Imago Therapists in 22307
I am a somatic experiencing practitioner and clinical sexologist committed to diversity and accessibility and offer a holistic therapeutic approach targeted to fit client needs. I am dedicated to trust-building and co-creation and enjoy worksheets/ post-session exercises that reinforce and assist integration. I enjoy working with clients with traditionally limited access to care. I also appreciate curiosity for self-awareness and commitment to growth.
I am a somatic experiencing practitioner and clinical sexologist committed to diversity and accessibility and offer a holistic therapeutic approach targeted to fit client needs. I am dedicated to trust-building and co-creation and enjoy worksheets/ post-session exercises that reinforce and assist integration. I enjoy working with clients with traditionally limited access to care. I also appreciate curiosity for self-awareness and commitment to growth.
Whether you're looking to set a new course in life, heal a wounded heart, break from unhealthy habits, I can teach you strategies and skills to become the person you want to be. Any positive change requires awareness, determination, and effort. At heartsandmindshealth, my goal is to improve your mental health and well-being. I take an insight-oriented, solution-focused approach to our work, After setting mutually-determined treatment objectives, I help individuals, couples, and groups achieve life goals, heal emotional wounds, become "unstuck", or break free from unhealthy patterns.
Whether you're looking to set a new course in life, heal a wounded heart, break from unhealthy habits, I can teach you strategies and skills to become the person you want to be. Any positive change requires awareness, determination, and effort. At heartsandmindshealth, my goal is to improve your mental health and well-being. I take an insight-oriented, solution-focused approach to our work, After setting mutually-determined treatment objectives, I help individuals, couples, and groups achieve life goals, heal emotional wounds, become "unstuck", or break free from unhealthy patterns.
Because I view each client as unique, I approach each case differently. I work from an integrative theoretical orientation and employ strategies from Cognitive Behavioral, Psychodynamics, Family Systems, and other theories according to the varying needs of each client.
Because I view each client as unique, I approach each case differently. I work from an integrative theoretical orientation and employ strategies from Cognitive Behavioral, Psychodynamics, Family Systems, and other theories according to the varying needs of each client.
Marianna J Patente
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-VA, LCPC-MD, MEd
Verified Verified
Alexandria, VA 22307 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Are you struggling with communication and/ or intimacy in your relationship with your partner? Are there issues from your past which you find it hard to move beyond? Do you find it difficult to like and/or accept yourself? Or do you feel sad or worried a lot of the time? If you answered yes to any of these questions, perhaps I can help. I have 25 years of experience in private practice working with these types of issues, helping couples and individuals move forward and feel more fulfilled in their lives.
Are you struggling with communication and/ or intimacy in your relationship with your partner? Are there issues from your past which you find it hard to move beyond? Do you find it difficult to like and/or accept yourself? Or do you feel sad or worried a lot of the time? If you answered yes to any of these questions, perhaps I can help. I have 25 years of experience in private practice working with these types of issues, helping couples and individuals move forward and feel more fulfilled in their lives.
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Imago Therapists
How does Imago therapy work?
Imago relationship therapy is a form of couples counseling meant to help partners address conflict, communication problems, and related issues. Imago sessions typically involve couples sitting facing each other and participating in guided conversations. Therapy will also involve exercises such as re-imagining one’s partner as a wounded child; re-romanticizing a relationship through appreciation, surprises, and even gift-giving and restructuring frustrations by transforming complaints into requests. The ultimate goal is to re-envision the relationship as a source of safety and happiness.
What is the Imago method?
A core technique of Imago therapy is the Imago dialogue, in which partners learn to avoid hurtful statements and establish ways to interact based on each having equal space and power. In the dialogue, partners take turns as the “sender,” who shares their thoughts, and the “receiver.” The receiver is asked to “mirror,” or paraphrase, what their partner has said, without response or rebuttal, and then validate their statements, acknowledging understanding even if they do not personally agree with it. Finally, the receiver displays empathy by stating what they imagine the other is feeling, and showing appreciation for it.
How long does Imago therapy take?
As with most forms of talk therapy, there is no set duration or end point for Imago therapy. After becoming comfortable with a therapist and the core techniques of Imago coaching, some couples quickly make progress, but most should expect sessions to extend for months, encompassing at least 12 to 20 sessions, along with extensive “homework” from their therapist.
Does Imago therapy work?
There is limited empirical evidence to support the benefits of Imago therapy, but some smaller studies suggest that it does help couples, at least in the short-term. A 2017 study found that marital satisfaction increased significantly after couples completed 12 sessions of Imago therapy, and remained higher for some time after that, but did not always result in “complete recovery.” Other studies found greater empathy and fewer feelings of relationship burnout in couples after therapy. Some research suggests that Imago therapy can aid individuals as well as couples; people with ADHD in particular may benefit from the development of communication, self-control, and listening skills that form the basis of the technique.