Imago Therapists in San Mateo, CA
San Mateo Child and Family Counseling Center
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
2 Endorsed
San Mateo, CA 94401
I enjoy working with children, teens, individual adults, and couples! Are you stressed out because your child or teen is dealing with anxiety, depression, academic, or behavioral problems? Are you yourself feeling anxious, depressed? Are you struggling in your marriage to feel that emotional and physical connection you once felt? I believe you are unique and special, and I look forward to working together to create growth and change in your life. I am the owner of a group practice with seven therapists who work for me, and I enjoy connecting you with the therapist who is your best fit!
I enjoy working with children, teens, individual adults, and couples! Are you stressed out because your child or teen is dealing with anxiety, depression, academic, or behavioral problems? Are you yourself feeling anxious, depressed? Are you struggling in your marriage to feel that emotional and physical connection you once felt? I believe you are unique and special, and I look forward to working together to create growth and change in your life. I am the owner of a group practice with seven therapists who work for me, and I enjoy connecting you with the therapist who is your best fit!
If you feel like you are exhausted, anxious most of the time, or no longer have a fulfilled relationship, you are not alone.
If you feel like you are exhausted, anxious most of the time, or no longer have a fulfilled relationship, you are not alone.
Are you struggling with intimacy, desire, or feeling disconnected, either in your relationship or within yourself? Has sex, communication, or emotional closeness become a source of stress, confusion, or frustration?
I'm Dr. Melissa Risso, a Licensed MFT, aasect Certified Sex Therapist and Educator, and a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner. I work with both individuals and couples to address challenges related to intimacy, sexuality, relationships, and connection.
Many of my clients feel stuck—navigating differences in desire, communication challenges, or the impact of stress and past experiences on their intimate lives.
Are you struggling with intimacy, desire, or feeling disconnected, either in your relationship or within yourself? Has sex, communication, or emotional closeness become a source of stress, confusion, or frustration?
I'm Dr. Melissa Risso, a Licensed MFT, aasect Certified Sex Therapist and Educator, and a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner. I work with both individuals and couples to address challenges related to intimacy, sexuality, relationships, and connection.
Many of my clients feel stuck—navigating differences in desire, communication challenges, or the impact of stress and past experiences on their intimate lives.
Growth & healing are possible and within reach, you don't have to live with the pain of old experiences weighing you down or keeping you stuck. Are you struggling in relationships or at work? Are you trying to be the person, parent, or partner you want to be, but missing the mark? Do you want to finally learn to accept & love yourself fully, and allow others to love you as well? Counseling can help you find freedom & clarity and let go of what's holding you back. I'm certified in EMDR to heal traumatic experiences (big & small), in addition to talk therapy. I also offer weekend EMDR intensives for busy professionals & students.
Growth & healing are possible and within reach, you don't have to live with the pain of old experiences weighing you down or keeping you stuck. Are you struggling in relationships or at work? Are you trying to be the person, parent, or partner you want to be, but missing the mark? Do you want to finally learn to accept & love yourself fully, and allow others to love you as well? Counseling can help you find freedom & clarity and let go of what's holding you back. I'm certified in EMDR to heal traumatic experiences (big & small), in addition to talk therapy. I also offer weekend EMDR intensives for busy professionals & students.
Infidelity Therapy For Women Who Crossed A Line
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Online Only
Did you cross a line you never thought you would? You may feel split—remorse and longing, fear and attachment, love for your family and confusion about the bond outside the relationship. Shame can make you hide, minimize, or panic; pressure to “decide now” can make everything worse. I guide women who crossed an emotional, romantic, or sexual boundary to stabilize, face the truth without collapse, understand the deeper pattern, and take accountable next steps—whether repair, clean ending, or clarity.
Did you cross a line you never thought you would? You may feel split—remorse and longing, fear and attachment, love for your family and confusion about the bond outside the relationship. Shame can make you hide, minimize, or panic; pressure to “decide now” can make everything worse. I guide women who crossed an emotional, romantic, or sexual boundary to stabilize, face the truth without collapse, understand the deeper pattern, and take accountable next steps—whether repair, clean ending, or clarity.
I have spent the last 20 years providing mental health services to children and adults as I feel it is my calling. I am systems oriented as I do not believe that we exist in a vacuum. We are all influenced by the environment we live in. There are times when we all need assistance in navigating our individual systems.
