Imago Therapists in Silver Spring, MD
![Photo of Robyn S. Zeiger, PhD, LCPC, LPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/46e4cd48-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Other areas of special interest to me are pet loss issues, adult children of alcoholics, and couples' communication (I am a Certified IMAGO Relationship Therapist).
For the past 4 decades plus, I have specialized in LGBTQ issues. I currently focus on gender identity issues and assist my transgender clients with navigating their often challenging journeys. As an "out" cisgender lesbian practitioner, I strive to help my LGBTQ clients travel from a place of shame to pride. Much of our work centers on self- esteem and the ways in which homophobia and transphobia impact so many areas of our lives-including family, career, and our intimate relationships. I love animals and also do veterinary counseling and consulting. My style is interactive and casual. I highly value your confidentiality.
Other areas of special interest to me are pet loss issues, adult children of alcoholics, and couples' communication (I am a Certified IMAGO Relationship Therapist).
For the past 4 decades plus, I have specialized in LGBTQ issues. I currently focus on gender identity issues and assist my transgender clients with navigating their often challenging journeys. As an "out" cisgender lesbian practitioner, I strive to help my LGBTQ clients travel from a place of shame to pride. Much of our work centers on self- esteem and the ways in which homophobia and transphobia impact so many areas of our lives-including family, career, and our intimate relationships. I love animals and also do veterinary counseling and consulting. My style is interactive and casual. I highly value your confidentiality.
![Photo of Moshe Holzer](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ececf593-ad7d-4162-86d0-53dcefffd4f4/2/320x400.jpeg)
Moshe Holzer
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Silver Spring, MD 20902
I have a unique integrative approach incorporating CBT, Somatic work, IFS, Bowen Family Systems, Relational Life Therapy, Imago, and more.
No Crunch Counseling: Clear, Grounded, Connected. I provide a comfortable setting to understand what you are experiencing and learn skills to move forward. I help individuals, couples, and families gain clarity and connection. Relationships have the potential for love, understanding, and security. When this is not present, the effects can be painful and isolating. Our relationship with ourselves is the same way. We sometimes feel frustrated, stuck, or overwhelmed. With the right tools, we can have clear thinking, manage challenges, and feel content.
I have a unique integrative approach incorporating CBT, Somatic work, IFS, Bowen Family Systems, Relational Life Therapy, Imago, and more.
No Crunch Counseling: Clear, Grounded, Connected. I provide a comfortable setting to understand what you are experiencing and learn skills to move forward. I help individuals, couples, and families gain clarity and connection. Relationships have the potential for love, understanding, and security. When this is not present, the effects can be painful and isolating. Our relationship with ourselves is the same way. We sometimes feel frustrated, stuck, or overwhelmed. With the right tools, we can have clear thinking, manage challenges, and feel content.
![Photo of Paul E Ruffer, LCSW-C, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3fb96e6c-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Paul E Ruffer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, LICSW
Verified Verified
Silver Spring, MD 20902
As an Advanced Certified Imago Therapist, I help couples create connection and intimacy by using their conflicts to promote understanding, celebrate differences, and develop real partnership.
I work with individuals, couples, and families, focusing on relationship building, conflict and anger management, and coping with grief and loss. I help couples create a safe and nurturing bond that allows them to become close again and heal. No matter the issue that brings a couple, individual, or family into my office, they will all be learning a new way to look at relationship and be introduced to a toolkit of skills essential to staying in conversation and connection.
As an Advanced Certified Imago Therapist, I help couples create connection and intimacy by using their conflicts to promote understanding, celebrate differences, and develop real partnership.
I work with individuals, couples, and families, focusing on relationship building, conflict and anger management, and coping with grief and loss. I help couples create a safe and nurturing bond that allows them to become close again and heal. No matter the issue that brings a couple, individual, or family into my office, they will all be learning a new way to look at relationship and be introduced to a toolkit of skills essential to staying in conversation and connection.
![Photo of Vernon Byrd Coulon, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ed9bd4d-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Vernon Byrd Coulon
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Silver Spring, MD 20911 (Online Only)
I am a certified Imago Relationship Therapist, certified Gestalt Practitioner with extensive training in Sand Tray therapy; a certified Qigong instructor and certified Emotional Freedom Techniques energy psychology practitioner.
We all deserve to be happy. Sometimes events and circumstances may get in our way. Using holistic approaches to compliment traditional talk therapy, I hope you will let me help you on your journey of self-discovery and healing. Whether you are dealing with traumatic issues or life challenges, these methods work! As one client shared with me, "after years in talk therapy, this is the first time that I am beginning to feel integrated and whole." If you are ready, please accept my offer to share this journey with you.
