Photo of Susan B. Coleman, Licensed Professional Counselor in Loveland, CO
Susan B. Coleman
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Loveland, CO 80537  (Online Only)
I am trained in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), attachment theory, Gottman method, and Imago Relationship Therapy.
My practice offers a safe and welcoming environment for people who are looking to make changes in their lives and relationships. My goal is to provide a compassionate and non-judgmental space for you to safely and honestly explore your thoughts, feelings, and concerns. I specialize in working with a variety of issues including self-worth, anxiety, communication issues, work-life balance, parenting difficulties, emotional disconnection or infidelity.
I am trained in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), attachment theory, Gottman method, and Imago Relationship Therapy.
My practice offers a safe and welcoming environment for people who are looking to make changes in their lives and relationships. My goal is to provide a compassionate and non-judgmental space for you to safely and honestly explore your thoughts, feelings, and concerns. I specialize in working with a variety of issues including self-worth, anxiety, communication issues, work-life balance, parenting difficulties, emotional disconnection or infidelity.
(970) 341-2581 View (970) 341-2581
Photo of Sarah Gobble, Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate in Loveland, CO
Sarah Gobble
Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate, MA, LPCC, NCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Loveland, CO 80534
I ​offer tools to deepen your process of learning ​and discovery, including Internal Family ​Systems (IFS), Imago Relationship Therapy, ​the Neuro-Affective Relational Model ​(NARM) techniques, and somatic-based ​practices.
Welcome! I am so glad you are ​here. I practice from a highly relational, person-centered philosophy, ​which means I believe you have the wisdom ​and courage you need for your journey inside ​of you already. This heartful approach ​welcomes all parts of the human experience with compassionate curiosity. It ​is my honor to come alongside not as an expert, ​but as a companion, as we discover and explore ​the strength and knowing within.
I ​offer tools to deepen your process of learning ​and discovery, including Internal Family ​Systems (IFS), Imago Relationship Therapy, ​the Neuro-Affective Relational Model ​(NARM) techniques, and somatic-based ​practices.
Welcome! I am so glad you are ​here. I practice from a highly relational, person-centered philosophy, ​which means I believe you have the wisdom ​and courage you need for your journey inside ​of you already. This heartful approach ​welcomes all parts of the human experience with compassionate curiosity. It ​is my honor to come alongside not as an expert, ​but as a companion, as we discover and explore ​the strength and knowing within.
(970) 645-3256 View (970) 645-3256
Photo of Heal Your Life and Live Your Dreams, Licensed Professional Counselor in Loveland, CO
Heal Your Life and Live Your Dreams
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LLP, LMHC
Verified Verified
Loveland, CO 80537
I help you discover your dreams and inner strengths and gifts by identifying you true and authentic self. Then I am able to enable and empower you to heal what stands in the way of expressing your authentic self. I have many modalities I work in : client-centered, Internal Family systems, EMDR, trauma-focused, grief therapy and much more. I help you create a plan for healing on many levels: Physical, emotional, spiritual, relational and more. I am a communication and relationship expert and can help you heal your relationship to yourself, to you Family of Ogrin, to past partners and to you children. I do a lot of mediation as well.
I help you discover your dreams and inner strengths and gifts by identifying you true and authentic self. Then I am able to enable and empower you to heal what stands in the way of expressing your authentic self. I have many modalities I work in : client-centered, Internal Family systems, EMDR, trauma-focused, grief therapy and much more. I help you create a plan for healing on many levels: Physical, emotional, spiritual, relational and more. I am a communication and relationship expert and can help you heal your relationship to yourself, to you Family of Ogrin, to past partners and to you children. I do a lot of mediation as well.