I have spent the last 20 years providing mental health services to children and adults as I feel it is my calling. I am systems oriented as I do not believe that we exist in a vacuum. We are all influenced by the environment we live in. There are times when we all need assistance in navigating our individual systems.
Taking a first step toward therapy can be difficult. Many people spend weeks, months, or even years deciding whether to reach out. Confiding in a stranger can be hard, and finding the right fit often takes time. Most of us want a therapist who is experienced and knowledgeable, but also genuine, approachable, and easy to talk with. When couples counseling, family therapy, or child/adolescent support is needed, flexibility and fit become essential. These situations require someone who can build trust with multiple family members, navigate different perspectives, and create a space where everyone feels heard and understood.
Taking a first step toward therapy can be difficult. Many people spend weeks, months, or even years deciding whether to reach out. Confiding in a stranger can be hard, and finding the right fit often takes time. Most of us want a therapist who is experienced and knowledgeable, but also genuine, approachable, and easy to talk with. When couples counseling, family therapy, or child/adolescent support is needed, flexibility and fit become essential. These situations require someone who can build trust with multiple family members, navigate different perspectives, and create a space where everyone feels heard and understood.
When our children's hearts have been broken, our hearts break, too. Parents often struggle with knowing how to care for a hurting child. The child's behaviors can be challenging. A parent's own unhealed wounds get triggered. Then, there's the parenting guilt! It can be overwhelming. We understand and we are here to help.
When our children's hearts have been broken, our hearts break, too. Parents often struggle with knowing how to care for a hurting child. The child's behaviors can be challenging. A parent's own unhealed wounds get triggered. Then, there's the parenting guilt! It can be overwhelming. We understand and we are here to help.
Audrey Vanessa Fairchild
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT , LPCC
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Not accepting new clients
If you're feeling stuck and need support to find a better way of coping, I can help. If you're feeling grief, anxiety, or depression, I can listen and bring some supportive tools. Working with a past trauma can bring feelings of hopelessness, overwhelm, and anger, We can work to make a plan to change thoughts and behaviors that keep us all stuck. I am a parent and a classroom teacher also, so I can help navigate the school-family relationship, and offer some support about parenting frustrations, interpersonal conflicts, and stress around parenting. I work with youth often and really understand how tough that period of time is.
If you're feeling stuck and need support to find a better way of coping, I can help. If you're feeling grief, anxiety, or depression, I can listen and bring some supportive tools. Working with a past trauma can bring feelings of hopelessness, overwhelm, and anger, We can work to make a plan to change thoughts and behaviors that keep us all stuck. I am a parent and a classroom teacher also, so I can help navigate the school-family relationship, and offer some support about parenting frustrations, interpersonal conflicts, and stress around parenting. I work with youth often and really understand how tough that period of time is.
More Therapists Nearby
Are you feeling stuck in a cycle of conflict and misunderstanding in your relationships? Do you long for deeper connections but find yourself facing barriers you can't seem to overcome? As a therapist specializing in relationship issues, I am here to offer you a guiding hand on your journey towards healing and connection. With a warm, empathetic approach, I provide a safe and supportive space to explore your feelings, build effective communication, and foster healthier relationships. My focus areas include anxiety, depression, childhood trauma, PTSD, Complex PTSD, perfectionism, people-pleasing, and relationship concerns.
Are you feeling stuck in a cycle of conflict and misunderstanding in your relationships? Do you long for deeper connections but find yourself facing barriers you can't seem to overcome? As a therapist specializing in relationship issues, I am here to offer you a guiding hand on your journey towards healing and connection. With a warm, empathetic approach, I provide a safe and supportive space to explore your feelings, build effective communication, and foster healthier relationships. My focus areas include anxiety, depression, childhood trauma, PTSD, Complex PTSD, perfectionism, people-pleasing, and relationship concerns.
I work with adults in life transitions, depression, anxiety, loss/grief, relationship challenges including divorce, women's issues, and parenting struggles.
Many clients come to me feeling lost in a dark place, sensing something deeper needs healing. That might look like persistent anxiety, heartbreaking grief, a critical inner voice causing self-doubt, or disconnection from your own needs. Not knowing how to feel better,
feeling anxious, lost or depressed are natural at times. Our emotions are important information. You don't have to navigate this alone, you can move toward a life that feels yours again.
