Imago Therapists in Charlotte, NC
I have worked with individuals, couples, and families for over 25 years as they seek help for challenges that bring them to therapy. I have trained extensively in the treatment of anxiety, depression, grief, addiction, codependency, relationship issues, and trauma. Mindfulness is an integral part of my personal life and therapy practice. My intention is to be a compassionate and wise guide as my clients engage in the work needed to heal.
I have worked with individuals, couples, and families for over 25 years as they seek help for challenges that bring them to therapy. I have trained extensively in the treatment of anxiety, depression, grief, addiction, codependency, relationship issues, and trauma. Mindfulness is an integral part of my personal life and therapy practice. My intention is to be a compassionate and wise guide as my clients engage in the work needed to heal.
I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in North Carolina for over 35 years. I take seriously the trust that clients place in me when choosing to work with me in psychotherapy and as a result I create a safe, non-judgmental space where life's challenges can be examined and explored and where a sense of health and well being can be found or reestablished. My specialties include relationship/couples counseling, trauma resolution, and the integration of spirituality, mindfulness and psychotherapy using the spiritual framework of my clients.
I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in North Carolina for over 35 years. I take seriously the trust that clients place in me when choosing to work with me in psychotherapy and as a result I create a safe, non-judgmental space where life's challenges can be examined and explored and where a sense of health and well being can be found or reestablished. My specialties include relationship/couples counseling, trauma resolution, and the integration of spirituality, mindfulness and psychotherapy using the spiritual framework of my clients.
I believe we all have the potential to grow through challenges. Rather than living in distress, we can find ways to ease through the difficulties of life. Through my work with cancer patients, I developed a therapeutic framework based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help clients with various issues move from distress toward peace. In addition, I understand that one size does not fit all, so I use an integrative approach that draws from several disciplines.
I believe we all have the potential to grow through challenges. Rather than living in distress, we can find ways to ease through the difficulties of life. Through my work with cancer patients, I developed a therapeutic framework based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help clients with various issues move from distress toward peace. In addition, I understand that one size does not fit all, so I use an integrative approach that draws from several disciplines.
Life is challenging at times. Maintaining healthy relationships may feel the like the greatest challenge of all! Our relationships are influenced by our childhood, family, & life experiences. Relationships take work! They can be overwhelming with the intensity of different emotions we experience, and sometimes this leads to make choices that can be unhealthy for us. Isolation, infidelity, & substance use hold us back from having a fulfilling relationship with ourselves & with others. Through exploring our challenges, accepting who we are in this moment, & leaning into the opportunity for growth we can Embrace all life has to offer!
Life is challenging at times. Maintaining healthy relationships may feel the like the greatest challenge of all! Our relationships are influenced by our childhood, family, & life experiences. Relationships take work! They can be overwhelming with the intensity of different emotions we experience, and sometimes this leads to make choices that can be unhealthy for us. Isolation, infidelity, & substance use hold us back from having a fulfilling relationship with ourselves & with others. Through exploring our challenges, accepting who we are in this moment, & leaning into the opportunity for growth we can Embrace all life has to offer!
Currently accepting new clients as off 12/1/25.
As an attachment based, trauma informed therapist, I help people get unstuck in their relationships and personal life. Common difficulties I see are conflict in relationships, communication issues, life transitions, and depression and anxiety.
Currently accepting new clients as off 12/1/25.
As an attachment based, trauma informed therapist, I help people get unstuck in their relationships and personal life. Common difficulties I see are conflict in relationships, communication issues, life transitions, and depression and anxiety.
Whether you are navigating life transitions, seeking clarity, or addressing challenges, our collaboration will be centered around fostering a meaningful connection with your inner self. One of my specialties is helping to navigate the beautiful and challenging stages of the perinatal and postpartum periods of life. Whether you're moving through the joys or grappling with the complexities, I am here to provide support to folks going through the life stages of conception, pregnancy, postpartum, loss, and infertility. I am also passionate about the importance of therapy for therapists.
Whether you are navigating life transitions, seeking clarity, or addressing challenges, our collaboration will be centered around fostering a meaningful connection with your inner self. One of my specialties is helping to navigate the beautiful and challenging stages of the perinatal and postpartum periods of life. Whether you're moving through the joys or grappling with the complexities, I am here to provide support to folks going through the life stages of conception, pregnancy, postpartum, loss, and infertility. I am also passionate about the importance of therapy for therapists.
