Imago Therapists in Shelby County, AL

Shawne M Sisk
Marriage & Family Therapist, MEd, LPC-S, LMFT-S, NCC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Birmingham, AL 35242
Life can be hard! If you are struggling with challenges such as: marriage or relationship issues, infidelity, anxiety, depression, divorce, job loss, or low self-esteem maybe it is time to do something different. If your current efforts to deal with relationships, emotions, and life's challenges just aren't working, it is probably time to get some help. Maybe you're unsure if counseling really works. Counseling is no "magic pill" that instantly fixes your problems! However, it does help many people change, heal, and improve their quality of life.
Life can be hard! If you are struggling with challenges such as: marriage or relationship issues, infidelity, anxiety, depression, divorce, job loss, or low self-esteem maybe it is time to do something different. If your current efforts to deal with relationships, emotions, and life's challenges just aren't working, it is probably time to get some help. Maybe you're unsure if counseling really works. Counseling is no "magic pill" that instantly fixes your problems! However, it does help many people change, heal, and improve their quality of life.

As a feminist therapist, mother, and intentionalist, I bring authenticity, vulnerability, advocacy, and accountability to my practice. I am incredibly passionate about supporting individuals as they work toward their desired goals and strive to build healthier relationships with themselves and others. I excel in compassionately challenging my clients, and I firmly believe in self-determination and autonomy. This means that while I can help you to process and navigate experiences, you get to decide the next steps. If you want different, you must do things differently. You CAN choose to opt out of chaos.
As a feminist therapist, mother, and intentionalist, I bring authenticity, vulnerability, advocacy, and accountability to my practice. I am incredibly passionate about supporting individuals as they work toward their desired goals and strive to build healthier relationships with themselves and others. I excel in compassionately challenging my clients, and I firmly believe in self-determination and autonomy. This means that while I can help you to process and navigate experiences, you get to decide the next steps. If you want different, you must do things differently. You CAN choose to opt out of chaos.

Dr. Kirsten Loveridge
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, NCC, CST
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
Life is ever changing. Who we are and how we view ourselves is fluid and evolves as we grow and learn. Our environment, life circumstances, and relationships further influence our perspective. Change can be hard and it is normal to need support and affirmation as you navigate the stressors in your life. It is my goal to to nurture your journey of growth and healing. Additionally, concerns about your sexuality and sexual health can be overwhelming. I hope to help you navigate through any insecurities in a sex positive, non shaming way and to normalize and destigmatize issues regarding sexuality and sexual health.
Life is ever changing. Who we are and how we view ourselves is fluid and evolves as we grow and learn. Our environment, life circumstances, and relationships further influence our perspective. Change can be hard and it is normal to need support and affirmation as you navigate the stressors in your life. It is my goal to to nurture your journey of growth and healing. Additionally, concerns about your sexuality and sexual health can be overwhelming. I hope to help you navigate through any insecurities in a sex positive, non shaming way and to normalize and destigmatize issues regarding sexuality and sexual health.
Online Therapists

Imago Therapy is a specific style of relationship therapy designed to help conflict within relationships become opportunities for healing and growth.
I am deeply committed to supporting you as you navigate this important phase in your life, both individually and/or as a couple. Let's embark on this transformative journey together, filled with understanding, compassion, and growth. You are not alone; I am here to walk alongside you every step of the way. We will collaborate closely to address your unique challenges and aspirations, both individually and/or in a relationship as a couple. I offer a safe space for open dialogue and exploration.
Imago Therapy is a specific style of relationship therapy designed to help conflict within relationships become opportunities for healing and growth.
I am deeply committed to supporting you as you navigate this important phase in your life, both individually and/or as a couple. Let's embark on this transformative journey together, filled with understanding, compassion, and growth. You are not alone; I am here to walk alongside you every step of the way. We will collaborate closely to address your unique challenges and aspirations, both individually and/or in a relationship as a couple. I offer a safe space for open dialogue and exploration.

If you want to live more "on purpose", we will work together to facilitate just that. Few people can avoid struggles in life and sometimes these struggles are overwhelming, especially when faced alone. In therapy, solutions to your problems become obvious and you will be supported professionally to make them happen. Your relationships will improve and successful coping skills will be taught. How you feel is important and what you do in your personal life with regard to those feelings even more so.
If you want to live more "on purpose", we will work together to facilitate just that. Few people can avoid struggles in life and sometimes these struggles are overwhelming, especially when faced alone. In therapy, solutions to your problems become obvious and you will be supported professionally to make them happen. Your relationships will improve and successful coping skills will be taught. How you feel is important and what you do in your personal life with regard to those feelings even more so.