I work with adults in life transitions, depression, anxiety, loss/grief, relationship challenges including divorce, women's issues, and parenting struggles.
Many clients come to me feeling lost in a dark place, sensing something deeper needs healing. That might look like persistent anxiety, heartbreaking grief, a critical inner voice causing self-doubt, or disconnection from your own needs. Not knowing how to feel better,
feeling anxious, lost or depressed are natural at times. Our emotions are important information. You don't have to navigate this alone, you can move toward a life that feels yours again.
You’ve been trying to figure out where it all went wrong. “Was it my fault? Was it hers? Does it matter?” You had a loving marriage and a happy family. But things have changed. Those warm memories…the laughs, the hugs…they've been replaced with a disappearing pile of ashes. You want so desperately to turn back the clock, but you know that’s impossible. As you cry yourself to sleep again, all you can think about is the heartbroken look in your children’s eyes. “How will I explain to them what’s going on?” It’s agony to feel this way, and you’re not sure how much longer you can go on like this. You know something needs to change.
You’ve been trying to figure out where it all went wrong. “Was it my fault? Was it hers? Does it matter?” You had a loving marriage and a happy family. But things have changed. Those warm memories…the laughs, the hugs…they've been replaced with a disappearing pile of ashes. You want so desperately to turn back the clock, but you know that’s impossible. As you cry yourself to sleep again, all you can think about is the heartbroken look in your children’s eyes. “How will I explain to them what’s going on?” It’s agony to feel this way, and you’re not sure how much longer you can go on like this. You know something needs to change.
My work with couples and families also integrates structural, family-systems, Gottman method, and imago therapies.
I believe that as living beings, we all have an innate impulse toward healing and growth, and that the role of a good therapist is to help facilitate the flow of these natural processes. My priority is to assist you in fostering a renewed connection to the inherent vitality, openness, calm, and creativity that reside deep within you and to help you embody these qualities as you turn toward life's challenges. Some populations that I am especially passionate about working with include men, neurodiverse couples and individuals (e.g., ADHD, autism, gifted, 2e), LGBTQ+ couples and individuals, alternative families, and veterans.
My work with couples and families also integrates structural, family-systems, Gottman method, and imago therapies.
I believe that as living beings, we all have an innate impulse toward healing and growth, and that the role of a good therapist is to help facilitate the flow of these natural processes. My priority is to assist you in fostering a renewed connection to the inherent vitality, openness, calm, and creativity that reside deep within you and to help you embody these qualities as you turn toward life's challenges. Some populations that I am especially passionate about working with include men, neurodiverse couples and individuals (e.g., ADHD, autism, gifted, 2e), LGBTQ+ couples and individuals, alternative families, and veterans.
People who need personal engagement and direct feedback about their life dynamics and challenges are a good fit for my style. Whether one is managing a mental health diagnosis, personal growth or dealing with a particular life circumstance.
People who need personal engagement and direct feedback about their life dynamics and challenges are a good fit for my style. Whether one is managing a mental health diagnosis, personal growth or dealing with a particular life circumstance.
Traditional talk therapy not enough? Are you interested to access more of your spiritual, mental, emotional and physical resources? Combining Western psychology with alternative/eastern wisdom, I can help you learn how to handle the enormous stresses life often entails in a compassionate, warm and body-centered way. My specialties include: parts work, relationship patterns, couples therapy, deep family patterns, shamanic counseling, existential therapy. Creative, engaging and efficient, this work will empower you to explore your mind freely. The more we know our own mind, the more we become the driver rather than the driven.
Traditional talk therapy not enough? Are you interested to access more of your spiritual, mental, emotional and physical resources? Combining Western psychology with alternative/eastern wisdom, I can help you learn how to handle the enormous stresses life often entails in a compassionate, warm and body-centered way. My specialties include: parts work, relationship patterns, couples therapy, deep family patterns, shamanic counseling, existential therapy. Creative, engaging and efficient, this work will empower you to explore your mind freely. The more we know our own mind, the more we become the driver rather than the driven.
