Imago Therapists in 96793
David Alan Litman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Wailuku, HI 96793
People come to me for many reasons. For some, they are overall doing well in their life, but feel that there's something going on inside that's keeping them from reaching their full potential and finding true happiness and fulfillment. Others are actively experiencing challenges in their life and are open to receiving support, while still others are in real pain, and are looking for relief and help with that.
People come to me for many reasons. For some, they are overall doing well in their life, but feel that there's something going on inside that's keeping them from reaching their full potential and finding true happiness and fulfillment. Others are actively experiencing challenges in their life and are open to receiving support, while still others are in real pain, and are looking for relief and help with that.
Patricia Covici
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Wailuku, HI 96793
Many people experience a deep sense of longing often described as a feeling of emptiness. What we use to fix or fill that emptiness can begin addictive processes like alcoholism, love addiction, and codependency. My approach is to meet that longing with compassion, understanding and love. Often the problem that causes us discomfort is an old way of coping that a part of us believes we need. Together we find the meaning that is generating or keeping the presenting symptom or problem in place and then move to swiftly create positive lasting change.
Many people experience a deep sense of longing often described as a feeling of emptiness. What we use to fix or fill that emptiness can begin addictive processes like alcoholism, love addiction, and codependency. My approach is to meet that longing with compassion, understanding and love. Often the problem that causes us discomfort is an old way of coping that a part of us believes we need. Together we find the meaning that is generating or keeping the presenting symptom or problem in place and then move to swiftly create positive lasting change.
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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.