Imago Therapists in San Clemente, CA
Feeling stuck in unhealthy relationship patterns? Lacking passion in your life? Navigating challenges in love and connection? Suffering from addiction or out of control behaviors? I help people break free of the psychological patterns that keep them trapped. Many of my clients struggle with depression, anxiety, and feelings of emptiness, often tied to unresolved relationship issues or major life transitions. My approach is more direct than many therapists—engaging, sometimes entertaining—combining analytical insight with emotional depth to create meaningful change efficiently.
Feeling stuck in unhealthy relationship patterns? Lacking passion in your life? Navigating challenges in love and connection? Suffering from addiction or out of control behaviors? I help people break free of the psychological patterns that keep them trapped. Many of my clients struggle with depression, anxiety, and feelings of emptiness, often tied to unresolved relationship issues or major life transitions. My approach is more direct than many therapists—engaging, sometimes entertaining—combining analytical insight with emotional depth to create meaningful change efficiently.
Linda Marie Snell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MFP, MSW, CATCIV, LCSW
3 Endorsed
San Clemente, CA 92672
Are you exhausted from fighting fear? Many people come to therapy believing they need to become someone different—to be less sensitive, less anxious, or less affected by life. Have you spent years trying to push fear away, avoid it, or overcome it, only to feel more disconnected from yourself. But what if fear was never the enemy? Fear is your nervous system’s attempt to protect you. Together, we explore your relationship with fear, understand what it is trying to communicate, and create space for healing, connection, and freedom. Therapy is not about changing who you are; it is about developing a safer relationship with yourself.
Are you exhausted from fighting fear? Many people come to therapy believing they need to become someone different—to be less sensitive, less anxious, or less affected by life. Have you spent years trying to push fear away, avoid it, or overcome it, only to feel more disconnected from yourself. But what if fear was never the enemy? Fear is your nervous system’s attempt to protect you. Together, we explore your relationship with fear, understand what it is trying to communicate, and create space for healing, connection, and freedom. Therapy is not about changing who you are; it is about developing a safer relationship with yourself.
For more than 40 years, I've helped individuals and couples in Australia and the United States create healthier, more fulfilling lives. My career has included serving as Director of the Family Therapy Program in Sydney and working with the Family Institute at Northwestern University.
As both a therapist and an author, I see you as the main character in your life story. Every meaningful story includes adversity. My goal is to help you identify the old scripts that keep you stuck in anxiety, depression, or relationship conflict and rewrite them to create resilience, healthier relationships, personal growth, and lasting change.
For more than 40 years, I've helped individuals and couples in Australia and the United States create healthier, more fulfilling lives. My career has included serving as Director of the Family Therapy Program in Sydney and working with the Family Institute at Northwestern University.
As both a therapist and an author, I see you as the main character in your life story. Every meaningful story includes adversity. My goal is to help you identify the old scripts that keep you stuck in anxiety, depression, or relationship conflict and rewrite them to create resilience, healthier relationships, personal growth, and lasting change.
My name is Mary Nagashima, and I am Marriage and Family Therapist, LMFT, based in Northern California, working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adolescents and adults and specialize in working with trauma and the anxiety and depression that often accompanies it, using mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy, BrainSpotting, and EMDR. My approach is client-centered; I work with each client differently depending on your needs. I most frequently use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Mindfulness training as both modalities help me and the client build a shared understanding of their reality.
My name is Mary Nagashima, and I am Marriage and Family Therapist, LMFT, based in Northern California, working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adolescents and adults and specialize in working with trauma and the anxiety and depression that often accompanies it, using mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy, BrainSpotting, and EMDR. My approach is client-centered; I work with each client differently depending on your needs. I most frequently use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Mindfulness training as both modalities help me and the client build a shared understanding of their reality.
For couples, you will be introduced to the evidenced based practices of Gottman, EFT and Imago.
Most of my clients want their relationship to be better. If you have been feeling stuck but don't want to give up, Just Call! You Deserve a Therapist who Really Gets It! Have you or your partner been struggling with boundaries, co-dependency, sexual dissatisfaction, or problems with intimacy? Therapy isn't the end, it can be the beginning of a much better chapter. Let's talk about what can help. Healthy relationships make life better. I work with Individuals or couples to overcome the obstacles and challenges that are showing up in their relationships.
