Imago Therapists in Ladera Ranch, CA
I have 25 years of experience as a therapist. I truly understand how difficult it can be to ask for help. Many feel uncomfortable & anxious when seeking help from a counselor about such sensitive & personal issues. It takes courage and faith to reach out. I believe together we will find your solutions.
I have 25 years of experience as a therapist. I truly understand how difficult it can be to ask for help. Many feel uncomfortable & anxious when seeking help from a counselor about such sensitive & personal issues. It takes courage and faith to reach out. I believe together we will find your solutions.
If you’re feeling anxious, overwhelmed, stuck in patterns with food, or weighed down by painful experiences from the past, you’re not alone—and you’re not broken. Often, the symptoms that bring people to therapy are signals that something inside needs care, attention, and change. I see therapy as a place where we gently listen to those signals together.
If you’re feeling anxious, overwhelmed, stuck in patterns with food, or weighed down by painful experiences from the past, you’re not alone—and you’re not broken. Often, the symptoms that bring people to therapy are signals that something inside needs care, attention, and change. I see therapy as a place where we gently listen to those signals together.
Looking to find the right therapist for you? Start with this important question: "What creates success in therapy?" I'd answer that it's important to find the best trained and most relatable therapist possible for YOU. If this were a life-threatening illness for a loved one, you would do a lot of research and find the most qualified and experienced doctor. You would do whatever you could to have the very best help available. Don't settle for less when choosing a therapist for yourself. I think you're worth it! So I recommend looking at two important factors when choosing a therapist, whether that's myself or someone else.
Looking to find the right therapist for you? Start with this important question: "What creates success in therapy?" I'd answer that it's important to find the best trained and most relatable therapist possible for YOU. If this were a life-threatening illness for a loved one, you would do a lot of research and find the most qualified and experienced doctor. You would do whatever you could to have the very best help available. Don't settle for less when choosing a therapist for yourself. I think you're worth it! So I recommend looking at two important factors when choosing a therapist, whether that's myself or someone else.
Thank you for considering me to be your Psychologist. I partner with my clients to empower them to make the changes necessary to bring their realities in line with the lives they truly want. In this way, I collaborate with each individual, couple, and family with whom I work to craft their own individualized success plans. To accomplish this, I draw upon years of experience, as well as a very strong foundation of training in a range of techniques and strategies. Perhaps equally important are the personal qualities that I bring, which include intelligence, genuineness, compassion, and a commitment to the highest standards.
Thank you for considering me to be your Psychologist. I partner with my clients to empower them to make the changes necessary to bring their realities in line with the lives they truly want. In this way, I collaborate with each individual, couple, and family with whom I work to craft their own individualized success plans. To accomplish this, I draw upon years of experience, as well as a very strong foundation of training in a range of techniques and strategies. Perhaps equally important are the personal qualities that I bring, which include intelligence, genuineness, compassion, and a commitment to the highest standards.
More Therapists Nearby
I support individuals, couples, teens and families through relationship and mental health challenges. You may be struggling to cope with or repair an unhealthy relationship. You may feel tormented by your inner thoughts, stuck in the unknown, or simply unsure of what you are feeling. Let me join alongside you in a safe and supportive environment to discover a better sense of self. My technique helps clients identify their inner strengths to navigate life with more ease. I use various modalities to meet your needs, with a collaborative approach to therapy to increase your insight and problem solving capacity.
I support individuals, couples, teens and families through relationship and mental health challenges. You may be struggling to cope with or repair an unhealthy relationship. You may feel tormented by your inner thoughts, stuck in the unknown, or simply unsure of what you are feeling. Let me join alongside you in a safe and supportive environment to discover a better sense of self. My technique helps clients identify their inner strengths to navigate life with more ease. I use various modalities to meet your needs, with a collaborative approach to therapy to increase your insight and problem solving capacity.
I help individuals and couples heal from complex trauma, PTSD, relationship challenges, anxiety, addiction, body image, depression, and burnout. Many of my clients are high achievers, healthcare professionals, and caregivers who feel stuck in patterns they can't think their way out of and are looking for something deeper and more effective than traditional talk therapy. With couples, I help with navigating infidelity, high-conflict communication, co-parenting, emotional disconnection, addiction, separation discernment, and premarital counseling. LGBTQ+, neurodivergent people, and highly sensitive people are warmly welcomed here.
