The word “Imago” is the Latin word for “image.” Imago theory explains the chemistry of attraction, why it fades, why we argue and fight and repeat the same core scenes over and over again. It also provides a very effective array of tools for reconnecting. This reconnection is what Imago Therapy is all about. When you fell in love, you felt whole, like the other person completed you. This phase of the relationship is known as “romantic love”. It feels amazing, positive, hopeful and delicious. In romantic love, you’re happy together and cannot imagine life without this person. After a while, the “love drugs” wear off and we find that we’re in a relationship with somebody who drives us nuts! What happened? Who changed? Who are you and what did you do with the person I fell in love with? This phase of love is known as “the power struggle,” and it can be devastatingly painful. Imago Therapy teaches us how to use conflict as a portal to the far more rewarding phase known as “conscious love.”

Imago Therapy is about understanding your partner better, eliminating negativity and restoring passion. We use the dialogue to talk about difficult subjects in ways that are safe, positive and geared toward both people getting their needs met. It’s also about restoring joy, intimacy, and fun and sharing life together again.

All couples therapies can provide helpful tools and support in many contexts. Imago Therapy works and is backed by practitioners and academics alike.

1. It provides immediate relief.
2. It builds both your capacity and competencies to handle conflict.
3. It teaches you skills that are not dependent on your therapist.

Imago Therapy offers you and your partner the opportunity to understand patterns that leave you feeling stuck.  It will also help you work with your differences rather than seeing everything as right or wrong. It will show you how your own story influences the way you experience your partner and the relationship. 

Using the tools learned in therapy, couples report immediate improvement in communication and in connection. My job is to show you how you can turn a conflict into a connection. With practice you become much more effective at communication. Using the Imago dialogue involves the cerebral part of your brain rather than the “reptilian” brain that triggers adrenaline-induced fights or flights. So fighting, criticizing, judging and blaming get replaced by effective communication tools that allow you to understand each other better. As an Imago therapist, I will do a combination of teaching and coaching you on how to express your thoughts, feelings and needs, and I will coach your partner on hearing you fully. Using the dialogue, along with other tools you learn in therapy, will help you feel safe, close and connected again.

Imago Therapy is about understanding each other more deeply, eliminating negativity and restoring passion. We use the dialogue to talk about difficult subjects, and it is safe and positive.  

I strive to provide a safe, unbiased and supportive environment for you and your partner to explore the places you feel stuck, create a new and fulfilling relationship vision, and learn how to help each other feel heard, understood and loved. 

Using Imago tools, you will remove the blame, shame and criticism common in negative relationship patterns and transform your relationship into one full of understanding and deep connection. I teach you to understand your relationship triggers and reactive behaviors that may stem from unmet needs and how to respond to your partner in a healthy way that benefits you both.

Yes, we work with clients online, on a HIPAA-compliant secure Zoom platform. According to recent research, telehealth has been shown to be just as effective as face-to-face therapy—and retention rates are higher. We’ve experienced that many couples and individuals enjoy the convenience and comfort of being in their own homes. We have also redesigned our workshops to optimize the online experience so that it is powerful, interactive, and fun.

Yes! We offer custom payment plans and financial assistance on a sliding scale. Please contact us if you are experiencing financial barriers.

I ask couples to make 90 minute appointments.  It offers enough time for us to explore both partners’ perspectives and for each partner to feel heard. 120 minute and 60 minute appointments are also available if needed, as well as intensives that are 3 hours or more.

That all depends on what is right for your relationship.  I believe every relationship has its own rhythm.  Whether you come weekly or every other week, the focus is on establishing a rhythm that allows you and your partner to get the best possible results. If you are willing to learn and practice the tools provided, you will experience rapid improvement. More often than not, couples leave my office feeling hopeful and connected after one session. This immediate improvement is rewarding and reinforces the desire to learn more. I often recommend starting with a 12-week commitment to regular counseling.

Imago Therapy applies to all couples, regardless of sexual orientation, ethnic or racial background, religion, personal history, or level of education. LGBTQIA+ couples face all the issues that other couples do, plus have to deal with issues unique to them. I have considerable experience working with LGBTQIA+ couples.

Instead of trying to get your partner to see their part, turn the focus of your attention around to yourself and explore how you might create more safety and connection in the relationship. You don't need your partner’s cooperation to start working on the relationship. You can begin by replacing all criticism with appreciation and by refraining from talking about the problems in the relationship. Begin the work without them, and they will likely want to join the process.

Even if only one person begins working on the relationship, significant improvements can be experienced. Your own self-growth and development work is a huge part of the work that needs to be done to have a healthy relationship. As you increase your self-awareness, you will better understand where you reactivity comes from, identify your triggers, and learn how to successfully get your needs met.

• • People beginning their committed relationship who want to avoid future problems.

• • People in a committed relationship who wish to deepen their connection.

• • People struggling in a relationship who wish to resolve current and past conflicts.

• • People ambivalent about the state of their marriage and want one last effort to save their relationship.

Our workshops are intensive experiences that help partners rediscover the joy of being together while using their relationship for personal change and growth. You will learn powerful skills that can radically transform your relationship.

We all know that when we fall in love, it's an amazing experience! The world is a wonderful place and we are fully alive and connected. But all too often these magical feelings deteriorate into frustration and conflict. Before we know it we are in a relationship of diminished passion and connection, or even worse, we are in a relationship full of pain.

Imago Relationships is a proven program that restores energetic connection, passion and hope. The practical take-home tools of Imago are like a treasure often providing immediate relief for the struggling relationship. Or, helping those who just want to deepen an already good relationship.

• Move away from blame, shame and criticism toward curiosity
• Share your frustrations in ways that don't hurt your partner
• Build trust and safety in your relationship
• Successfully communicate your desires and requests
• Renew the passion, pleasure and intimacy of your relationship

1. Short lectures to help you understand the journey that has brought you to this point in your life and how your past helps determine the life-partner you chose and the kinds of problems you eventually (and inevitably) encounter in that relationship.
2. With our guidance, you'll go inside yourself and gather information from your earlier years.
3. You'll work in your Imago workbook, helping you put into action the information you've gathered and synthesize old material into new learning.
4. Learning the Imago Dialogue in a group setting, an amazingly powerful tool to help you safely communicate with your partner in a manner that will guarantee you both feel heard, respected and understood.
5. Practicing these new skills with your partner in private break-out areas where your facilitators guide you through any difficulty.

Each provides a different and unique experience. We recommend going to a workshop as soon as you (and your partner, if you are a couple) can arrange it. The workshop experience has been demonstrated to achieve results comparable to 4-6 months of weekly therapy.

It provides a solid psycho-educational foundation to the personalized work that you (and your partner) then have an opportunity to integrate. However, some people like to become a little more familiar with the material and have the therapist familiar with them, before attending. I'd be happy to discuss your particular situation with you individually.

You'll experience a safe and private environment to explore what's getting in the way of having healthy relationships and living the life you truly want. We will work with you to understand the patterns in your past and current relationships to identify areas of growth and healing, and help you envision and create a life where successful relationships can thrive.

Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, addiction, trauma or more we can help you understand what's going on underneath the surface and work toward a healthier future.

The length of sessions vary with each individual's needs, but 60 minute appointments are typical.

Time is booked in advance and held for you exclusively. If you cannot make a session, a 48 hour notice will release you from any obligation to pay for the time you booked. If you need to cancel with less than 48 hours notice, you are responsible for paying for the time you booked. The exception to this is a life-threatening emergency. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.