Imago Therapists in 80248
I love helping people to overcome loss, remove barriers, learn more about themselves, and live fuller lives. You might be going through a painful loss or a major transition. You may have recently experienced a terrible trauma, or you have decided to finally address long-standing painful childhood experiences. You may be trying to decide if you can fix your relationship, or if it's time to leave. There are any number of reasons why people seek the help of a mental health professional. But it is often one of the most important journeys a person can undertake.
I love helping people to overcome loss, remove barriers, learn more about themselves, and live fuller lives. You might be going through a painful loss or a major transition. You may have recently experienced a terrible trauma, or you have decided to finally address long-standing painful childhood experiences. You may be trying to decide if you can fix your relationship, or if it's time to leave. There are any number of reasons why people seek the help of a mental health professional. But it is often one of the most important journeys a person can undertake.
Do you feel as if there is a weight holding you down in life? It may be based in shame and guilt or a feeling of being stuck. What would it feel like to better understand yourself and to move towards a freer and more authentic version of yourself? I pride myself in creating a safe and collaborative environment where we can begin to explore obstacles such as depression, anxiety, relationship problems, trauma, addiction, and navigating life choices. My focus is to help you meet your goals and sense of potential.
Do you feel as if there is a weight holding you down in life? It may be based in shame and guilt or a feeling of being stuck. What would it feel like to better understand yourself and to move towards a freer and more authentic version of yourself? I pride myself in creating a safe and collaborative environment where we can begin to explore obstacles such as depression, anxiety, relationship problems, trauma, addiction, and navigating life choices. My focus is to help you meet your goals and sense of potential.
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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.