Imago Therapists in San Rafael, CA
Over twenty-five years ago I walked out of my first session as a therapist in gratitude that I had found work I loved. Today I am equally fascinated by and grateful for this opportunity to connect with others and be a part of their growth toward emotional, relational, mental, and spiritual wholeness. I specialize in working with couples and other relationships, but also have significant experience in helping with depression, anxiety, grief, adjustment, military lifestyle, personal growth and life skills. Integrating my training, experience, skill and personality, I create an adaptable course of therapy for each client's unique circumstances.
Over twenty-five years ago I walked out of my first session as a therapist in gratitude that I had found work I loved. Today I am equally fascinated by and grateful for this opportunity to connect with others and be a part of their growth toward emotional, relational, mental, and spiritual wholeness. I specialize in working with couples and other relationships, but also have significant experience in helping with depression, anxiety, grief, adjustment, military lifestyle, personal growth and life skills. Integrating my training, experience, skill and personality, I create an adaptable course of therapy for each client's unique circumstances.
I offer couples and individuals immediate insights, deeper clarity, and long-term improvement in an accepting and collaborative therapy environment. I'm a very experienced, analytical, and highly-trained psychotherapist (educated at UC Berkeley), yet I am practical, warm, and open. I work with people experiencing marital, parenting, career, spiritual, emotional, sexual, infertility, and addiction concerns; I'm expert at addressing those concerns. I enjoy working with couples and individuals who desire the help of a dedicated partner to more effectively navigate their relationships and lives.
I offer couples and individuals immediate insights, deeper clarity, and long-term improvement in an accepting and collaborative therapy environment. I'm a very experienced, analytical, and highly-trained psychotherapist (educated at UC Berkeley), yet I am practical, warm, and open. I work with people experiencing marital, parenting, career, spiritual, emotional, sexual, infertility, and addiction concerns; I'm expert at addressing those concerns. I enjoy working with couples and individuals who desire the help of a dedicated partner to more effectively navigate their relationships and lives.
I help singles develop the capacity to find, create & maintain the best romantic relationship of their life. Clients gain the self-awareness and skills for satisfying long-term intimacy, understand past patterns, heal old wounds, quickly assess who's a good match, & create the foundation for a healthy lasting relationship. I've taught graduate level Human Sexuality, workshops and groups in every area of romantic relationship. As a writer I coach clients in creating compelling, successful online profiles. You'll get weekly tasks to accelerate progress toward your goals.
I help singles develop the capacity to find, create & maintain the best romantic relationship of their life. Clients gain the self-awareness and skills for satisfying long-term intimacy, understand past patterns, heal old wounds, quickly assess who's a good match, & create the foundation for a healthy lasting relationship. I've taught graduate level Human Sexuality, workshops and groups in every area of romantic relationship. As a writer I coach clients in creating compelling, successful online profiles. You'll get weekly tasks to accelerate progress toward your goals.
I am one of the few therapists in Marin and SF actually certified as an Imago Relationship Therapist and have had the honor to assist the cofounders many times with their weekend workshops
A certified Imago Relationship Therapist in SF and Marin Teaching couples the "Art of Dialogue" . Based on the work by Dr. Harville Hendirx, PhD., in his best selling book "Getting the Love You Want." Imago Relationship Therapy, has a great thirty year track record and is Oprah's favorite! In addition I am Certified in EMDR Trauma Therapy.
I am one of the few therapists in Marin and SF actually certified as an Imago Relationship Therapist and have had the honor to assist the cofounders many times with their weekend workshops
A certified Imago Relationship Therapist in SF and Marin Teaching couples the "Art of Dialogue" . Based on the work by Dr. Harville Hendirx, PhD., in his best selling book "Getting the Love You Want." Imago Relationship Therapy, has a great thirty year track record and is Oprah's favorite! In addition I am Certified in EMDR Trauma Therapy.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist practicing in California. I have been working in the Bay Area for 10 years now as a psychotherapist. I have experience working with adolescents, couples and children. I believe that therapy is a collaborative relationship that can transform a persons perspective. I utilize many different therapeutic approaches such as DBT and emotion focused therapy.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist practicing in California. I have been working in the Bay Area for 10 years now as a psychotherapist. I have experience working with adolescents, couples and children. I believe that therapy is a collaborative relationship that can transform a persons perspective. I utilize many different therapeutic approaches such as DBT and emotion focused therapy.
My work with couples is grounded in Imago Relationship Therapy.
