Imago Therapists in 60159

Photo of Paula Lynn Sabin, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Paula Lynn Sabin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Schaumburg, IL 60159
Waitlist for new clients
I believe in the healing power of the therapeutic relationship. Such a relationship is a partnership between therapist and client. People look at themselves honestly and choose goals that are truer to their values when they are in a safe and trusting relationship. My approach is warm, empathic and non-judgmental. I listen carefully, asking questions to encourage exploration of pertinanent issues, giving suggestions, feedback and sharing insights. I serve adults, ages 18 to 88 and older. I work with couples and individuals, specializing in trauma, grief, depression, anxiety , relationship problems and difficult life transitions. I am Level 2 Certified in EMDR.
I believe in the healing power of the therapeutic relationship. Such a relationship is a partnership between therapist and client. People look at themselves honestly and choose goals that are truer to their values when they are in a safe and trusting relationship. My approach is warm, empathic and non-judgmental. I listen carefully, asking questions to encourage exploration of pertinanent issues, giving suggestions, feedback and sharing insights. I serve adults, ages 18 to 88 and older. I work with couples and individuals, specializing in trauma, grief, depression, anxiety , relationship problems and difficult life transitions. I am Level 2 Certified in EMDR.
(847) 379-1074 View (847) 379-1074
Photo of Mandy Snider, MEd, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Mandy Snider
Marriage & Family Therapist, MEd, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Schaumburg, IL 60159
I use an integrative approach to therapy that is collaborative, solution-focused, and aimed at creating meaningful movement towards positive change. I want to provide a safe, secure, and non-judgmental environment in which clients can feel free to openly discuss their thoughts and feelings. I am a member of the LGBTQ community and thoroughly enjoy helping clients overcome their fear and anxiety and move towards a more authentic life. I additionally enjoy helping couples and families improve communication and overall relationship dynamics. I believe that change happens when knowledge and experiences are shared.
I use an integrative approach to therapy that is collaborative, solution-focused, and aimed at creating meaningful movement towards positive change. I want to provide a safe, secure, and non-judgmental environment in which clients can feel free to openly discuss their thoughts and feelings. I am a member of the LGBTQ community and thoroughly enjoy helping clients overcome their fear and anxiety and move towards a more authentic life. I additionally enjoy helping couples and families improve communication and overall relationship dynamics. I believe that change happens when knowledge and experiences are shared.
(815) 923-1070 View (815) 923-1070
Photo of Mackenzie Sullivan, LMFT, MS, Marriage & Family Therapist
Mackenzie Sullivan
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Schaumburg, IL 60159
Not accepting new clients
My current availability is daytime only. I enjoy working with children, adolescents, families, adults, and couples. I specialize in relational issues, depression, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, life transitions/stress, gender identity/sexuality, and self-esteem. I work collaboratively to raise awareness and teach emotional regulation, expression of anger and distress tolerance. I empower families and individuals to understand/create/communicate needs. I am skilled at finding the best methods and interventions to meet my clients’ needs because everyone is different and it is important to find a good fit.
My current availability is daytime only. I enjoy working with children, adolescents, families, adults, and couples. I specialize in relational issues, depression, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, life transitions/stress, gender identity/sexuality, and self-esteem. I work collaboratively to raise awareness and teach emotional regulation, expression of anger and distress tolerance. I empower families and individuals to understand/create/communicate needs. I am skilled at finding the best methods and interventions to meet my clients’ needs because everyone is different and it is important to find a good fit.
(847) 380-8439 View (847) 380-8439

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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.