I help individuals and couples heal from complex trauma, PTSD, relationship challenges, anxiety, addiction, body image, depression, and burnout. Many of my clients are high achievers, healthcare professionals, and caregivers who feel stuck in patterns they can't think their way out of and are looking for something deeper and more effective than traditional talk therapy. With couples, I help with navigating infidelity, high-conflict communication, co-parenting, emotional disconnection, addiction, separation discernment, and premarital counseling. LGBTQ+, neurodivergent people, and highly sensitive people are warmly welcomed here.
Getting support for your relationship is vulnerable and overwhelming, but with the right person can be transformative. Something happened that shifted your relationship. Maybe life just got harder, maybe betrayal happened, maybe you've been learning more about yourself and what you need from a partner. I believe when we better understand ourselves (our needs, our desires) and let our authentic self show up to our relationship, we can find fulfillment and safety, but sometimes the blocks to communicating and understanding need some professional support to build. I am here to support that reconnection-to help you back to each other.
Getting support for your relationship is vulnerable and overwhelming, but with the right person can be transformative. Something happened that shifted your relationship. Maybe life just got harder, maybe betrayal happened, maybe you've been learning more about yourself and what you need from a partner. I believe when we better understand ourselves (our needs, our desires) and let our authentic self show up to our relationship, we can find fulfillment and safety, but sometimes the blocks to communicating and understanding need some professional support to build. I am here to support that reconnection-to help you back to each other.
Hi there, I'm Erica! I'm so excited for you to start on your therapy journey! My biggest passion in life is supporting my clients in strengthening their relationships (especially the one with yourself) and living more fulfilling lives. This happens by gaining awareness of disruptive patterns you may find yourself in and learning tools to prioritize yourself, such as setting healthy boundaries and improving communication skills. I support clients who experience depression and anxiety, struggle with trauma, or are going through major life transitions and need some extra support. I'm so happy you're taking this first step for yourself.
Hi there, I'm Erica! I'm so excited for you to start on your therapy journey! My biggest passion in life is supporting my clients in strengthening their relationships (especially the one with yourself) and living more fulfilling lives. This happens by gaining awareness of disruptive patterns you may find yourself in and learning tools to prioritize yourself, such as setting healthy boundaries and improving communication skills. I support clients who experience depression and anxiety, struggle with trauma, or are going through major life transitions and need some extra support. I'm so happy you're taking this first step for yourself.
As a therapist, I have passionately served and worked with a diverse range of individuals and issues. Whether these are current or past issues you are looking to seek help with, I am so eager to help. You do not have to suffer in silence or struggle alone! My education and experiences have provided me with the foundation to serve and address a wide range of backgrounds, socioeconomic statuses and therapeutic issues. I like to take a collaborative approach utilizing your strengths and my knowledge, so we can do this together!
As a therapist, I have passionately served and worked with a diverse range of individuals and issues. Whether these are current or past issues you are looking to seek help with, I am so eager to help. You do not have to suffer in silence or struggle alone! My education and experiences have provided me with the foundation to serve and address a wide range of backgrounds, socioeconomic statuses and therapeutic issues. I like to take a collaborative approach utilizing your strengths and my knowledge, so we can do this together!
I wonder what kind of therapists people scroll through psychology profiles to therapist shop for. When people ask me what my ideal client I actually wonder what are people's ideal therapists? I think this is important when thinking about an ideal client and therapists because I see it as a collaborative work. I'm not here to force you what I think is best for you, therapy is something both the client and therapist figure out together to meet the client's needs and goals.
I wonder what kind of therapists people scroll through psychology profiles to therapist shop for. When people ask me what my ideal client I actually wonder what are people's ideal therapists? I think this is important when thinking about an ideal client and therapists because I see it as a collaborative work. I'm not here to force you what I think is best for you, therapy is something both the client and therapist figure out together to meet the client's needs and goals.
I work with LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC adults, teens, and couples who are navigating the complexities of identity, relationships, systems, and mental health. Many of my clients struggle with anxiety, depression, trauma, burnout, or feeling disconnected from themselves and their communities. Together, we’ll create a space where your pain can be held with compassion, and where the stories you’ve carried alone can finally soften. Therapy becomes a place to untangle what feels heavy, to tend to old wounds, to reshape boundaries that no longer protect you, and to nurture relationships that bring you closer to yourself.
I work with LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC adults, teens, and couples who are navigating the complexities of identity, relationships, systems, and mental health. Many of my clients struggle with anxiety, depression, trauma, burnout, or feeling disconnected from themselves and their communities. Together, we’ll create a space where your pain can be held with compassion, and where the stories you’ve carried alone can finally soften. Therapy becomes a place to untangle what feels heavy, to tend to old wounds, to reshape boundaries that no longer protect you, and to nurture relationships that bring you closer to yourself.