I am a certified Imago Relationship Therapist, certified Gestalt Practitioner with extensive training in Sand Tray therapy; a certified Qigong instructor and certified Emotional Freedom Techniques energy psychology practitioner.
We all deserve to be happy. Sometimes events and circumstances may get in our way. Using holistic approaches to compliment traditional talk therapy, I hope you will let me help you on your journey of self-discovery and healing. Whether you are dealing with traumatic issues or life challenges, these methods work! As one client shared with me, "after years in talk therapy, this is the first time that I am beginning to feel integrated and whole." If you are ready, please accept my offer to share this journey with you.
![Photo of Tenneh Johnson Kemah, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/482eb2a9-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Tenneh Johnson Kemah
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Silver Spring, MD 20904
I am trained in many techniques, including Cognitive Therapies, EMDR, Accelerated Resolution Therapy, Brainspotting, Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), Gottman, Imago, and Grief Counseling.
When you are looking for a therapist, that decision often comes during times of crisis. This loss of balance and connection makes it hard to make decisions or trust anyone. But as you take this first step, I will honor your trust with a relationship that is free of judgement and focused on finding your foundation. Whether you are coping with trauma, depression, stress, anxiety, life transition, relationship or marital issues, we can work together to make things better. I bring to the table a deep knowledge of a diverse set of treatment methods that allow me to tailor your therapy uniquely to your personality, challenges and life.
I am trained in many techniques, including Cognitive Therapies, EMDR, Accelerated Resolution Therapy, Brainspotting, Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), Gottman, Imago, and Grief Counseling.
When you are looking for a therapist, that decision often comes during times of crisis. This loss of balance and connection makes it hard to make decisions or trust anyone. But as you take this first step, I will honor your trust with a relationship that is free of judgement and focused on finding your foundation. Whether you are coping with trauma, depression, stress, anxiety, life transition, relationship or marital issues, we can work together to make things better. I bring to the table a deep knowledge of a diverse set of treatment methods that allow me to tailor your therapy uniquely to your personality, challenges and life.
![Photo of David Christy, LCSW-C, LICSW, LCSW, JD, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/51941ca3-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
David Christy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, LICSW, LCSW, JD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Silver Spring, MD 20912 (Online Only)
I have a relationship-driven approach to helping clients live happier, more fulfilling lives. I rely mainly on psychodynamic, humanistic and existential perspectives. I have experience helping clients process grief, loss and trauma; strengthen relationships; set boundaries; and achieve general life satisfaction. I work primarily with adult individuals, couples and groups. My work with couples is informed by training in the Gottman Method and Imago. For couples in which one partner is leaning out, considering divorce but not completely sure it's the best path, I offer Discernment Counseling.
I have a relationship-driven approach to helping clients live happier, more fulfilling lives. I rely mainly on psychodynamic, humanistic and existential perspectives. I have experience helping clients process grief, loss and trauma; strengthen relationships; set boundaries; and achieve general life satisfaction. I work primarily with adult individuals, couples and groups. My work with couples is informed by training in the Gottman Method and Imago. For couples in which one partner is leaning out, considering divorce but not completely sure it's the best path, I offer Discernment Counseling.
![Photo of Wendi Gordon, RN, MS, LCPC, NCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/95827385-18b9-414d-b920-85a342923448/1/320x400.jpeg)
Wendi Gordon
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, RN, MS, LCPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Silver Spring, MD 20904
I use several theoretic approaches to various challenges in addition to being Imago trained for couples.
* I am currently unable to accept new clients* I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health and Pastoral Counseling. I expanded my 30 year Nursing career to increase the quality, depth, meaningfulness, and effectiveness of my interactions with clients. My tailored approach meets the needs of clients without judgment or prejudice, working to increase each client's emotional strength through structured, positive, and affirming therapeutic sessions.
I use several theoretic approaches to various challenges in addition to being Imago trained for couples.
* I am currently unable to accept new clients* I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health and Pastoral Counseling. I expanded my 30 year Nursing career to increase the quality, depth, meaningfulness, and effectiveness of my interactions with clients. My tailored approach meets the needs of clients without judgment or prejudice, working to increase each client's emotional strength through structured, positive, and affirming therapeutic sessions.
![Photo of Vivian Levi, MA, LCPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4828f2ca-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Are you struggling to find fulfillment and joy in life? Are your interpersonal relationships exhausting you? Do You want your relationships to bring you a feeling of togetherness and contentment but there is too much water under the bridge? Healing from past hurts and creating meaningful, healthy relationships are the bedrock of contentment and emotional well-being. I provide EMDR to help you heal from the past and Imago couples therapy to help you develop meaningful, healthy relationships with your partner and heal from the lasting, painful impact of old pains and resentments.