For couples, you will be introduced to the evidenced based practices of Gottman, EFT and Imago.
Most of my clients want their relationship to be better. If you have been feeling stuck but don't want to give up, Just Call! You Deserve a Therapist who Really Gets It! Have you or your partner been struggling with boundaries, co-dependency, sexual dissatisfaction, or problems with intimacy? Therapy isn't the end, it can be the beginning of a much better chapter. Let's talk about what can help. Healthy relationships make life better. I work with Individuals or couples to overcome the obstacles and challenges that are showing up in their relationships.
I offer strategies and support to empower women through transitions such a divorce, parenthood or golden years challenges. Women of all ages can experience anxiety embracing who they are, what they believe and confidently conveying this truth to others. When we do not behave congruently with our beliefs. depression and anxiety can easily develop. Additionally, I approach young adults with an easy manner creating a relatable and accepting atmosphere. Young people gravitate to me as they sense I attune to their experience with genuine care. No matter what your life stage, I am a capable clinician focused on cultivating your best self.
I offer strategies and support to empower women through transitions such a divorce, parenthood or golden years challenges. Women of all ages can experience anxiety embracing who they are, what they believe and confidently conveying this truth to others. When we do not behave congruently with our beliefs. depression and anxiety can easily develop. Additionally, I approach young adults with an easy manner creating a relatable and accepting atmosphere. Young people gravitate to me as they sense I attune to their experience with genuine care. No matter what your life stage, I am a capable clinician focused on cultivating your best self.
we specialize in working with mental health and addiction clients and address addictions ranging from benzodiazepine use to opioid withdrawals, we have an outpatient clinic that focuses on what our clients needs are and working on underlying traumas that caused there use or mental health disorder.
we specialize in working with mental health and addiction clients and address addictions ranging from benzodiazepine use to opioid withdrawals, we have an outpatient clinic that focuses on what our clients needs are and working on underlying traumas that caused there use or mental health disorder.
Welcome!
Whether you’re going through life transitions, feeling anxious, or feeling stuck and not sure why you keep repeating similar patterns, I am here. I enjoy sitting with and listening to the inner workings of your thoughts while trying to understand what is either holding you back or keeping you from moving forward and healing. The work I enjoy involves being alongside clients who are navigating life concerns, anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, complex trauma, relational and identity concerns and more.
Welcome!
Whether you’re going through life transitions, feeling anxious, or feeling stuck and not sure why you keep repeating similar patterns, I am here. I enjoy sitting with and listening to the inner workings of your thoughts while trying to understand what is either holding you back or keeping you from moving forward and healing. The work I enjoy involves being alongside clients who are navigating life concerns, anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, complex trauma, relational and identity concerns and more.
On the outside, you might look like you’ve got it together—but inside, it feels like a different story. You’re tired of holding it all in, second-guessing yourself, or feeling like you’re “too much.” I help people untangle those knots and find clarity, relief, and hope.
Being creative is a gift, but it can also come with blocks, pressure, and burnout. Whether you’re in the entertainment industry, a musician, or simply someone who feels stuck, I help people move through performance anxiety, creative ruts, and relationship stress so they can get back to doing what they love.
On the outside, you might look like you’ve got it together—but inside, it feels like a different story. You’re tired of holding it all in, second-guessing yourself, or feeling like you’re “too much.” I help people untangle those knots and find clarity, relief, and hope.
Being creative is a gift, but it can also come with blocks, pressure, and burnout. Whether you’re in the entertainment industry, a musician, or simply someone who feels stuck, I help people move through performance anxiety, creative ruts, and relationship stress so they can get back to doing what they love.
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 am always doing what I cannot do yet, to learn how to do it.” ― Vincent Van Gogh
We all deserve a space to flesh out our thoughts and experiences with someone truly supportive to help us heal, grow, and evolve throughout our lives. I look forward to meeting you!