Thank you for reading! I imagine you are here because you are searching for something; an answer to your pain and suffering. People don't typically come to therapy because all is well; they are looking for relief from the pain. We will sit together in that pain because pain shared is pain decreased. And then we begin to take action to feel more in control of our lives. Taking action is the perfect antidote to that crippling sense of powerlessness. Yes, there are many things we can't control; we identify them and let them go. And, there are many things we can control, primarily through a change in perspective.
My work with couples is grounded in Imago Relationship Therapy.
Thank you for reading! I imagine you are here because you are searching for something; an answer to your pain and suffering. People don't typically come to therapy because all is well; they are looking for relief from the pain. We will sit together in that pain because pain shared is pain decreased. And then we begin to take action to feel more in control of our lives. Taking action is the perfect antidote to that crippling sense of powerlessness. Yes, there are many things we can't control; we identify them and let them go. And, there are many things we can control, primarily through a change in perspective.
I work with individuals, couples, and families who are in the chaotic crossroads of change. People might think from the outside you look like you have it all together. But inside, you feel stretched thin, disconnected, or just plain tired. Maybe you are managing a demanding career, a changing relationship, or health issues that have taken more from you than people realize. Maybe you spend hours on your phone or numbing out to get through the day. What you want is to feel grounded again, to show up for your life with more ease, clarity, and compassion for yourself.
I work with individuals, couples, and families who are in the chaotic crossroads of change. People might think from the outside you look like you have it all together. But inside, you feel stretched thin, disconnected, or just plain tired. Maybe you are managing a demanding career, a changing relationship, or health issues that have taken more from you than people realize. Maybe you spend hours on your phone or numbing out to get through the day. What you want is to feel grounded again, to show up for your life with more ease, clarity, and compassion for yourself.
Starting therapy can feel vulnerable, and it often takes courage. I understand that! You do not have to figure it out alone. I work with individuals and couples who feel stuck in repeating relationship patterns or disconnected from themselves. You might feel overwhelmed by anxiety, conflict, self-criticism, or emotional disconnection. Many clients feel like they’ve tried everything and want to understand themselves more deeply and find a new way forward. Together, we slow things down, get curious about what’s happening beneath the surface, and explore these patterns with compassion so they no longer have to run the show.
Starting therapy can feel vulnerable, and it often takes courage. I understand that! You do not have to figure it out alone. I work with individuals and couples who feel stuck in repeating relationship patterns or disconnected from themselves. You might feel overwhelmed by anxiety, conflict, self-criticism, or emotional disconnection. Many clients feel like they’ve tried everything and want to understand themselves more deeply and find a new way forward. Together, we slow things down, get curious about what’s happening beneath the surface, and explore these patterns with compassion so they no longer have to run the show.
My work as a therapist is grounded in trauma-informed, feminist, and attachment based principles that highlight the importance of safe and trusting relationships. I provide attuned feedback and guidance as you navigate sex and love, anxiety, grief and loss, the ongoing effects of childhood trauma, unlearning codependency and strengthening or softening boundaries. My goal is to help you develop tools for self-awareness, resiliency and intimacy building, and conflict resolution.
I believe deeply in the power of healing work, and the great courage it takes to turn inward, to turn toward pain, and to face and love ourselves.
My work as a therapist is grounded in trauma-informed, feminist, and attachment based principles that highlight the importance of safe and trusting relationships. I provide attuned feedback and guidance as you navigate sex and love, anxiety, grief and loss, the ongoing effects of childhood trauma, unlearning codependency and strengthening or softening boundaries. My goal is to help you develop tools for self-awareness, resiliency and intimacy building, and conflict resolution.
I believe deeply in the power of healing work, and the great courage it takes to turn inward, to turn toward pain, and to face and love ourselves.