My therapeutic approach is rooted in my deep respect and genuine interest in people. Since I am an expressive and inquisitive person, it comes naturally to me to practice a style of therapy that is both interactive and eclectic. I offer insights, observations, suggestions, feedback, as well as attentive listening. I am adaptable and able to adjust my style according to what works best for the client. As a team, my clients and I work together to find creative solutions to overcome obstacles to growth and well-being.
My therapeutic approach is rooted in my deep respect and genuine interest in people. Since I am an expressive and inquisitive person, it comes naturally to me to practice a style of therapy that is both interactive and eclectic. I offer insights, observations, suggestions, feedback, as well as attentive listening. I am adaptable and able to adjust my style according to what works best for the client. As a team, my clients and I work together to find creative solutions to overcome obstacles to growth and well-being.
I'd like to support you going through the difficult moment you might be experiencing now. Life is no doubt challenging but a better and quality life should never be too much to ask. In my practice, I work with children, adolescents, adults, seniors, individuals, couples, and families. I have years of experience working with children and teens from ages 3 to 17 with different kinds/levels of issues and challenges. In the process, parent-child or family relational issues sometimes reveal and could be addressed through additional work or referrals. I also help couples to manage disagreements, de-escalate conflicts, and rebuild trust.
I'd like to support you going through the difficult moment you might be experiencing now. Life is no doubt challenging but a better and quality life should never be too much to ask. In my practice, I work with children, adolescents, adults, seniors, individuals, couples, and families. I have years of experience working with children and teens from ages 3 to 17 with different kinds/levels of issues and challenges. In the process, parent-child or family relational issues sometimes reveal and could be addressed through additional work or referrals. I also help couples to manage disagreements, de-escalate conflicts, and rebuild trust.
I work with people, individually or as a couple, who feel lost, stuck, anxious or just in emotional turmoil. The issues show up as affairs, career confusion, patterns of bad relationships, loss of emotional connection with their partner, substance abuse, loss of passion or engagement.
I work with people, individually or as a couple, who feel lost, stuck, anxious or just in emotional turmoil. The issues show up as affairs, career confusion, patterns of bad relationships, loss of emotional connection with their partner, substance abuse, loss of passion or engagement.
My ideal client is someone who appears high functioning but feels overwhelmed by anxiety, stress, sadness, or self-doubt. They may be stuck in repeating patterns, navigating a life transition, or struggling with relationship conflict, work pressure, or cultural expectations. They want a safe, direct, nonjudgmental space to gain clarity, regulate emotions, and build practical tools. Their goals are real change: calmer days, healthier boundaries, stronger relationships, and greater confidence and purpose.
My ideal client is someone who appears high functioning but feels overwhelmed by anxiety, stress, sadness, or self-doubt. They may be stuck in repeating patterns, navigating a life transition, or struggling with relationship conflict, work pressure, or cultural expectations. They want a safe, direct, nonjudgmental space to gain clarity, regulate emotions, and build practical tools. Their goals are real change: calmer days, healthier boundaries, stronger relationships, and greater confidence and purpose.
I specialize in working with people who discovered their ADHD/Autism later as adults. Many people have spent years masking—trying to hide parts of themselves, push through exhaustion, or force themselves to meet expectations that never quite fit. This constant effort can lead to depression, identity loss, anxiety and burnout. So what now? The goal is cultivating a sustainable life within your capacity by learning what you need without shame, then addressing barriers by tailoring solutions to you, alternative ways of doing things created by other neurodivergent people—not by outside expectations. Working towards acceptance and joy.
I specialize in working with people who discovered their ADHD/Autism later as adults. Many people have spent years masking—trying to hide parts of themselves, push through exhaustion, or force themselves to meet expectations that never quite fit. This constant effort can lead to depression, identity loss, anxiety and burnout. So what now? The goal is cultivating a sustainable life within your capacity by learning what you need without shame, then addressing barriers by tailoring solutions to you, alternative ways of doing things created by other neurodivergent people—not by outside expectations. Working towards acceptance and joy.
See more therapy options for San Mateo
Nearby Imago Therapists Searches for San Mateo
- Alameda
- Atherton
- Burlingame
- Hayward
- Los Altos
- Menlo Park
- Mountain View
- Oakland
- Palo Alto
- Redwood City
- San Carlos
- San Francisco
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.