(720) 815-4703 View (720) 815-4703
Photo of Robert Bundy, Licensed Professional Counselor in Loveland, CO
Robert Bundy
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Loveland, CO 80538
Are you struggling with issues related to trauma, grief, addiction, anxiety, or major life changes? There comes a time when we need some help from a certified professional to help cope with many of life’s challenges. I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor in the greater Loveland/Fort Collins area, and I’d be honored to help you on your journey toward healing and self-discovery. I believe that each individual has the ability to change their lives for the better and my approach to change is geared toward helping individuals become more confident, capable, and become the best version of themselves.
Are you struggling with issues related to trauma, grief, addiction, anxiety, or major life changes? There comes a time when we need some help from a certified professional to help cope with many of life’s challenges. I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor in the greater Loveland/Fort Collins area, and I’d be honored to help you on your journey toward healing and self-discovery. I believe that each individual has the ability to change their lives for the better and my approach to change is geared toward helping individuals become more confident, capable, and become the best version of themselves.
(970) 341-2096 View (970) 341-2096
Photo of Sandra J Brim, Psychologist in Loveland, CO
Sandra J Brim
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Loveland, CO 80537  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
With many years of experience, I facilitate client's growth through techniques designed to take people deeply into their "shadow" side while acknowledging that therapy is a relationship where healing can take place by assisting the individual in being seen for who they really are, freeing them up to be who they are, whether they have felt excluded or have been traumatized or struggling to find healthy relationships. Experience with all ages allows me to help clients with whatever issue they bring to our relationship. My ideal client has suffered a loss or failure. The pain from this motivates them to want change and growth.
With many years of experience, I facilitate client's growth through techniques designed to take people deeply into their "shadow" side while acknowledging that therapy is a relationship where healing can take place by assisting the individual in being seen for who they really are, freeing them up to be who they are, whether they have felt excluded or have been traumatized or struggling to find healthy relationships. Experience with all ages allows me to help clients with whatever issue they bring to our relationship. My ideal client has suffered a loss or failure. The pain from this motivates them to want change and growth.
(424) 377-8578 View (424) 377-8578
Photo of Keli Yerger, Marriage & Family Therapist in Loveland, CO
Keli Yerger
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CST
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Loveland, CO 80537
Waitlist for new clients
I'm a Relationship & AASECT-Certified Sex Therapist centered in the HEART of Loveland, Colorado. In my practice, I offer Transpersonal Healing for Your Soul. I also offer Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) sessions as an adjunct to therapy for both couples and individuals. Psychedelics provide us a chance to get past the walls and have glimpses into our unconscious, where we can uncover deep-rooted emotional content that hinders us in our daily lives. They also allow us to tap into our innate healing intelligence which guides us to go beyond the limits of our personal identity.
I'm a Relationship & AASECT-Certified Sex Therapist centered in the HEART of Loveland, Colorado. In my practice, I offer Transpersonal Healing for Your Soul. I also offer Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) sessions as an adjunct to therapy for both couples and individuals. Psychedelics provide us a chance to get past the walls and have glimpses into our unconscious, where we can uncover deep-rooted emotional content that hinders us in our daily lives. They also allow us to tap into our innate healing intelligence which guides us to go beyond the limits of our personal identity.
(970) 236-7213 View (970) 236-7213
Photo of Dedicated to YOUR Happiness Counseling, Licensed Professional Counselor in Loveland, CO
Dedicated to YOUR Happiness Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, EAP, SQ-coac
Verified Verified
Loveland, CO 80537
I meet you where YOU are with a full approach: emotional, physical, relational, spiritual, financial and intellectual. I provide a safe and supportive environment for exploring and resolving obstacles to your growth and well being. YOU are far more than any diagnosis you have ever received. I am now trained in EMDR and it is THE way to get beyond all issues including over-eating, drinking, self criticizing & more. You will be easily surprised how EMDR will help you heal. please call! “Therapy for anxiety and depression is just as effective as pills in the short-term, and has much lower relapse rates in the long term."