I have provided psychotherapy and counseling services for over 25 years. By employing a wide variety of techniques and approaches, I have come to realize that the body is a vital and intricate partner in therapy. Somatic Experiencing is a body based approach to healing and the cornerstone of all my sessions, assisting you in soothing, settling, quieting, and balancing your nervous system. This approach reconnects to your inner wisdom and utilizes the body’s innate capacity to heal to help you live more fully and harmoniously.
I have provided psychotherapy and counseling services for over 25 years. By employing a wide variety of techniques and approaches, I have come to realize that the body is a vital and intricate partner in therapy. Somatic Experiencing is a body based approach to healing and the cornerstone of all my sessions, assisting you in soothing, settling, quieting, and balancing your nervous system. This approach reconnects to your inner wisdom and utilizes the body’s innate capacity to heal to help you live more fully and harmoniously.
Misson: Group counseling & individual therapy for healers, helpers, & heroes. Are you feeling unmotivated or depressed on your job? Do you work or live with challenging people who cause you to feel burnt-out, stressed-out or tired? Helping you decrease overall stress levels & ward off exhaustion, compassion fatigue, and secondary traumatic stress is the goal. Partnering with you toward the objective of innovative "soul-utions", promoting healing for your mind& body to help you master your peace. Seasonal Affective Disorder & grief make November/December tough for many; you are NOT alone. Let me support you through it, book today.
Misson: Group counseling & individual therapy for healers, helpers, & heroes. Are you feeling unmotivated or depressed on your job? Do you work or live with challenging people who cause you to feel burnt-out, stressed-out or tired? Helping you decrease overall stress levels & ward off exhaustion, compassion fatigue, and secondary traumatic stress is the goal. Partnering with you toward the objective of innovative "soul-utions", promoting healing for your mind& body to help you master your peace. Seasonal Affective Disorder & grief make November/December tough for many; you are NOT alone. Let me support you through it, book today.
I earned my Masters in counseling from the University of New Orleans in 1987 and my Masters in social work from the University of South Carolina in 1994. I have worked for over 17 years as a clinical therapist/professional counselor. My clinical and counseling experiences have been in a variety of settings to include private practice, mental health agencies, and community outreach. I am primarily focused on working with adults. I believe that therapy has the ability to promote hope, growth and change.
I earned my Masters in counseling from the University of New Orleans in 1987 and my Masters in social work from the University of South Carolina in 1994. I have worked for over 17 years as a clinical therapist/professional counselor. My clinical and counseling experiences have been in a variety of settings to include private practice, mental health agencies, and community outreach. I am primarily focused on working with adults. I believe that therapy has the ability to promote hope, growth and change.
Creating the Conditions for change in your life course through psychotherapy and life coaching...
My support is strengths based and empathetic to the challenges that make it difficult for you to create the life that you want. Struggling in your relationships? Trying to deal with difficult events in your life? I don't preach, stand on "soap boxes" or point fingers...my job is to momentarily hold what you "can't" so you can "work it out"! I simply help you connect the loose connections. That is how emotional growth happens and how we help Create the Conditions for Change.
Creating the Conditions for change in your life course through psychotherapy and life coaching...
My support is strengths based and empathetic to the challenges that make it difficult for you to create the life that you want. Struggling in your relationships? Trying to deal with difficult events in your life? I don't preach, stand on "soap boxes" or point fingers...my job is to momentarily hold what you "can't" so you can "work it out"! I simply help you connect the loose connections. That is how emotional growth happens and how we help Create the Conditions for Change.
"When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you, till it seems as though you could not hang on a minute longer, never give up then, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn."-Harriet Beecher Stowe. I encourage you in the healing process as you discover your innate strengths and develop them. My extensive training in relationship and various modes of individual therapy prepare me to work with individuals, couples, and families. With an emphasis on interpersonal relationships and their impact on thinking, emotions and behavior, I address the whole person emphasizing the ever-changing life cycle.
"When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you, till it seems as though you could not hang on a minute longer, never give up then, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn."-Harriet Beecher Stowe. I encourage you in the healing process as you discover your innate strengths and develop them. My extensive training in relationship and various modes of individual therapy prepare me to work with individuals, couples, and families. With an emphasis on interpersonal relationships and their impact on thinking, emotions and behavior, I address the whole person emphasizing the ever-changing life cycle.