“I am always doing what I cannot do yet, to learn how to do it.” ― Vincent Van Gogh
We all deserve a space to flesh out our thoughts and experiences with someone truly supportive to help us heal, grow, and evolve throughout our lives. I look forward to meeting you!
LGBTQ Therapists The Nest Counseling Center
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
1 Endorsed
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
You’re Tired of Masking, Explaining Yourself, or Feeling Like You Don’t Quite Fit.
We Help LGBTQ+, Neurodivergent, and ENM Clients Heal, Connect, and Live More Authentically.
At The Nest, we’re a team of real humans who truly care. Our therapists create a space where you can show up exactly as you are. There is no judgment, no pressure, only compassion and support.
You’re Tired of Masking, Explaining Yourself, or Feeling Like You Don’t Quite Fit.
We Help LGBTQ+, Neurodivergent, and ENM Clients Heal, Connect, and Live More Authentically.
At The Nest, we’re a team of real humans who truly care. Our therapists create a space where you can show up exactly as you are. There is no judgment, no pressure, only compassion and support.
Neurodivergent-affirming, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive therapy for individuals and couples.
You may feel overwhelmed, misunderstood, or stuck in patterns that don’t seem to change. Maybe you’re navigating life as a neurodivergent adult—or partnered with someone who is—or moving between cultures in a multicultural or multiracial family. You might struggle with communication, burnout, identity, or feeling “too much” or “not enough.” You may long for a safe space to be fully yourself, strengthen relationships, and find new ways forward.
Neurodivergent-affirming, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive therapy for individuals and couples.
You may feel overwhelmed, misunderstood, or stuck in patterns that don’t seem to change. Maybe you’re navigating life as a neurodivergent adult—or partnered with someone who is—or moving between cultures in a multicultural or multiracial family. You might struggle with communication, burnout, identity, or feeling “too much” or “not enough.” You may long for a safe space to be fully yourself, strengthen relationships, and find new ways forward.
Also have received training in Imago and Emotion-focused approaches.
For over 30 years, I've specialized in therapy with individuals, couples, groups, & for 20 years, I was an Adjunct Professor, at Chapman University, teaching: Intro to Psychology, Interpersonal Attraction & Romantic Love, Human Sexuality, Sexual Disorders & Treatment, Chemical Dependency Treatment, & other grad/undergrad psychology classes. My academic research interests: romantic love--the differences between intense/compelling and secure/comfortable love experiences & the use of videotaped therapy in chemical dependency treatment. I use a holistic/transpersonal approach.
I'm a Voice Dialogue teacher/trainer/facilitator,Certified in EMDR & Certified Gottman Couple's Therapist, Level I & II Teacher, & ASL Workshop Leader.
Also have received training in Imago and Emotion-focused approaches.
For over 30 years, I've specialized in therapy with individuals, couples, groups, & for 20 years, I was an Adjunct Professor, at Chapman University, teaching: Intro to Psychology, Interpersonal Attraction & Romantic Love, Human Sexuality, Sexual Disorders & Treatment, Chemical Dependency Treatment, & other grad/undergrad psychology classes. My academic research interests: romantic love--the differences between intense/compelling and secure/comfortable love experiences & the use of videotaped therapy in chemical dependency treatment. I use a holistic/transpersonal approach.
I'm a Voice Dialogue teacher/trainer/facilitator,Certified in EMDR & Certified Gottman Couple's Therapist, Level I & II Teacher, & ASL Workshop Leader.
I am a licensed Marriage and Family therapist who cares deeply about my clients and their healing. My goal is to help you identify and heal from trauma, past and present that prevents you from living your best life. In addition to cognitive and solution focused therapy, I am trained in somatic modalities such as EMDR, Brainspotting, Hypnotherapy and LENS Neurofeedback. Because I believe everyone is uniquely designed, I use an integrated approach to therapy and work closely with you to create a customized treatment plan.
I am a licensed Marriage and Family therapist who cares deeply about my clients and their healing. My goal is to help you identify and heal from trauma, past and present that prevents you from living your best life. In addition to cognitive and solution focused therapy, I am trained in somatic modalities such as EMDR, Brainspotting, Hypnotherapy and LENS Neurofeedback. Because I believe everyone is uniquely designed, I use an integrated approach to therapy and work closely with you to create a customized treatment plan.