As Planned Counseling & Consulting
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Online Only
I work with individuals, couples, and families using systems and solution-focused approaches to help cut through the "noise" and "clutter" of life. I assist clients who feel "stuck", overwhelmed, or disconnected from their vision for their life. My passion is to help clients identify healthy options for establishing clearer perspectives and healthier relationships so that they can live the life they envision for themselves as authentically as possible.
I work with individuals, couples, and families using systems and solution-focused approaches to help cut through the "noise" and "clutter" of life. I assist clients who feel "stuck", overwhelmed, or disconnected from their vision for their life. My passion is to help clients identify healthy options for establishing clearer perspectives and healthier relationships so that they can live the life they envision for themselves as authentically as possible.

My practice, for more than thirty years, has focused on helping a broad range of individuals and families in the area. I have stayed deliberately diverse in the populations that I serve, as well as issues addressed. One of the joys of practicing a long time in one place is having long term relationships with families and groups of people through their having referred their loved ones to me, or coming back in when a new life change or crisis occurs.
My practice, for more than thirty years, has focused on helping a broad range of individuals and families in the area. I have stayed deliberately diverse in the populations that I serve, as well as issues addressed. One of the joys of practicing a long time in one place is having long term relationships with families and groups of people through their having referred their loved ones to me, or coming back in when a new life change or crisis occurs.

Judith Schulman-Miller
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LMFT
Verified Verified
Birmingham, AL 35243
As an active and collaborative therapist, I provide a comfortable, safe, caring environment for psychotherapy. Blending warmth and compassion with insight and skill building, I help you navigate through difficult times and emerge with renewed hope. You will gain new skills and strategies to maximize strengths, overcome obstacles, and create positive and intentional patterns of growth. You will gain skills to communicate more effectively and understand and resolve your challenges and conflicts in constructive, compassionate and healthy ways. My goal as a therapist is to help my clients lead fulfilled, empowered and productive lives. History is not destiny.
As an active and collaborative therapist, I provide a comfortable, safe, caring environment for psychotherapy. Blending warmth and compassion with insight and skill building, I help you navigate through difficult times and emerge with renewed hope. You will gain new skills and strategies to maximize strengths, overcome obstacles, and create positive and intentional patterns of growth. You will gain skills to communicate more effectively and understand and resolve your challenges and conflicts in constructive, compassionate and healthy ways. My goal as a therapist is to help my clients lead fulfilled, empowered and productive lives. History is not destiny.

Samuel Edward Baney
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cullman, AL 35058
Living an authentic life starts with a knowledge of who we are as human beings. Who are we as a person? What do we expect of ourselves? Where do we find purpose and meaning? How do we get there? Is it too late for me? These are all questions which all of us wrestle with. They are big questions, and our ability to answer them has profound implications on how we live out our lives.
Living an authentic life starts with a knowledge of who we are as human beings. Who are we as a person? What do we expect of ourselves? Where do we find purpose and meaning? How do we get there? Is it too late for me? These are all questions which all of us wrestle with. They are big questions, and our ability to answer them has profound implications on how we live out our lives.

Rachel Brewer
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Huntsville, AL 35806
In my realm of counseling services, my ideal client is an individual who embraces the potential of therapeutic treatment and seeks genuine healing and growth. They are open-minded, ready to actively participate in their journey towards well-being, and understand that the real "work" happens both within and outside our counseling sessions. They yearn for unconditional support that goes beyond mere directives; instead, they seek guidance and empowerment to uncover their inner strength. They are in need of authentic connections and emotional support to navigate through the complexities of life.
In my realm of counseling services, my ideal client is an individual who embraces the potential of therapeutic treatment and seeks genuine healing and growth. They are open-minded, ready to actively participate in their journey towards well-being, and understand that the real "work" happens both within and outside our counseling sessions. They yearn for unconditional support that goes beyond mere directives; instead, they seek guidance and empowerment to uncover their inner strength. They are in need of authentic connections and emotional support to navigate through the complexities of life.

