factors that come from within and without the person. That is to say that the power of therapy comes from a deeper understanding of the forces inside and out that shape a person into a unique individual. I also find that the center of psychotherapy is the relationship--the relationship with those in one’s life, the relationship with the therapist, and the relationship with oneself. Whether you are seeking therapy to find a deeper purpose in your life, or you are experiencing life’s challenges in the form of pain, anxiety, depression, loss, or conflict, I am here to help.
I believe that every human is shaped by an interplay of factors that come from within and without the person. That is to say that the power of therapy comes from a deeper understanding of the forces inside and out that shape a person into a unique individual. I also find that the center of psychotherapy is the relationship--the relationship with those in one’s life, the relationship with the therapist, and the relationship with oneself. Whether you are seeking therapy to find a deeper purpose in your life, or you are experiencing life’s challenges in the form of pain, anxiety, depression, loss, or conflict, I am here to help.
![Photo of Michelle Topal, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1625db22-29ee-4168-9e44-5571d4a51f6a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Michelle Topal
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27615
Appointments Available. If you are looking for someone who understands the stress for many of us in these divisive, uncertain political times & is easy to talk to? Or are along the sexual or gender continuum (LGBTQ+/TGD), looking for someone who gets it? Or are having problems in your most important relationship(s)... I'm here to help. As an out queer person, I've been helping the LGBTQ+ community, as well as teens, parents, & partners, feel heard, cared for, accepted & understood for over 30 years. I create an authentic, safe, affirming space to explore & grow. I look forward to being an encouraging voice to help you find your own.
Appointments Available. If you are looking for someone who understands the stress for many of us in these divisive, uncertain political times & is easy to talk to? Or are along the sexual or gender continuum (LGBTQ+/TGD), looking for someone who gets it? Or are having problems in your most important relationship(s)... I'm here to help. As an out queer person, I've been helping the LGBTQ+ community, as well as teens, parents, & partners, feel heard, cared for, accepted & understood for over 30 years. I create an authentic, safe, affirming space to explore & grow. I look forward to being an encouraging voice to help you find your own.
![Photo of Hadley Richarde, CMT, CNMT, CMBLC, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a4c013aa-4c81-456f-943f-f776fa824a18/1/320x400.jpeg)
I'm here to help people who are ready to blossom. I tend to attract people ready to really live, to find out who they truly are, and to break free. I've been doing this work for 24 years now, have worked with world-class coaches, counselors, psychologists, social workers and trainers, and offer a great deal of personal experience with marriage, parenting, alternative lifestyles, body positivity and trauma recovery.
I'm here to help people who are ready to blossom. I tend to attract people ready to really live, to find out who they truly are, and to break free. I've been doing this work for 24 years now, have worked with world-class coaches, counselors, psychologists, social workers and trainers, and offer a great deal of personal experience with marriage, parenting, alternative lifestyles, body positivity and trauma recovery.
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![Photo of Kerry Paksoy, MA, LCMHC, LCAS](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f76b3b3-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kerry Paksoy
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MA, LCMHC, LCAS
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27609
As a therapist I am intuitive, humorous, and respectful. I pride myself in forming comfortable relationships with my clients and truly believe that all people can be happy. If nothing else, this is my goal for our work together. I am willing to bet there are things you are already doing to improve your situation and, you may not be noticing the good you are causing in your life. I hope together we can decide what is helping you, what could be helping you, and add significantly to your ability to roll with life's up's and down's.
As a therapist I am intuitive, humorous, and respectful. I pride myself in forming comfortable relationships with my clients and truly believe that all people can be happy. If nothing else, this is my goal for our work together. I am willing to bet there are things you are already doing to improve your situation and, you may not be noticing the good you are causing in your life. I hope together we can decide what is helping you, what could be helping you, and add significantly to your ability to roll with life's up's and down's.