Life can feel overwhelming when anxiety, relationship struggles, family conflict, or major transitions leave you feeling stuck. I work with individuals, teens, couples, and families to better understand what’s happening and find practical ways forward.
I have experience supporting parents and children navigating separation, co-parenting, and court-involved family situations, with a focus on improving communication and protecting the well-being of children. My style is warm, collaborative, and thoughtful, helping clients gain clarity, strengthen relationships, and move through difficult seasons with greater confidence.
Life can feel overwhelming when anxiety, relationship struggles, family conflict, or major transitions leave you feeling stuck. I work with individuals, teens, couples, and families to better understand what’s happening and find practical ways forward.
I have experience supporting parents and children navigating separation, co-parenting, and court-involved family situations, with a focus on improving communication and protecting the well-being of children. My style is warm, collaborative, and thoughtful, helping clients gain clarity, strengthen relationships, and move through difficult seasons with greater confidence.
In our work together, we will maintain a comfortable, respectful atmosphere while exploring your concerns and tailoring an approach that fits your specific needs. In a world that can divide us, I work with people to focus on the positive attributes in their relationships and to explore forgiveness for the mistakes that are made along the relational journey. I have over 30 years of clinical experience working with couples, individuals, and families. I was an educator of Marriage, Family Therapy at Pepperdine University, where I worked for 30 years as their Manager of MA Clinical Training and Professional Development.
In our work together, we will maintain a comfortable, respectful atmosphere while exploring your concerns and tailoring an approach that fits your specific needs. In a world that can divide us, I work with people to focus on the positive attributes in their relationships and to explore forgiveness for the mistakes that are made along the relational journey. I have over 30 years of clinical experience working with couples, individuals, and families. I was an educator of Marriage, Family Therapy at Pepperdine University, where I worked for 30 years as their Manager of MA Clinical Training and Professional Development.
I am a certified EMDR therapist with complex PTSD training as well as Imago Trained.
Are you looking to make big changes in your life or maybe you are just wanting to feel better on a daily basis? I offer evidence based therapy for those who are busy professionals or lead lives with demanding schedules that don't permit for the traditional model of months or even years of ongoing weekly therapy. Whether you seek this help for Trauma, interpersonal relationships, depression, or other difficult life situations, I am here to partner with you on the journey of healing. My passion is using EMDR and other evidence based therapies with clients who are ready to live without their distressing clinical symptoms.
I am a certified EMDR therapist with complex PTSD training as well as Imago Trained.
Are you looking to make big changes in your life or maybe you are just wanting to feel better on a daily basis? I offer evidence based therapy for those who are busy professionals or lead lives with demanding schedules that don't permit for the traditional model of months or even years of ongoing weekly therapy. Whether you seek this help for Trauma, interpersonal relationships, depression, or other difficult life situations, I am here to partner with you on the journey of healing. My passion is using EMDR and other evidence based therapies with clients who are ready to live without their distressing clinical symptoms.
Congratulations! You are taking the first step in moving your life forward by visiting my profile. With 37 years experience in this field, I want to celebrate your life's journey and be a catalyst for your awakening to new levels of well-being. I have many tools to assist you, from Law of Attraction, Attachment Theory and Neuroplasticity, CBT, Dreamwork, Voice Dialogue, Gottman Method, Jungian Archetypal Stories, to all the Expressive Arts Therapies - Art, Writing, Poetry, Music, Dance, Drama, Guided Imagery, Sand-Tray, Myth and Ritual. My deepest desire is to be present for you as you open the doors to your dreams.
Congratulations! You are taking the first step in moving your life forward by visiting my profile. With 37 years experience in this field, I want to celebrate your life's journey and be a catalyst for your awakening to new levels of well-being. I have many tools to assist you, from Law of Attraction, Attachment Theory and Neuroplasticity, CBT, Dreamwork, Voice Dialogue, Gottman Method, Jungian Archetypal Stories, to all the Expressive Arts Therapies - Art, Writing, Poetry, Music, Dance, Drama, Guided Imagery, Sand-Tray, Myth and Ritual. My deepest desire is to be present for you as you open the doors to your dreams.