Are you struggling to find fulfillment and joy in life? Are your interpersonal relationships exhausting you? Do You want your relationships to bring you a feeling of togetherness and contentment but there is too much water under the bridge? Healing from past hurts and creating meaningful, healthy relationships are the bedrock of contentment and emotional well-being. I provide EMDR to help you heal from the past and Imago couples therapy to help you develop meaningful, healthy relationships with your partner and heal from the lasting, painful impact of old pains and resentments.
![Photo of Heather Lee Williams, MSW, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6728730b-0d35-4ef9-b5cd-5e7fe634dad9/1/320x400.jpeg)
Heather Lee Williams
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Silver Spring, MD 20904 (Online Only)
If you're worried about your future, struggling to stay positive, fed up with work, longing for more joy, wondering whether to stay or leave, irritated all the time: I can help you. You don't have to stay "stuck." We'll work together until you get clear and move forward. Over a long career I've helped hundreds of individuals, couples and families navigate difficult situations, painful losses - and even welcome, but (who knew?) surprisingly challenging successes: graduating; getting married; becoming a parent; finally landing a job. Find Testimonials to my help on my website, https://www.heatherwilliamslcsw-c.com.
If you're worried about your future, struggling to stay positive, fed up with work, longing for more joy, wondering whether to stay or leave, irritated all the time: I can help you. You don't have to stay "stuck." We'll work together until you get clear and move forward. Over a long career I've helped hundreds of individuals, couples and families navigate difficult situations, painful losses - and even welcome, but (who knew?) surprisingly challenging successes: graduating; getting married; becoming a parent; finally landing a job. Find Testimonials to my help on my website, https://www.heatherwilliamslcsw-c.com.
![Photo of Simone Walton, DSW, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/62a0c4ee-1850-47d0-8992-6025abe36b42/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Walton is dedicated to working with communities, organizations, and individuals to develop applied solutions to challenges affecting vulnerable and marginalized populations. Her professional experience includes working within international humanitarian organizations, the legal arena and doing this work living on every continent except Antarctica. Dr. Walton is passionate about systems and the people who function in them. She is a wife, a mother, a caregiver and a daughter of immigrants.
Dr. Walton is dedicated to working with communities, organizations, and individuals to develop applied solutions to challenges affecting vulnerable and marginalized populations. Her professional experience includes working within international humanitarian organizations, the legal arena and doing this work living on every continent except Antarctica. Dr. Walton is passionate about systems and the people who function in them. She is a wife, a mother, a caregiver and a daughter of immigrants.
![Photo of Amy Zimmerman, LGMFT, LGPC, LPMT, MT-BC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/34c82237-3850-4bd4-af57-6e5e59191ea4/1/320x400.jpeg)
Amy Zimmerman
Licensed Professional Counselor, LGMFT, LGPC, LPMT, MT-BC
Verified Verified
Silver Spring, MD 20910
With a client-centered and trauma-informed approach, Amy fosters compassion while working with individuals, couples, and families across all age groups. Amy is deeply committed to enhancing relationships, guiding clients from discord and distress to connection and emotional security. With a background in Music Therapy, Amy also integrates mediums like music, art, and imagery to empower clients to articulate and navigate complex emotions. Whether confronting challenges like relationship issues, depression, anxiety, neurodiversity, or trauma, Amy offers support, guidance, and empathy on the path to healing and transformation.
With a client-centered and trauma-informed approach, Amy fosters compassion while working with individuals, couples, and families across all age groups. Amy is deeply committed to enhancing relationships, guiding clients from discord and distress to connection and emotional security. With a background in Music Therapy, Amy also integrates mediums like music, art, and imagery to empower clients to articulate and navigate complex emotions. Whether confronting challenges like relationship issues, depression, anxiety, neurodiversity, or trauma, Amy offers support, guidance, and empathy on the path to healing and transformation.
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![Photo of Laurette Eileen Harvey, LCSW-C, MEd, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3fdbbdfc-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Laurette Eileen Harvey
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, MEd
Verified Verified
Silver Spring, MD 20910
With over 30 years of experience to offer, I'm pleased to say that most of my clients have been referred by their friends who are or have been clients. When mutual respect develops, it ensures the trust and comfort needed to address and resolve most problems. I have always felt blessed and privileged to be a therapist and to sit with someone who is grappling with some of the most meaningful aspects of their lives. When you contact me, I'll be happy to honestly explore whether or not this will be a good therapeutic relationship.