We are a group of therapists and associate clinicians who are here with help for couples, families, individuals and teens. We offer both in-person and virtual therapy for concerns related to anxiety, depression, self-harm, sexuality (and sex!), relational distress and betrayal trauma, childhood trauma recovery (of all kinds), life transitions, struggles with addiction (from any and everything), impacts of social media and meeting the challenge and pressures of modern life - and much more! You can meet and learn more about our amazing team of therapists at www.delarosapsychotherapists.com
We are a group of therapists and associate clinicians who are here with help for couples, families, individuals and teens. We offer both in-person and virtual therapy for concerns related to anxiety, depression, self-harm, sexuality (and sex!), relational distress and betrayal trauma, childhood trauma recovery (of all kinds), life transitions, struggles with addiction (from any and everything), impacts of social media and meeting the challenge and pressures of modern life - and much more! You can meet and learn more about our amazing team of therapists at www.delarosapsychotherapists.com
We are Bay Area Gestalt Institute (BAGI), a non-profit collective of highly trained marriage and family therapists and associates, providing affordable psychotherapy throughout the Bay Area. We offer counseling to individuals, couples, families, and children. Our work is active, creative and holistic. Our therapists work with a variety of issues including: * Relationship Issues * Anxiety * Depression * LGBTQI Concerns * Trauma * Substance Use / Abuse * Eating Disorders * Spiritual * Personal Growth * Integration of Non-Ordinary States
We are Bay Area Gestalt Institute (BAGI), a non-profit collective of highly trained marriage and family therapists and associates, providing affordable psychotherapy throughout the Bay Area. We offer counseling to individuals, couples, families, and children. Our work is active, creative and holistic. Our therapists work with a variety of issues including: * Relationship Issues * Anxiety * Depression * LGBTQI Concerns * Trauma * Substance Use / Abuse * Eating Disorders * Spiritual * Personal Growth * Integration of Non-Ordinary States
Hi there, I'm Maricela! Welcome/Bienvenido. Beginning therapy is a courageous step, especially when carrying the weight of trauma, painful experiences, or difficult life transitions. In my practice, I hold space with deep respect for your resilience and humanity. You are not defined by your trauma or challenges—you are a whole person with strengths, hopes, and a story that matters. Together, we will create a safe environment where healing, self-understanding, and growth can unfold at your pace. My work is trauma-focused and client-centered, grounded in the belief that you are the expert of your own life.
Hi there, I'm Maricela! Welcome/Bienvenido. Beginning therapy is a courageous step, especially when carrying the weight of trauma, painful experiences, or difficult life transitions. In my practice, I hold space with deep respect for your resilience and humanity. You are not defined by your trauma or challenges—you are a whole person with strengths, hopes, and a story that matters. Together, we will create a safe environment where healing, self-understanding, and growth can unfold at your pace. My work is trauma-focused and client-centered, grounded in the belief that you are the expert of your own life.
Therapy is different for everyone but it's always done mindfully through a careful process of bringing into light those parts of ourselves that have been hidden, misunderstood or simply need to be shared in order to heal. We can use many types of resources while doing the work to ensure that the process feels safe, including EMDR which stands for Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing. Most importantly it's a collaborative effort which includes your own wisdom and clear understanding. Let's work to weave together new perspectives and insights. It's my privilege to work with you as we take steps toward a higher quality of life.
Therapy is different for everyone but it's always done mindfully through a careful process of bringing into light those parts of ourselves that have been hidden, misunderstood or simply need to be shared in order to heal. We can use many types of resources while doing the work to ensure that the process feels safe, including EMDR which stands for Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing. Most importantly it's a collaborative effort which includes your own wisdom and clear understanding. Let's work to weave together new perspectives and insights. It's my privilege to work with you as we take steps toward a higher quality of life.
Hello! I work with individuals who wish to create lasting, positive changes in their lives and relationships. I offer safe, compassionate and supportive counseling in an atmosphere that deepens understanding, promotes healing, and releases potential. Unresolved emotional issues can stifle creativity, confidence, ambition, and our ability for good relationships. Trauma and loss can cause sadness, depression and pain that inhibit and block. My personal style is interactive, empathic, non-judgmental and respectful of individual values and choices.
Hello! I work with individuals who wish to create lasting, positive changes in their lives and relationships. I offer safe, compassionate and supportive counseling in an atmosphere that deepens understanding, promotes healing, and releases potential. Unresolved emotional issues can stifle creativity, confidence, ambition, and our ability for good relationships. Trauma and loss can cause sadness, depression and pain that inhibit and block. My personal style is interactive, empathic, non-judgmental and respectful of individual values and choices.
Would you like to feel more connected to your true-self, and be yourself more with others within relationship? Let's collaborate in a process where we explore, uncover, and understand your experience. Through the process of looking with curiosity at what your patterns and feelings are trying to tell you, we can help find the real YOU that is trying to live more fully. I will hold your therapy with a calm, engaging, and dynamic presence, offering a combination of insight, empathy, and tools that can support you to move through the tough parts of life and relationship.
