Imago Therapists in 55104
Cornerstone Therapy and Recovery Center
Psychologist, MA, LP
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Saint Paul, MN 55104
Waitlist for new clients
I've been counseling men and couples for over 40 years. My specialties are men with compulsive/addictive sexual behaviors, unresolved childhood abuse/trauma/neglect, anxiety/depression, relationship problems and intimacy issues. I also do couple's therapy teaching and helping couples in good communication and conflict management and how to heal from infidelity. Cornerstone has 5 outpatient treatment groups for men with sexual addiction. We also have very skilled therapist who treat childhood trauma and neglect with very highly regarded therapeutic methods and approaches including EMDR, Sensorimotor and Pesso Psychomotor Therapy.
I've been counseling men and couples for over 40 years. My specialties are men with compulsive/addictive sexual behaviors, unresolved childhood abuse/trauma/neglect, anxiety/depression, relationship problems and intimacy issues. I also do couple's therapy teaching and helping couples in good communication and conflict management and how to heal from infidelity. Cornerstone has 5 outpatient treatment groups for men with sexual addiction. We also have very skilled therapist who treat childhood trauma and neglect with very highly regarded therapeutic methods and approaches including EMDR, Sensorimotor and Pesso Psychomotor Therapy.
Christa R Surerus
Counselor, MA, LPCC, LADC
Verified Verified
Saint Paul, MN 55104
If you are reading this, you're probably experiencing significant pain. Perhaps you're facing a break-up, or you realize your new partner is very much like the previous one. You may be scared, uncertain of the next step. Perhaps you are single, asking what it might take to find the right partner, or you may feel stuck in your marriage. You'll come in, plop yourself down, and ask me to fix you. I'll say: "I cannot do that." "All right," you say, "then, what is the point?" I'll respond: "I can help you be curious."
If you are reading this, you're probably experiencing significant pain. Perhaps you're facing a break-up, or you realize your new partner is very much like the previous one. You may be scared, uncertain of the next step. Perhaps you are single, asking what it might take to find the right partner, or you may feel stuck in your marriage. You'll come in, plop yourself down, and ask me to fix you. I'll say: "I cannot do that." "All right," you say, "then, what is the point?" I'll respond: "I can help you be curious."
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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.