Amy Player
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LPCS, LPCMHSP, NBCC
Verified Verified
Huntsville, AL 35802
Just so you know, my eyes don't see the person you used to be, I only see the person you are fighting to become! This defines the work I do daily with my clients. The willingness to face things you want to change, is all it takes. Fear is expected as change comes, however we can BUILD a toolbox of coping skills to diminish the fear & anxiety you have. I will support you with empathy & compassion along the pathway to healing. Peace does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart. Peace in your soul is obtainable, let me help you
Just so you know, my eyes don't see the person you used to be, I only see the person you are fighting to become! This defines the work I do daily with my clients. The willingness to face things you want to change, is all it takes. Fear is expected as change comes, however we can BUILD a toolbox of coping skills to diminish the fear & anxiety you have. I will support you with empathy & compassion along the pathway to healing. Peace does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart. Peace in your soul is obtainable, let me help you

Everyone needs someone to talk to, someone who will really listen. When you find yourself at one of life's crossroads wondering which way to turn, it helps to have a safe place to talk and a safe person to hear you out. You will find that place here, along with an objective, non-judgmental, professional perspective that the most well-meaning friends and family may not provide. Together we can explore your options, choices, questions, hurts, and strengths in ways you might not have previously considered so that you can continue working through your wounds rather than living them out. Being seen, heard, and understood is healing.
Everyone needs someone to talk to, someone who will really listen. When you find yourself at one of life's crossroads wondering which way to turn, it helps to have a safe place to talk and a safe person to hear you out. You will find that place here, along with an objective, non-judgmental, professional perspective that the most well-meaning friends and family may not provide. Together we can explore your options, choices, questions, hurts, and strengths in ways you might not have previously considered so that you can continue working through your wounds rather than living them out. Being seen, heard, and understood is healing.

Your ability to heal and grow through therapy is not based on the type or severity of your problem but rather your commitment to evolving into your best self and your best life. Your healing and growth will unfold from our understanding of your life journey and a informed therapeutic approach to your personality and needs. I will provide you with an in depth Psychological evaluation which in turn will be the basis of your personalized therapy process. I will then put you in the hands of the highly trained, caring therapist who is best suited to your personality and needs.
Your ability to heal and grow through therapy is not based on the type or severity of your problem but rather your commitment to evolving into your best self and your best life. Your healing and growth will unfold from our understanding of your life journey and a informed therapeutic approach to your personality and needs. I will provide you with an in depth Psychological evaluation which in turn will be the basis of your personalized therapy process. I will then put you in the hands of the highly trained, caring therapist who is best suited to your personality and needs.

David James Palaia
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, CPT
Verified Verified
Birmingham, AL 35244
Most people come to therapy knowing that they have something they would like to address. It is my job to help you develop new ways of thinking and being, so that you can get beyond whatever is holding you back in your life. I use an integrative, wholistic approach which draws on the many disciplines in which I have training. Whether you enter therapy wanting to deal with anxiety, past trauma, or addiction, or you just want to function better in daily life, together we can work to meet your goals.
Most people come to therapy knowing that they have something they would like to address. It is my job to help you develop new ways of thinking and being, so that you can get beyond whatever is holding you back in your life. I use an integrative, wholistic approach which draws on the many disciplines in which I have training. Whether you enter therapy wanting to deal with anxiety, past trauma, or addiction, or you just want to function better in daily life, together we can work to meet your goals.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with experience treating various conditions such as depression, anxiety, mood disorders, grief, etc. I work with all age groups and respectfully join with any client who is ready. My style is warm, compassionate, and dynamic. I utilize an integrated approach with CBT, DBT, and other techniques that fit with the acknowledgement that not every approach fits every person or situation.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with experience treating various conditions such as depression, anxiety, mood disorders, grief, etc. I work with all age groups and respectfully join with any client who is ready. My style is warm, compassionate, and dynamic. I utilize an integrated approach with CBT, DBT, and other techniques that fit with the acknowledgement that not every approach fits every person or situation.

Albert Walter Thomas
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, M Ed, MM
Verified Verified
Notasulga, AL 36866
My mission is to help people gain answers, satisfying changes, and self-counseling skills, in any area of life which is giving excess pain and frustration. These aspects of life include personal issues such as trauma, defensive walls, and any other barriers to life satisfaction, pains resonating between mind and body, relationship quandaries, life aspirations, philosophy, and spirituality. As an Integrated Mental Health practitioner, I help you find providers, knowledge and self-help practices, for medical and naturopathic mind-body health. I also work with artists on performance psychology.
My mission is to help people gain answers, satisfying changes, and self-counseling skills, in any area of life which is giving excess pain and frustration. These aspects of life include personal issues such as trauma, defensive walls, and any other barriers to life satisfaction, pains resonating between mind and body, relationship quandaries, life aspirations, philosophy, and spirituality. As an Integrated Mental Health practitioner, I help you find providers, knowledge and self-help practices, for medical and naturopathic mind-body health. I also work with artists on performance psychology.
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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.