My practice focus is on building, healing and developing strong personal and intimate relationships - which are truly the cornerstone of psychological, physical, and spiritual health. My specialty is working with couples and giving them the skills necessary to maintain a successful relationship. I also have a strong interest in women's issues; especially in the development of improved SELF-ESTEEM though all of their transitions in life. While I am especially interested in helping women, I also have a bulk of experience in helping men through their relationship and proffessional difficulties. I offer unique interactive communication that promotes positive change.
My practice focus is on building, healing and developing strong personal and intimate relationships - which are truly the cornerstone of psychological, physical, and spiritual health. My specialty is working with couples and giving them the skills necessary to maintain a successful relationship. I also have a strong interest in women's issues; especially in the development of improved SELF-ESTEEM though all of their transitions in life. While I am especially interested in helping women, I also have a bulk of experience in helping men through their relationship and proffessional difficulties. I offer unique interactive communication that promotes positive change.
You’ve Carried a Lot; Even If Most People Can’t See It.
I Help LGBTQ+ Clients Work Through Anxiety, trauma, and identity stress so they can feel more grounded and at home in themselves.
The stories others have told about you don't have to become your truth. If you've ever felt constrained by labels, limited by others' expectations, or trapped by narratives that no longer serve you, I'm here to help you reclaim your story.
Ready to begin? Reach out today. Licensed in California and Oregon.
Definitions belong to the definers, not the defined. - Toni Morrison
You’ve Carried a Lot; Even If Most People Can’t See It.
I Help LGBTQ+ Clients Work Through Anxiety, trauma, and identity stress so they can feel more grounded and at home in themselves.
The stories others have told about you don't have to become your truth. If you've ever felt constrained by labels, limited by others' expectations, or trapped by narratives that no longer serve you, I'm here to help you reclaim your story.
Ready to begin? Reach out today. Licensed in California and Oregon.
Definitions belong to the definers, not the defined. - Toni Morrison
As a therapist, my goal is to create a safe and supportive space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences without judgment. Each person is the expert of their own life, and my role is to collaborate with you on your journey toward healing and personal growth. My practice is rooted in empathy, compassion, and authenticity and I approach therapy with deep respect for the uniqueness of each individual's story and the social and cultural contexts that shape it. I deeply believe in the power of the therapeutic relationship as a catalyst for healing and change.
As a therapist, my goal is to create a safe and supportive space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences without judgment. Each person is the expert of their own life, and my role is to collaborate with you on your journey toward healing and personal growth. My practice is rooted in empathy, compassion, and authenticity and I approach therapy with deep respect for the uniqueness of each individual's story and the social and cultural contexts that shape it. I deeply believe in the power of the therapeutic relationship as a catalyst for healing and change.
Hello, I'm Francis Trapani, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) trained in EMDR and Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples. Reaching out for support can feel intimidating, but it's also a powerful step toward growth and healing. My goal is to provide a safe, compassionate space where you can share openly, gain clarity, and create meaningful change. I take a practical and straightforward approach to therapy while bringing warmth and empathy to the process. Together we'll focus on what matters most to you and explore realistic steps forward.
Hello, I'm Francis Trapani, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) trained in EMDR and Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples. Reaching out for support can feel intimidating, but it's also a powerful step toward growth and healing. My goal is to provide a safe, compassionate space where you can share openly, gain clarity, and create meaningful change. I take a practical and straightforward approach to therapy while bringing warmth and empathy to the process. Together we'll focus on what matters most to you and explore realistic steps forward.
We are a diverse group practice and consider it a privilege in being apart of helping you discover how to operate from the best in you. Our goal as therapists is to work collaboratively with individuals, couples and families in a process of self-reflection, self-validation and self confrontation while acting with integrity and operating from the best in themselves. We work with individuals to assist them in developing satisfying, meaningful relationships by helping them attain a balance between autonomy and connection to others.
We are a diverse group practice and consider it a privilege in being apart of helping you discover how to operate from the best in you. Our goal as therapists is to work collaboratively with individuals, couples and families in a process of self-reflection, self-validation and self confrontation while acting with integrity and operating from the best in themselves. We work with individuals to assist them in developing satisfying, meaningful relationships by helping them attain a balance between autonomy and connection to others.
See more therapy options for Ladera Ranch
Nearby Imago Therapists Searches for Ladera Ranch
- Aliso Viejo
- Corona Del Mar
- Dana Point
- Irvine
- Laguna Beach
- Laguna Hills
- Laguna Niguel
- Mission Viejo
- Newport Beach
- San Clemente
- San Juan Capistrano
- Tustin
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.