With over 30 years of experience to offer, I'm pleased to say that most of my clients have been referred by their friends who are or have been clients. When mutual respect develops, it ensures the trust and comfort needed to address and resolve most problems. I have always felt blessed and privileged to be a therapist and to sit with someone who is grappling with some of the most meaningful aspects of their lives. When you contact me, I'll be happy to honestly explore whether or not this will be a good therapeutic relationship.
![Photo of Larkin Plato, MSW, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e2ea60f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Out of the hundreds of therapists listed, how do you know who is right for you? Most likely, you’ll want to talk to an experienced therapist who understands how struggling with stress can lead to feeling depressed, moody, irritable or anxious. Whether, you’ve lost connection with your family or find yourself spending needless energy meeting the expectations of others; you’ll want to talk to a therapist who will help you feel safe and supported.
Out of the hundreds of therapists listed, how do you know who is right for you? Most likely, you’ll want to talk to an experienced therapist who understands how struggling with stress can lead to feeling depressed, moody, irritable or anxious. Whether, you’ve lost connection with your family or find yourself spending needless energy meeting the expectations of others; you’ll want to talk to a therapist who will help you feel safe and supported.
![Photo of Lauren Silberman, LCMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5000cc41-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Lauren Silberman
Marriage & Family Therapist, LCMFT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Silver Spring, MD 20910
My office is a place where individuals, couples, families and more can talk through all kinds of relationships with a healthy dose of warmth, encouragement, kindness and humor. I take an active approach, meaning I offer honest dialogue rather than passive listening. I pro-actively help connect the different threads of your life–because no one’s troubles exist in a vacuum. I also respect that while I have expertise in my field, you are the foremost expert on yourself. Whether or not you've been to therapy before, you are welcome.
My office is a place where individuals, couples, families and more can talk through all kinds of relationships with a healthy dose of warmth, encouragement, kindness and humor. I take an active approach, meaning I offer honest dialogue rather than passive listening. I pro-actively help connect the different threads of your life–because no one’s troubles exist in a vacuum. I also respect that while I have expertise in my field, you are the foremost expert on yourself. Whether or not you've been to therapy before, you are welcome.
![Photo of Christy Huang](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1ac31046-4f0f-42f9-9b3a-79a3bd23077d/3/320x400.jpeg)
Christy Huang
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Silver Spring, MD 20904
Life’s travels, on and off road, tests our endurance to navigate its difficulties. If you found yourself feeling lost, stressed, out of control, anxious or depressed by the difficulties in life, I am here to help. I work with individuals who suffer from trauma, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, sexual dissatisfaction/dysfunction and other mental/behavioral health challenges. Through therapy, you'll create and maintain positive changes in daily life. We will work together towards your goals so you can be the self that you want to be and live the life that is meaningful and fulfill.
Life’s travels, on and off road, tests our endurance to navigate its difficulties. If you found yourself feeling lost, stressed, out of control, anxious or depressed by the difficulties in life, I am here to help. I work with individuals who suffer from trauma, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, sexual dissatisfaction/dysfunction and other mental/behavioral health challenges. Through therapy, you'll create and maintain positive changes in daily life. We will work together towards your goals so you can be the self that you want to be and live the life that is meaningful and fulfill.
![Photo of Santa Cantewi Molina-Marshall - Holistic Psychotherapy by Santa, LLC., LICSW, SEP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/06e267ad-cae9-479e-826d-266abd1ef0f4/1/320x400.jpeg)
Holistic Psychotherapy by Santa, LLC.
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, SEP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Silver Spring, MD 20906
No matter how you are feeling, know that there is someone out here to support you, don't lose hope. I believe that we all have the innate ability to be well, regardless of race, sexual orientation or gender identification. Traumatic and challenging experiences in our lifes, can affect our nervous system, rendering us vulnerable, confused and at times stuck/frozen in fight and or flight responses to life. It would be an honor to assist you at recognizing and reclaiming your strength and true potential through gentle, mindful and regulated interventions that provide balance and peace.
No matter how you are feeling, know that there is someone out here to support you, don't lose hope. I believe that we all have the innate ability to be well, regardless of race, sexual orientation or gender identification. Traumatic and challenging experiences in our lifes, can affect our nervous system, rendering us vulnerable, confused and at times stuck/frozen in fight and or flight responses to life. It would be an honor to assist you at recognizing and reclaiming your strength and true potential through gentle, mindful and regulated interventions that provide balance and peace.