I meet you where YOU are with a full approach: emotional, physical, relational, spiritual, financial and intellectual. I provide a safe and supportive environment for exploring and resolving obstacles to your growth and well being. YOU are far more than any diagnosis you have ever received. I am now trained in EMDR and it is THE way to get beyond all issues including over-eating, drinking, self criticizing & more. You will be easily surprised how EMDR will help you heal. please call! “Therapy for anxiety and depression is just as effective as pills in the short-term, and has much lower relapse rates in the long term."
(720) 442-7077 View (720) 442-7077
Photo of Lenore A Senior, Licensed Professional Counselor in Loveland, CO
Lenore A Senior
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Loveland, CO 80537  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Are you influenced by a strong inner critic telling you stories about yourself that don't match with who you want to be? Maybe you don't have anyone you trust with whom you can really talk. Perhaps you weren't taught adequate coping skills to deal with whatever is overwhelming you right now. If you don't know where to turn or what to do, why keep swimming in the same old muck? Let's meet and work out a plan to see how you can be truly yourself, a creative and functioning human being, capable of happiness, fulfilling relationships, finding meaning, letting go of past dysfunctional behaviors, and engaging in truly joyful living.
Are you influenced by a strong inner critic telling you stories about yourself that don't match with who you want to be? Maybe you don't have anyone you trust with whom you can really talk. Perhaps you weren't taught adequate coping skills to deal with whatever is overwhelming you right now. If you don't know where to turn or what to do, why keep swimming in the same old muck? Let's meet and work out a plan to see how you can be truly yourself, a creative and functioning human being, capable of happiness, fulfilling relationships, finding meaning, letting go of past dysfunctional behaviors, and engaging in truly joyful living.
(307) 202-4515 View (307) 202-4515
Photo of Trisha Dittrick, Licensed Professional Counselor in Loveland, CO
Trisha Dittrick
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Loveland, CO 80537
One of the greatest predictors of therapeutic success is a good match between therapist and client. My therapeutic approach is to be gently direct and focuses on you living the truth of who you are. I have no agenda about what your truth is or judgment of how it's become clouded. I am, however, interested in supporting you to live fully. I facilitate awareness through various means: body awareness, blockages to choice, personality, relationships, and teaching mindfulness practices. Clients who hold responsibility have the fuel to catalyze change, and I am ready to work with you.
One of the greatest predictors of therapeutic success is a good match between therapist and client. My therapeutic approach is to be gently direct and focuses on you living the truth of who you are. I have no agenda about what your truth is or judgment of how it's become clouded. I am, however, interested in supporting you to live fully. I facilitate awareness through various means: body awareness, blockages to choice, personality, relationships, and teaching mindfulness practices. Clients who hold responsibility have the fuel to catalyze change, and I am ready to work with you.
(720) 410-5220 View (720) 410-5220
Photo of Debbie Gentry, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Loveland, CO
Debbie Gentry
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Loveland, CO 80538
Hours are Thursdays & Fridays only. I believe we are created to be in relationship with others. It is something we all desire and pursue as relationships are at the core of our identity as human beings. Relationships can bring us great joy or profound sadness. There is no greater pain and loneliness than to be in an unfulfilling relationship and no greater joy than to have a deep connection with others. If you are in a relationship that isn't working, want to understand what is causing your struggle and find ways to reconnect, please let me know. The best way to reach me is through email.
Hours are Thursdays & Fridays only. I believe we are created to be in relationship with others. It is something we all desire and pursue as relationships are at the core of our identity as human beings. Relationships can bring us great joy or profound sadness. There is no greater pain and loneliness than to be in an unfulfilling relationship and no greater joy than to have a deep connection with others. If you are in a relationship that isn't working, want to understand what is causing your struggle and find ways to reconnect, please let me know. The best way to reach me is through email.
(970) 458-7179 View (970) 458-7179

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Stephanie Anne James, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Loveland, CO
Stephanie Anne James
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, EMDR
Verified Verified
Fort Collins, CO 80525
My expertise is working with clients dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship, change of life, or traumatic issues. Helping a client to gain depth of insight, learn to utilize and trust their own resources, and helping to bring a client to wholeness and healing is my professional passion. I facilitate the process that helps clients actualize, and begin to live their highest quality of life.
