Frequently Asked Questions

No, we do not practice Imago Relationship Therapy.

We chose the name "Imago" for our business because we like the meaning behind the word. Imago is a root word that is connected to a lot of other terms in science and religion.

For example:

• The cells that hold the data for an insect's transformation into the mature stage of development, including for caterpillars and butterflies, are called "imaginal cells," and the mature form of these creatures is called the "imago ^[1]."
• Judeo-Christian theology and philosophy contains a concept called "Imago Dei," or the "Image of God ^[2]," which refers, in part, to the dignity in every human being.
• Imago is the root word for English words like "image" or "imagination."

We practice something called Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy that was pioneered by Dr. Sue Johnson. This form of relationship therapy is in some ways similar to Imago therapy, especially because it focuses on cultivating a meaningful connection to your partner rather than simply changing your communication skills. See our Relationship Counseling page for more information.

If you are specifically interested in finding someone certified in Imago Relationship Therapy, you can find their network here.

All services are offered in English only. We are connected with counselors and coaches from various networks globally, so please ask if you need a referral for providers who speak other languages.

Usually, the best therapist for you is the one with whom you feel safe, respected, and comfortable broaching painful/taboo topics. Every client is unique and has his or her specific needs. Likewise, each therapist has a different approach to therapy, a different personality, and a different background. It is OK to consider these factors when making your choice.

Ideally, your relationship with your therapist is one where you feel safe to take risks, like trying on a new style of relating, learning to ask for what you need, or engaging in healthy conflict. Therefore, we encourage you to tell your therapist if you are not comfortable or need something different than what you are experiencing. We are here to help, not to get in your way.

Counseling and coaching are similar. The main difference is where we begin.

In mental health counseling, we usually start with an identifiable problem or diagnosis. For example:

• "I cannot get out of bed in the morning."
• "I have had thoughts of hurting myself or dying."
• "I have been experiencing panic attacks."
• "I lose control of my thoughts and emotions when I'm reminded of a traumatic event."
• "I want to get into a good university, but my anxiety is affecting my test scores."
• "I keep hurting and being hurt by the people in my life."
• "I have looked up my symptoms online, and I think I might have ADHD."

In personal coaching, we usually start with goals or needs. For example:

• "I don't know how to decide whether or not to move."
• "I know I can do my job, but my boss is unhappy with my performance."
• "I'm so focused on meeting others' needs that I don't know who I am."
• "Everything's going well in life, but I have this gnawing feeling that there should be something more."
• "I am afraid I will never please my father."
• "I just made a huge transition and need to process it."

Whether they are looking for counseling or coaching, most of our clients come to us having already tried and exhausted many approaches to navigating the barriers they face. Sometimes this includes working with other counselors or psychologists. When this happens, we seek to honor the resourceful ingenuity of our clients, adopting a nuanced perspective that builds on the work they have already done rather than repeating it.

Both Matt and Liz utilize a variety of approaches that they can adapt to your goals.

Overall, we conceptualize people through an Existential Psychotherapy model, which is more of a framework than a therapeutic technique.

If your goals are more short-term, we utilize a solution-focused model that draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance Commitment Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.

We also utilize the following therapeutic approaches when appropriate:

• Person Centered Therapy
• Object Relations Therapy
• Internal Family Systems
• Systemic Family Therapy
• Gestalt therapy techniques
• Prolonged Exposure Therapy for Trauma
• Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples

In the past, we have helped people with:

• Depression
• Bipolar Disorder
• Generalized Anxiety
• Panic Disorder
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Compulsive behaviors/addictions
• Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Childhood trauma
• Spiritual abuse
• Phase of life issues
• Grief and loss
• Sexual Dysfunction
• Sexual Identity/Gender Identity issues
• Phobias
• Social Anxiety
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (in adults)
• Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Personality Disorders
• Work stress
• Family stress
• Relationship issues/Betrayal

This depends on your goals.

Simpler goals may only require 12-20 sessions to accomplish. More complicated and transformational goals can take months or years.

Every client is unique, but here are some examples of simpler goals that may take a shorter period of time:

• Grieving a loss like a breakup or a friend moving away
• Adjusting to a transition like a move or job change
• Treating an initial onset of depression
• Processing a recent, isolated traumatic event, or a limited part of your life story

Here are some examples of more complex and transformational goals:

• Grieving the loss of a close family member or friend
• Processing a history of systemic trauma or abuse
• Adjusting your style of relating to others or making characterological change
• Answering existential or identity questions
• Addressing a long-standing or severe anxiety or depression
• Treating behavioral or substance addictions

This is a great topic to discuss with your therapist during your first session.

We highly recommend meeting with your therapist for a regular, weekly appointment, especially at the beginning. It is difficult to maintain momentum in your therapeutic process if you meet less often. However, this can be arranged in special circumstances, and you can ask your therapist about it.

Normally sessions are 50-60 minutes in length. At times, we need to end 5-10 minutes early to facilitate the transition between clients or may prolong the session slightly to wrap up the topic at hand.

Occasionally, your therapist might also suggest meeting for longer sessions, but this is arranged on a case-by-case basis.

Sometimes, even in the most agonizing situations, this process brings about significant change in as little as 20 sessions. Premarital counseling is also a briefer process that takes place during the engagement period.

However, issues like cultural differences, neurodivergence, betrayals, relational trauma, past issues with families of origin, and other factors can complicate the process. In some of these cases, we need to dismantle the old relationship that no longer fits the people in it and build a new relationship between the same two people. This is a more involved and lengthy process.

We highly recommend meeting with your therapist for a regular, weekly appointment, especially at the beginning. It is difficult to maintain momentum in your therapeutic process if you meet less often. However, this can be arranged in special circumstances, and you can ask your therapist about it.

Counseling sessions are normally 50-60 minutes in length. However, in relationship counseling, your counselor is more likely to suggest meeting for longer sessions, as 60 minutes may not be enough time for each partner to feel like they are being heard.