![Photo of Mark T Gills - Intrapersonal Commitment to Wellness, LLC, LCPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e6ddb744-50a2-49eb-a41a-d560a7132cb0/2/320x400.jpeg)
Mark believes that individuals are uniquely gifted with a purpose to seek self-actualization and contentment to optimize intrapersonal wellness. He attributes the complexities of humanity to have enabled him to implement or utilize an eclectic approach to counseling. A therapeutic process is a safe place for individuals to learn more about themselves, mental health awareness, and spiritual connection. As noted within the inner-person, counseling requires a commitment to address cognitive and emotional deficits to seek wellness to promote a healthy balanced lifestyle.
Mark believes that individuals are uniquely gifted with a purpose to seek self-actualization and contentment to optimize intrapersonal wellness. He attributes the complexities of humanity to have enabled him to implement or utilize an eclectic approach to counseling. A therapeutic process is a safe place for individuals to learn more about themselves, mental health awareness, and spiritual connection. As noted within the inner-person, counseling requires a commitment to address cognitive and emotional deficits to seek wellness to promote a healthy balanced lifestyle.
![Photo of Tamia Barnes Tomasek - Tamia Barnes Tomasek Counseling LLC, MA, LCPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/87fd4f8a-1820-4907-88c8-44dfeafea007/3/320x400.jpeg)
Tamia Barnes Tomasek Counseling LLC
Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Silver Spring, MD 20910 (Online Only)
If you find yourself grappling with reactions to people and situations that leave you less than proud, it’s time to embark on a journey of transformation. Understanding the root causes of these reactions is a crucial step in building self-awareness. Together, we will delve into the process of change, so you can gain insight into how your past experiences have shaped your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. For couples seeking to enhance their relationship dynamics, my Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy (IBCT) Intensives provide a unique opportunity for focused, in-depth work.
If you find yourself grappling with reactions to people and situations that leave you less than proud, it’s time to embark on a journey of transformation. Understanding the root causes of these reactions is a crucial step in building self-awareness. Together, we will delve into the process of change, so you can gain insight into how your past experiences have shaped your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. For couples seeking to enhance their relationship dynamics, my Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy (IBCT) Intensives provide a unique opportunity for focused, in-depth work.
![Photo of Anne Kim, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/084f60c7-ce34-443d-885c-1b7a60a2834d/2/320x400.jpeg)
Anne Kim
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Silver Spring, MD 20904 (Online Only)
I have experience working with clients ages from 5 to 105. I have worked at elementary school working with children, middle school & high school working with teens, university students working with young adults, community mental health centers working with adults, and a hospice setting working with mostly elders, providing individual, couples, family, group-therapy including bereavement counseling. I have enjoyed working with clients at every human development stages and learn to respect every one of my clients in the process of supporting them.
I have experience working with clients ages from 5 to 105. I have worked at elementary school working with children, middle school & high school working with teens, university students working with young adults, community mental health centers working with adults, and a hospice setting working with mostly elders, providing individual, couples, family, group-therapy including bereavement counseling. I have enjoyed working with clients at every human development stages and learn to respect every one of my clients in the process of supporting them.
![Photo of Richard (Pinny) Roth - Richard (Pinny) Roth @ Eft Center, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d662a8f7-be1a-4125-8cf7-5c1e0f880119/4/320x400.jpeg)
Richard (Pinny) Roth @ Eft Center
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Silver Spring, MD 20902
I CAN HELP YOU HEAL YOUR RELATIONSHIP. PREMARITAL AND COUPLES COUNSELING. "Why does my partner overreact?" "Why do I get so triggered?" "How come the punishment doesn't fit the crime?" “Why can’t he be more supportive?” “Is anything I do ever enough for her?” While you are feeling hurt, you have an added layer of confusion. You simultaneously love your partner and even hope to stay in this relationship to keep your love, family, and dreams intact. You are torn in a tug-of-war of emotions and desire to feel understood, accepted, and embraced by your partner.
I CAN HELP YOU HEAL YOUR RELATIONSHIP. PREMARITAL AND COUPLES COUNSELING. "Why does my partner overreact?" "Why do I get so triggered?" "How come the punishment doesn't fit the crime?" “Why can’t he be more supportive?” “Is anything I do ever enough for her?” While you are feeling hurt, you have an added layer of confusion. You simultaneously love your partner and even hope to stay in this relationship to keep your love, family, and dreams intact. You are torn in a tug-of-war of emotions and desire to feel understood, accepted, and embraced by your partner.
See more therapy options for Silver Spring
Nearby Imago Therapists Searches for Silver Spring
- Bethesda
- Bowie
- Chevy Chase
- Columbia
- Gaithersburg
- Germantown
- Laurel
- North Bethesda
- North Potomac
- Potomac
- Rockville
- Takoma Park
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.