![Photo of Kinga Gudor @ Deep Connections Counseling, PhD, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2c32e01c-cf4a-4c9a-87f6-c1e79bcc261e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kinga Gudor @ Deep Connections Counseling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27609 (Online Only)
Do you feel disconnected and lonely in your relationship? I can help you re-connect and feel again the bond you once had. I use Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy ( EFT), an attachment based therapy method. I am also trained in EMDR ( Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing), ACT ( Acceptance and Commitment Therapy- a combination of CBT and mindfulness techniques) and IFS ( Internal Family Systems ) which are helpful in processing trauma.
Do you feel disconnected and lonely in your relationship? I can help you re-connect and feel again the bond you once had. I use Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy ( EFT), an attachment based therapy method. I am also trained in EMDR ( Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing), ACT ( Acceptance and Commitment Therapy- a combination of CBT and mindfulness techniques) and IFS ( Internal Family Systems ) which are helpful in processing trauma.
![Photo of Paige Orlandi-Holmes, MEd, LCMHC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/65638133-35f9-41de-8041-0f25b4abe063/2/320x400.jpeg)
Paige Orlandi-Holmes
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MEd, LCMHC
Verified Verified
19 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27607
Waitlist for new clients
Accepting New Clients. Our world today can be such a loud, chaotic, unpredictable place - and we are all feeling it, especially post COVID. Life can knock us to the ground and then lift us up to the highest of highs. None of us are immune to pain, but this is of course what makes us human. If you choose to work with me, I will be someone who can support you, encourage you to grow with self-discovery, guide you towards a greater sense of well-being, and help you feel empowered to manage life’s ups and downs.
Accepting New Clients. Our world today can be such a loud, chaotic, unpredictable place - and we are all feeling it, especially post COVID. Life can knock us to the ground and then lift us up to the highest of highs. None of us are immune to pain, but this is of course what makes us human. If you choose to work with me, I will be someone who can support you, encourage you to grow with self-discovery, guide you towards a greater sense of well-being, and help you feel empowered to manage life’s ups and downs.
![Photo of Wendy Lehnertz, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9771aed9-4aaf-472a-be33-daab38c13fe3/1/320x400.jpeg)
Wendy Lehnertz
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27603 (Online Only)
As a Licensed Therapist in both Arizona and North Carolina, I provide residents of both states the convenience of telehealth services from the comfort and privacy of your own home. I have over twenty years of experience working with individuals and couples struggling with destructive relationship patterns, post traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, sexual and intimacy disruptions (such as infidelity, sexual addiction, past sexual abuse, etc), trauma and abuse, domestic violence, depression, and grief.
As a Licensed Therapist in both Arizona and North Carolina, I provide residents of both states the convenience of telehealth services from the comfort and privacy of your own home. I have over twenty years of experience working with individuals and couples struggling with destructive relationship patterns, post traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, sexual and intimacy disruptions (such as infidelity, sexual addiction, past sexual abuse, etc), trauma and abuse, domestic violence, depression, and grief.
![Photo of Michelle Chachkes, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c230dc05-7e0b-4e89-8da8-5538070b3973/3/320x400.jpeg)
Michelle Chachkes
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27615 (Online Only)
Accepting New Clients: "Life is a journey...Everyone needs a guide sometimes". Therapy is a a process where we work to uncover the conflicts in our lives and create the awareness to change our behaviors, Do you have a relationship that you are struggling with? or feeling angry and want to learn how to go with the flow? There are a lot of factors that create stress in our lives some we can't control but we can learn how to cope with it and change the things we do have control over. Together, we will determine your goals and explore the possible strategies that will help you feel successful on your journey.
Accepting New Clients: "Life is a journey...Everyone needs a guide sometimes". Therapy is a a process where we work to uncover the conflicts in our lives and create the awareness to change our behaviors, Do you have a relationship that you are struggling with? or feeling angry and want to learn how to go with the flow? There are a lot of factors that create stress in our lives some we can't control but we can learn how to cope with it and change the things we do have control over. Together, we will determine your goals and explore the possible strategies that will help you feel successful on your journey.
![Photo of Tanya St. Julien Denson - Hidden Stream Counseling, MA, LCMHC, NCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3fefbd2b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/4/320x400.jpeg)
Hidden Stream Counseling
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MA, LCMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27605
Waitlist for new clients
I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor and National Certified Counselor located in Raleigh, NC with experience in working with adults, adolescents, couples, and families within individual and group settings . I also have experience in working with individuals diagnosed with mental illnesses and substance abuse and those without. I work with a variety of populations and client demographics. My desire is to help you face your challenges and succeed regardless of the circumstance(s).