With Imago training, I consider your family you grew up in and Its impact.
I have been in private practice as a marriage and family therapist for over 30 years in the Newport Beach, California area, treating individuals, couples, and families. Before private practice, I was with the Counseling department at St. Joseph Hospital, where I got extensive experience helping individuals and families cope with serious illness and loss.
With Imago training, I consider your family you grew up in and Its impact.
I have been in private practice as a marriage and family therapist for over 30 years in the Newport Beach, California area, treating individuals, couples, and families. Before private practice, I was with the Counseling department at St. Joseph Hospital, where I got extensive experience helping individuals and families cope with serious illness and loss.
Are you and your partner feeling disconnected, stuck in destructive cycles, or struggling to find intimacy and trust? Relationships can feel isolating when you’re caught in patterns that lead to pain instead of connection. I help couples heal, rebuild, and rediscover each other. Using a science-backed approach, I work with couples facing reactivity, crisis recovery, trauma, betrayal, and challenges around core values. I also support couples through major life transitions, including becoming new parents, navigating infertility, and bridging parenting differences.
Are you and your partner feeling disconnected, stuck in destructive cycles, or struggling to find intimacy and trust? Relationships can feel isolating when you’re caught in patterns that lead to pain instead of connection. I help couples heal, rebuild, and rediscover each other. Using a science-backed approach, I work with couples facing reactivity, crisis recovery, trauma, betrayal, and challenges around core values. I also support couples through major life transitions, including becoming new parents, navigating infertility, and bridging parenting differences.
Are you over feeling so disconnected? Are you longing for a deeper bond with your partner beyond co-parenting or routine? Are you caught in painful cycles—one partner carrying the emotional load while the other feels like they can never get it right? If staying for the kids, the institution of marriage, fear of divorce or being alone isn’t enough anymore, and you’re ready for more meaning, closeness, and connection, then we may be a great fit. I help people who want more out of their relationship but aren’t sure how to get there, and who are ready to engage in deep, meaningful work at a safe pace.
Are you over feeling so disconnected? Are you longing for a deeper bond with your partner beyond co-parenting or routine? Are you caught in painful cycles—one partner carrying the emotional load while the other feels like they can never get it right? If staying for the kids, the institution of marriage, fear of divorce or being alone isn’t enough anymore, and you’re ready for more meaning, closeness, and connection, then we may be a great fit. I help people who want more out of their relationship but aren’t sure how to get there, and who are ready to engage in deep, meaningful work at a safe pace.
Sometimes, a thoughtful conversation with the right person can make all the difference. As an experienced therapist, husband, and father, I bring both professional training and real-life wisdom to help you navigate life’s challenges. Together, we'll slow things down, understand what is happening, and identify a practical path forward.
Sometimes, a thoughtful conversation with the right person can make all the difference. As an experienced therapist, husband, and father, I bring both professional training and real-life wisdom to help you navigate life’s challenges. Together, we'll slow things down, understand what is happening, and identify a practical path forward.
Hi there, I'm Steve! Therapy can be scary. You never know what you'll learn about yourself and your life. I know I was scared when I started... So, congratulations on taking the big first step to becoming the best version of yourself. I specialize in working with individuals navigating life transitions, anxiety, depression, and trauma. I take a client-centered, collaborative approach to therapy, tailoring each session to your unique needs and goals.
Hi there, I'm Steve! Therapy can be scary. You never know what you'll learn about yourself and your life. I know I was scared when I started... So, congratulations on taking the big first step to becoming the best version of yourself. I specialize in working with individuals navigating life transitions, anxiety, depression, and trauma. I take a client-centered, collaborative approach to therapy, tailoring each session to your unique needs and goals.
See more therapy options for San Clemente
Nearby Imago Therapists Searches for San Clemente
- Aliso Viejo
- Carlsbad
- Corona Del Mar
- Dana Point
- Irvine
- Ladera Ranch
- Laguna Beach
- Laguna Hills
- Laguna Niguel
- Mission Viejo
- Newport Beach
- San Juan Capistrano
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.