My expertise is working with clients dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship, change of life, or traumatic issues. Helping a client to gain depth of insight, learn to utilize and trust their own resources, and helping to bring a client to wholeness and healing is my professional passion. I facilitate the process that helps clients actualize, and begin to live their highest quality of life.
(970) 450-4559 View (970) 450-4559
Photo of Neil Cannon, Marriage & Family Therapist in Loveland, CO
Neil Cannon
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT, CST-S
Verified Verified
12 Endorsed
Fort Collins, CO 80525
Dr. Neil Cannon is an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist & Supervisor. Neil is Clinical Director of the Cannon Institute. Neil and the team work with individuals & couples on any matter related to sex, intimacy & relationships. Neil is well known as a leader throughout the field of sex therapy. Neil is a published author and nationally known thought leader, mentor/supervisor. Neil is an instructor at the University of Michigan's Sexual Health Certificate Program and has served as the Colorado Section Leader for the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors & Therapists (AASECT) since 2007.
Dr. Neil Cannon is an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist & Supervisor. Neil is Clinical Director of the Cannon Institute. Neil and the team work with individuals & couples on any matter related to sex, intimacy & relationships. Neil is well known as a leader throughout the field of sex therapy. Neil is a published author and nationally known thought leader, mentor/supervisor. Neil is an instructor at the University of Michigan's Sexual Health Certificate Program and has served as the Colorado Section Leader for the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors & Therapists (AASECT) since 2007.
(303) 622-5087 View (303) 622-5087

Online Therapists

Photo of Patty Kozma, Marriage and Family Therapist Candidate in Loveland, CO
Patty Kozma
Marriage and Family Therapist Candidate, MFTC, MA
Verified Verified
Greenwood Village, CO 80111
I have had great success with couples using Gottman, PACT, Imago and EFT theories.
With an approach of empathy and compassion, I work with individuals and couples to provide strategic and experiential solutions to the struggle that has brought you in.  I will listen to understand and we will work together in a safe and open space.  I hope to strengthen what's already inside of you and help you develop a greater self-awareness. I bring years of life experience to this work. Please know that you are not alone and that - with gratitude and optimism - there is hope to renew your heart and re-establish the important relationships in your life, including the one with yourself.
I have had great success with couples using Gottman, PACT, Imago and EFT theories.
With an approach of empathy and compassion, I work with individuals and couples to provide strategic and experiential solutions to the struggle that has brought you in.  I will listen to understand and we will work together in a safe and open space.  I hope to strengthen what's already inside of you and help you develop a greater self-awareness. I bring years of life experience to this work. Please know that you are not alone and that - with gratitude and optimism - there is hope to renew your heart and re-establish the important relationships in your life, including the one with yourself.
(720) 613-2471 View (720) 613-2471
Photo of Charles David Mandell, Marriage & Family Therapist in Loveland, CO
Charles David Mandell
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Wheat Ridge, CO 80033  (Online Only)
I utilize EFT and Imago Therapy to provide healing spaces for couples.
Relationships evoke our deepest longings and fears, and touch on wounds that may have been long hidden, wounds which we’ve often lived a lifetime without recognizing. The pain of disconnection we feel in relationships, the heated arguments and periods of distance or alienation, can leave us lost and confused, stuck in emotional knots, with our desire for closeness vying against our protective reactions. Cycles of conflict may escalate, and with them, the pain. All the while, deep down, we quietly long to share ourselves more honestly and fully with those whom we are closest to.
I utilize EFT and Imago Therapy to provide healing spaces for couples.