Would you like to feel more connected to your true-self, and be yourself more with others within relationship? Let's collaborate in a process where we explore, uncover, and understand your experience. Through the process of looking with curiosity at what your patterns and feelings are trying to tell you, we can help find the real YOU that is trying to live more fully. I will hold your therapy with a calm, engaging, and dynamic presence, offering a combination of insight, empathy, and tools that can support you to move through the tough parts of life and relationship.
More Therapists Nearby
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist in California and have been working in the field of mental health for over 20 years. I enjoy helping clients make changes that they want in order to live their lives the way they hope to.
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist in California and have been working in the field of mental health for over 20 years. I enjoy helping clients make changes that they want in order to live their lives the way they hope to.
For couples, I use emotionally focused therapy (EFT) and Imago to rebuild connection.
Struggling with desire, orgasm, sexual pain, or intimacy challenges? You deserve a specialist — not a generalist. I'm Dr. Diana Urman, one of few therapists in California with a PhD in Human Sexuality, 20+ years in sex therapy, and experience as an Oregon Supreme Court expert witness. I help individuals and couples move from shame to authentic sexual confidence.
For couples, I use emotionally focused therapy (EFT) and Imago to rebuild connection.
Struggling with desire, orgasm, sexual pain, or intimacy challenges? You deserve a specialist — not a generalist. I'm Dr. Diana Urman, one of few therapists in California with a PhD in Human Sexuality, 20+ years in sex therapy, and experience as an Oregon Supreme Court expert witness. I help individuals and couples move from shame to authentic sexual confidence.
With couples I often use Emotionally Focused Therapy, The Gottman Method, and Imago Relationship Therapy.
At some point we all struggle to adjustment to life's changes; it's normal to feel stuck and I believe people have what it takes to adjust. For the past 20 years, I have been working with children and teens who are struggling to balance the demands of school and their social life. I integrate parents in my work as much as possible. I also work with adults and Couples often come to me for help in distress and are confused about how or why their relationship has derailed. I am dedicated to helping people build stronger; more intimate relationships and I use several modalities when attempting to help couples in distress.
With couples I often use Emotionally Focused Therapy, The Gottman Method, and Imago Relationship Therapy.
At some point we all struggle to adjustment to life's changes; it's normal to feel stuck and I believe people have what it takes to adjust. For the past 20 years, I have been working with children and teens who are struggling to balance the demands of school and their social life. I integrate parents in my work as much as possible. I also work with adults and Couples often come to me for help in distress and are confused about how or why their relationship has derailed. I am dedicated to helping people build stronger; more intimate relationships and I use several modalities when attempting to help couples in distress.
Wilshire Valley Therapy offers state-of-the-art mental health services in person or via Telemedicine in LA, Burbank, Santa Clarita, Encino & Ventura, & Telemed in both SoCal & Northern Calif. Our highly qualified therapists engage & collaborate with clients whose goals & treatment directions seek to achieve more authentic, productive lives. A safe space created where clients personal & professional relationships are strengthened & a range of phase of life issues are explored in a supportive setting. We assist clients in discovering their unique value & strengths, creating a solid foundation, for a better life & a hopeful future.
Wilshire Valley Therapy offers state-of-the-art mental health services in person or via Telemedicine in LA, Burbank, Santa Clarita, Encino & Ventura, & Telemed in both SoCal & Northern Calif. Our highly qualified therapists engage & collaborate with clients whose goals & treatment directions seek to achieve more authentic, productive lives. A safe space created where clients personal & professional relationships are strengthened & a range of phase of life issues are explored in a supportive setting. We assist clients in discovering their unique value & strengths, creating a solid foundation, for a better life & a hopeful future.
As a certified Imago Relationship Therapist, I specialize in relationship issues.
Couples’ work requires a format that guarantees emotional safety—that’s my specialty. Learn to talk without criticism, listen without judgment and connect beyond differences. I get in there as an active coach right away, helping you build the skill-set to remain connected, curious and empathic, even though you may see things from very different perspectives.
As a certified Imago Relationship Therapist, I specialize in relationship issues.
Couples’ work requires a format that guarantees emotional safety—that’s my specialty. Learn to talk without criticism, listen without judgment and connect beyond differences. I get in there as an active coach right away, helping you build the skill-set to remain connected, curious and empathic, even though you may see things from very different perspectives.
See more therapy options for San Rafael
Nearby Imago Therapists Searches for San Rafael
- Alameda
- Berkeley
- Corte Madera
- Lafayette
- Mill Valley
- Novato
- Oakland
- Orinda
- Petaluma
- Pinole
- San Francisco
- Sausalito
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.