You might feel stuck in your life or in unmanageable feelings or in a relationship or in your healing process. I want to help you find a safe place to get clarity, to explore your feelings and concerns, to receive honest constructive feedback and support. I will invite you to be an active participant in your own growth and change. This might include hearing your story, exploring feelings, teaching you an Energy Medicine approach called Emotional Freedom Techniques. This likely will include doing projects outside of sessions such as reading, journaling or daring to try new things.
You might feel stuck in your life or in unmanageable feelings or in a relationship or in your healing process. I want to help you find a safe place to get clarity, to explore your feelings and concerns, to receive honest constructive feedback and support. I will invite you to be an active participant in your own growth and change. This might include hearing your story, exploring feelings, teaching you an Energy Medicine approach called Emotional Freedom Techniques. This likely will include doing projects outside of sessions such as reading, journaling or daring to try new things.
I am an interactive, cognitive behavioral client-centered therapist who focuses on the development of healthy relationships that have been impacted by trauma, grief and loss, infidelity, life transitions, depression, domestic and substance abuse. My empathetic and compassionate approach provides support and practical feedback while building on client's strengths using an empowerment model and the development of deeper self-discovery and awareness. The goal is to identify effective coping strategies to manage what clients are currently experiencing. I endeavor to walk alongside of clients in the midst of their pain and their joy.
I am an interactive, cognitive behavioral client-centered therapist who focuses on the development of healthy relationships that have been impacted by trauma, grief and loss, infidelity, life transitions, depression, domestic and substance abuse. My empathetic and compassionate approach provides support and practical feedback while building on client's strengths using an empowerment model and the development of deeper self-discovery and awareness. The goal is to identify effective coping strategies to manage what clients are currently experiencing. I endeavor to walk alongside of clients in the midst of their pain and their joy.
Are you longing to live more authentically, with greater hope and clarity? For over 35 years, I’ve walked alongside individuals seeking deeper meaning in their lives—helping them move beyond anxiety, depression, and confusion toward purpose, connection, and inner peace.
At the heart of my practice is a belief that healing begins with soul connection. Drawing from Jungian depth psychology, I specialize in working with dreams as gateways to the unconscious—revealing hidden truths, potent symbols, and insights that guide us toward wholeness.
So why wait? Start your journey towards a brighter future today.
Are you longing to live more authentically, with greater hope and clarity? For over 35 years, I’ve walked alongside individuals seeking deeper meaning in their lives—helping them move beyond anxiety, depression, and confusion toward purpose, connection, and inner peace.
At the heart of my practice is a belief that healing begins with soul connection. Drawing from Jungian depth psychology, I specialize in working with dreams as gateways to the unconscious—revealing hidden truths, potent symbols, and insights that guide us toward wholeness.
So why wait? Start your journey towards a brighter future today.
“What is wrong with me?” you ask yourself for the umpteenth time today. That voice in your head never lets up. “Why do I even bother?” “I’m such a hot mess!” You try so hard to be perfect, please everyone, and never let people down, but it’s not enough. So you turn on yourself, repeatedly falling into destructive cycles of overcompensation and self-sabotage. It extends to every aspect of your life. Relationships feel absolutely impossible. Healthy ones? What's that? No matter how hard you try, you can’t seem to make anything work in your life. You can't even put it into words really. You just feel empty. You feel stuck...
“What is wrong with me?” you ask yourself for the umpteenth time today. That voice in your head never lets up. “Why do I even bother?” “I’m such a hot mess!” You try so hard to be perfect, please everyone, and never let people down, but it’s not enough. So you turn on yourself, repeatedly falling into destructive cycles of overcompensation and self-sabotage. It extends to every aspect of your life. Relationships feel absolutely impossible. Healthy ones? What's that? No matter how hard you try, you can’t seem to make anything work in your life. You can't even put it into words really. You just feel empty. You feel stuck...
My therapy practice offers support for you through mental health with spiritual insight, mindfulness, creativity, yoga/qigong and time in nature. You deserve supportive care and guidance that connects with your soul’s journey.