Relationships evoke our deepest longings and fears, and touch on wounds that may have been long hidden, wounds which we’ve often lived a lifetime without recognizing. The pain of disconnection we feel in relationships, the heated arguments and periods of distance or alienation, can leave us lost and confused, stuck in emotional knots, with our desire for closeness vying against our protective reactions. Cycles of conflict may escalate, and with them, the pain. All the while, deep down, we quietly long to share ourselves more honestly and fully with those whom we are closest to.
(720) 547-9274 View (720) 547-9274
Photo of Healing In Relationship - Darleen Gegich, Licensed Professional Counselor in Loveland, CO
Healing In Relationship - Darleen Gegich
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Boulder, CO 80302
Couples Counseling: Are you longing to reconnect with your partner and get back the closeness you once had? Is it hard to talk about issues without it turning into a conflict? Has your relationship been affected by some form of infidelity and now the two of you are struggling to repair your relationship? You may have tried traditional couples counseling and are looking for a more effective approach? I use Imago Relationship Therapy as the way I work with couples because I have found it to be the most effective form of couples therapy that I have come across in my 20 years as a couples counselor.
Couples Counseling: Are you longing to reconnect with your partner and get back the closeness you once had? Is it hard to talk about issues without it turning into a conflict? Has your relationship been affected by some form of infidelity and now the two of you are struggling to repair your relationship? You may have tried traditional couples counseling and are looking for a more effective approach? I use Imago Relationship Therapy as the way I work with couples because I have found it to be the most effective form of couples therapy that I have come across in my 20 years as a couples counselor.
(720) 515-4711 View (720) 515-4711
Photo of Ashley Silver, Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate in Loveland, CO
Ashley Silver
Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80210
I specialize in working with emotion regulation, stress and trauma recovery, panic, anxiety, depression, interpersonal effectiveness, and imago work with couples.
Would you like to experience a space where you can feel safe, accepted, and encouraged to share and discover your authentic self? Would you like help processing thoughts and feelings, discovering your inner resources, and developing a deeper understanding into your relationship patterns? I would be honored to support you in your counseling journey. I am committed to holding a safe space for you to heal and I aim to advocate for you and your personal development. It gives me great joy to work with couples, adult individuals and groups, and offer my clients ethical and evidence-based practices rooted in CBT and psychodynamic therapy.
I specialize in working with emotion regulation, stress and trauma recovery, panic, anxiety, depression, interpersonal effectiveness, and imago work with couples.
Would you like to experience a space where you can feel safe, accepted, and encouraged to share and discover your authentic self? Would you like help processing thoughts and feelings, discovering your inner resources, and developing a deeper understanding into your relationship patterns? I would be honored to support you in your counseling journey. I am committed to holding a safe space for you to heal and I aim to advocate for you and your personal development. It gives me great joy to work with couples, adult individuals and groups, and offer my clients ethical and evidence-based practices rooted in CBT and psychodynamic therapy.
(720) 513-1677 View (720) 513-1677
Photo of Paul A. Bretz, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Loveland, CO
Paul A. Bretz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, DMin, LCSW, MHSA
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80222
I offer intensives & workshops for individuals, couples, and those specialized for LGBTQIA individuals, couples / partners. Imago Relationship Therapy (IRT) is a creative approach to developing healthy relationships. It is designed to help conflict within relationships become opportunities for healing and growth. The approach is also designed to help good relationships gain new tools and perspectives on further developing the depth of the connection between partners. The term "imago" is Latin for "image," and within the context of IRT, it refers to our individual “emotional blueprint” or our "unconscious image of familiar love."
I offer intensives & workshops for individuals, couples, and those specialized for LGBTQIA individuals, couples / partners. Imago Relationship Therapy (IRT) is a creative approach to developing healthy relationships. It is designed to help conflict within relationships become opportunities for healing and growth. The approach is also designed to help good relationships gain new tools and perspectives on further developing the depth of the connection between partners. The term "imago" is Latin for "image," and within the context of IRT, it refers to our individual “emotional blueprint” or our "unconscious image of familiar love."