I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor and National Certified Counselor located in Raleigh, NC with experience in working with adults, adolescents, couples, and families within individual and group settings . I also have experience in working with individuals diagnosed with mental illnesses and substance abuse and those without. I work with a variety of populations and client demographics. My desire is to help you face your challenges and succeed regardless of the circumstance(s).
![Photo of Adina Ambar Middleman, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/449647e1-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Adina Ambar Middleman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27609
Waitlist for new clients
Life sends unexpected events our way and it's important to find resources to help us cope, heal, and move beyond adversity. I have served an eclectic population in my 20+ years as a social worker and therapist. I believe my experiences both in and out of the therapy office have enhanced my ability to provide empathetic and multi-faceted clinical treatment to adolescents, adults, couples and families. My expertise and interests focus on life's varying transitions. I enjoy working with those who may be struggling with family dynamics, relationship pain, school/work stressors and/or identity issues.
Life sends unexpected events our way and it's important to find resources to help us cope, heal, and move beyond adversity. I have served an eclectic population in my 20+ years as a social worker and therapist. I believe my experiences both in and out of the therapy office have enhanced my ability to provide empathetic and multi-faceted clinical treatment to adolescents, adults, couples and families. My expertise and interests focus on life's varying transitions. I enjoy working with those who may be struggling with family dynamics, relationship pain, school/work stressors and/or identity issues.
![Photo of Paige Armstrong, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/59290a7a-e76a-4e14-a47c-294aed32d4bc/2/320x400.jpeg)
Paige Armstrong
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27607
'Go confidently in the direction of your dreams...Live the life you've imagined' --Thoreau. Whether you are "surviving or thriving", I am skilled in helping you bring greater fulfillment and wholeness to your life. I partner with high achievers and their loved ones on their journey from self-discovery to enrichment-who have experienced addiction and/or trauma-to “dis the dysfunction™” and build healthy, connected, intimate, thriving relationships in life and love. If you want to heal the “roots” of shame, guilt, loneliness, unworthiness, inadequacy, not good enough, or having to be perfect- that block healthy love- I teach you how!
'Go confidently in the direction of your dreams...Live the life you've imagined' --Thoreau. Whether you are "surviving or thriving", I am skilled in helping you bring greater fulfillment and wholeness to your life. I partner with high achievers and their loved ones on their journey from self-discovery to enrichment-who have experienced addiction and/or trauma-to “dis the dysfunction™” and build healthy, connected, intimate, thriving relationships in life and love. If you want to heal the “roots” of shame, guilt, loneliness, unworthiness, inadequacy, not good enough, or having to be perfect- that block healthy love- I teach you how!
![Photo of Chantia Carter - Art of Peace Wellness, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4183bfa4-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Art of Peace Wellness
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27615 (Online Only)
Misson: Group counseling and individual therapy for healers, helpers, & heroes... Are you feeling unmotivated or depressed on your job? Do you work or live with challenging people who cause you to often feel burnt-out, stressed-out or tired? Helping you decrease overall stress levels and ward off exhaustion, compassion fatigue, and secondary traumatic stress is the goal. Being a helper comes with a cost. I want to partner with you toward the objective of innovative "soul-utions", promoting healing for your mind, body, and soul. Let me help you master your peace. August is National Wellness Month, this is the perfect time to begin!
Misson: Group counseling and individual therapy for healers, helpers, & heroes... Are you feeling unmotivated or depressed on your job? Do you work or live with challenging people who cause you to often feel burnt-out, stressed-out or tired? Helping you decrease overall stress levels and ward off exhaustion, compassion fatigue, and secondary traumatic stress is the goal. Being a helper comes with a cost. I want to partner with you toward the objective of innovative "soul-utions", promoting healing for your mind, body, and soul. Let me help you master your peace. August is National Wellness Month, this is the perfect time to begin!
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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.