Whether you’ve grown up in a challenging family, have a painful relationship, feel blocked creatively or you need someone to hold space and share insights, you can find meaning and hope.
Through listening & asking thoughtful questions, I seek to help you feel supported. Sessions begin with a short breath practice (optional) and also include solution-focused steps and self-care practices unique to you.
My therapy practice offers support for you through mental health with spiritual insight, mindfulness, creativity, yoga/qigong and time in nature. You deserve supportive care and guidance that connects with your soul’s journey.
Whether you’ve grown up in a challenging family, have a painful relationship, feel blocked creatively or you need someone to hold space and share insights, you can find meaning and hope.
Through listening & asking thoughtful questions, I seek to help you feel supported. Sessions begin with a short breath practice (optional) and also include solution-focused steps and self-care practices unique to you.
Melanie Wester Marky
Counselor, LCMHCA, MSEd
6 Endorsed
Charlotte, NC 28204
Waitlist for new clients
Do you struggle in a relationship with a partner, family, or even yourself? Do you find it difficult to break repeating cycles in your personal life, or to move past trauma? Do you struggle to feel heard and validated by those you care about, or to set and hold boundaries with them? Maybe you’ve been hurt by infidelity or betrayal, or you just don’t feel emotionally or sexually connected to your partner anymore. No matter what got you here, you’ve already shown you have the strength to take control and to make things better. Let’s keep that positive momentum going! If it’s important to you, it’s important to me… and I can help.
Do you struggle in a relationship with a partner, family, or even yourself? Do you find it difficult to break repeating cycles in your personal life, or to move past trauma? Do you struggle to feel heard and validated by those you care about, or to set and hold boundaries with them? Maybe you’ve been hurt by infidelity or betrayal, or you just don’t feel emotionally or sexually connected to your partner anymore. No matter what got you here, you’ve already shown you have the strength to take control and to make things better. Let’s keep that positive momentum going! If it’s important to you, it’s important to me… and I can help.
I am a therapist specializing in individual, couples and group therapy, with an emphasis on a multicultural approach to counseling, and well-being. I am the owner/licensed psychologist of Balanced Mindset Counseling and Psychological Services, PLLC, in Charlotte, NC. I am an experienced Mental Health Administrator and Licensed Psychologist with a demonstrated history of working in both the higher education industry and private clinical practice. I have worked in the areas of college student mental health, clinical administration, cultural competency, diversity and inclusion, performance and motivation, and social justice.
I am a therapist specializing in individual, couples and group therapy, with an emphasis on a multicultural approach to counseling, and well-being. I am the owner/licensed psychologist of Balanced Mindset Counseling and Psychological Services, PLLC, in Charlotte, NC. I am an experienced Mental Health Administrator and Licensed Psychologist with a demonstrated history of working in both the higher education industry and private clinical practice. I have worked in the areas of college student mental health, clinical administration, cultural competency, diversity and inclusion, performance and motivation, and social justice.
With couples, I have found Imago therapy effective to stop blame, criticism, and reduce conflict.
With over 33 years of clinical psychotherapeutic experience, I am a highly-skilled and compassionate licensed clinical psychotherapist who works with adults experiencing a variety of mood disorders and mental health challenges. My focus is dedicated to providing exceptional care and effective psychotherapeutic treatment to assist my client(s) with addressing their troubling thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Fortunately, I have the ability to establish rapport quickly, build trust, and relate to a diverse client population, regarding race, ethnicity, religion, age, gender identity, and sexual orientation.
With couples, I have found Imago therapy effective to stop blame, criticism, and reduce conflict.
With over 33 years of clinical psychotherapeutic experience, I am a highly-skilled and compassionate licensed clinical psychotherapist who works with adults experiencing a variety of mood disorders and mental health challenges. My focus is dedicated to providing exceptional care and effective psychotherapeutic treatment to assist my client(s) with addressing their troubling thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Fortunately, I have the ability to establish rapport quickly, build trust, and relate to a diverse client population, regarding race, ethnicity, religion, age, gender identity, and sexual orientation.
My favs: couples who love each other but don't always communicate well...individuals who want to know themselves better and understand their patterns...those who want to heal past wounds and have happy, healthy relationships
My favs: couples who love each other but don't always communicate well...individuals who want to know themselves better and understand their patterns...those who want to heal past wounds and have happy, healthy relationships
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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.