(303) 416-6163 x100 View (303) 416-6163 x100
Photo of Darleen Gegich, LPC, Counselor in Loveland, CO
Darleen Gegich, LPC
Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Boulder, CO 80302
Imago Relationship Therapy can take a marriage or relationship on the brink of break-up, and transform it into something stronger and more fulfilling than ever.
My goal is to help you uncover your true potential and lead a life that is worth celebrating. While we can't change difficult situations of the past, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life. If you're looking for extra support and guidance through a challenging situation, improve your relationship, or you're just ready to move in a new direction in your life, I look forward to working with you . As a certified Imago Relationship therapist, I offer services for couples, individuals, parents, and families.
Imago Relationship Therapy can take a marriage or relationship on the brink of break-up, and transform it into something stronger and more fulfilling than ever.
My goal is to help you uncover your true potential and lead a life that is worth celebrating. While we can't change difficult situations of the past, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life. If you're looking for extra support and guidance through a challenging situation, improve your relationship, or you're just ready to move in a new direction in your life, I look forward to working with you . As a certified Imago Relationship therapist, I offer services for couples, individuals, parents, and families.
(720) 515-4711 View (720) 515-4711
Photo of René White, Licensed Professional Counselor in Loveland, CO
René White
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, CAClll
Verified Verified
Boulder, CO 80301
CBT/Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focus Therapy, EMDR/Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Imago Relationship Therapy, DBT/Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Body/Mind Centering, Feldenkrais Awareness, Mindfulness and Awareness Practice, Equine Assisted Psychotherapy.
I am a Licensed Psychotherapist specializing in Individual and Couples Therapies. I maintain a private practice in Boulder, Colorado and am a graduate of Naropa University. With over 21yrs of experience the therapeutic approach I use is to provide support and practical feedback to help clients effectively address personal life challenges. As needed, I integrate complementary methodologies and techniques to offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each client. With compassion and understanding, I work with each individual to help them build on their strengths and attain the personal growth they are committed to accomplishing.
CBT/Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focus Therapy, EMDR/Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Imago Relationship Therapy, DBT/Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Body/Mind Centering, Feldenkrais Awareness, Mindfulness and Awareness Practice, Equine Assisted Psychotherapy.
I am a Licensed Psychotherapist specializing in Individual and Couples Therapies. I maintain a private practice in Boulder, Colorado and am a graduate of Naropa University. With over 21yrs of experience the therapeutic approach I use is to provide support and practical feedback to help clients effectively address personal life challenges. As needed, I integrate complementary methodologies and techniques to offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each client. With compassion and understanding, I work with each individual to help them build on their strengths and attain the personal growth they are committed to accomplishing.
(720) 513-2643 View (720) 513-2643
Photo of Laura Brodie, Licensed Professional Counselor in Loveland, CO
Laura Brodie
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, ATR, LPC
Verified Verified
Boulder, CO 80303
Your personal healing has been my focus for almost 40 years. This level of experience gifts me with training in many theoretical approaches, compassionate listening, astute insights. You might want to mend an intimate partnership, recover from self-destructive and self-sabotaging patterns or addictions, or get support during a major life transition. My expertise is with Imago Relationship Therapy, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing), The Journey Process, PACT (Psychobiological Approach to Couple Therapy), art psychotherapy, & hypnotherapy. It is my privilege to speak with you in an initial consultation free of charge.
Your personal healing has been my focus for almost 40 years. This level of experience gifts me with training in many theoretical approaches, compassionate listening, astute insights. You might want to mend an intimate partnership, recover from self-destructive and self-sabotaging patterns or addictions, or get support during a major life transition. My expertise is with Imago Relationship Therapy, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing), The Journey Process, PACT (Psychobiological Approach to Couple Therapy), art psychotherapy, & hypnotherapy. It is my privilege to speak with you in an initial consultation free of charge.
(720) 885-9559 View (720) 885-9559
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.