NYC Imago Couples Therapy with Emily Lambert Robins
Imago relationship therapy is designed to help loved ones who feel stuck in the same painful conflicts break these patterns and build a deeper connection. Whether you’re dating, polyamorous, or in any other committed relationship configuration, I’m here to help. Read more about my approach here and reach out to get started when you’re ready.
Meet your NYC Imago therapist
Emily Lambert Robins
Hi! I’m Emily, a Certified Advanced Imago Relationship Therapist. I’m a firm believer that couples therapy can be enjoyable—not something you dread—which is why I bring authenticity, humor, and genuine care to every session. Instead of spending the whole time talking about problems, I use Imago therapy to foster meaningful dialogue between you and your loved ones so you can grow closer and reclaim the joyful aliveness that relationships are meant to provide.
Credentials: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), AASECT-Certified Sex Therapist, Certified Advanced Imago Relationship Therapist, Certified Imago Workshop Presenter
Clientele: Adults, couples, polycules
Location: Virtual practice in New York City
Virtual therapy: Yes, available in NY, CT, & NJ
Common reasons why people start Imago couples therapy
You feel like roommates instead of romantic partners and want to reignite passion and connection
You're caught in the same repetitive fights without resolution, feeling misunderstood and unheard
One or both of you struggle with intimacy, feeling broken, or like something is wrong sexually
Your partner's behavior reminds you of painful childhood experiences (like feeling criticized, abandoned, ignored, or controlled)
You experience the same conflicts over and over again, and don't know how to communicate effectively with each other
You feel discouraged about your relationship's future, even though you genuinely care about your partner
You're high-achieving in other life areas, but feel stuck when it comes to romantic relationships
You want to understand why you chose your partner and why certain issues keep surfacing between you
You're ready to do deeper work beyond surface-level communication techniques to create lasting change
Understand your unconscious relationship blueprint
Imago reveals how your early experiences created an internal "image" of familiar love that influences your adult partnerships. When you recognize these patterns, you can respond more consciously instead of reacting from old wounds.
How Imago relationship therapy can help
Transform recurring conflicts into opportunities for connection
Those same fights that keep happening often point to core childhood issues that need healing. Rather than avoiding conflict or feeling stuck in the same patterns, Imago helps you use disagreements as doorways to deeper understanding and connection with your partner. As we say in Imago: conflict is growth trying to open!
Create intentional dialogue and deeper intimacy
Rather than talking at each other or spending most of the session talking to me, you'll learn to talk with each other under my guidance using structured dialogue techniques that foster genuine understanding, empathy, and emotional safety between partners.
Rediscover joy and playfulness in your relationship
Imago reminds us that we're born with joyful aliveness, but we all have gone through experiences in our life in childhood and adult life that have dimmed some of that joyful aliveness within us. Part of our work is reclaiming that joy in our relationships. People are often surprised to discover how much fun therapy—and their relationship—can be.
FAQs about Imago therapy for couples
-
Imago therapy was developed by Harville Hendrix and Helen LaKelly Hunt, authors of "Getting the Love You Want." The approach recognizes that we unconsciously choose partners who trigger our childhood wounds, giving us opportunities to heal those early experiences within our adult relationships.
-
Both the Gottman Method and Imago Relationship Therapy are evidence-based approaches for couples, but they focus on different aspects of relationships.
The Gottman Method is a structured couples therapy approach that emphasizes practical skills like communication, conflict management, and building friendship and trust.
Imago therapy, on the other hand, looks more deeply at how childhood experiences shape the way you relate to your partner. It helps couples uncover unconscious patterns, understand each other’s emotional triggers, and use conflict as an opportunity for healing and deeper connection. While you’ll also learn useful tools in Imago therapy, it’s less structured and more focused on building a close, joyful relationship.
Many couples find that choosing between them depends on whether they want a structured, skills-based approach (Gottman) or a more insight- and healing-focused approach (Imago).
-
Research shows that around 70% of couples report improvement after therapy. However, success depends on both partners' commitment to the process and willingness to be vulnerable and make changes.
-
Expect to spend more time talking directly to each other in session rather than just to me! You'll learn the Imago Dialogue technique, a way of communicating that moves you from reactive responses to empathetic understanding. We'll explore how your childhood experiences influence your current relationship dynamics and practice new ways of connecting that honor both partners' emotional needs.
-
My practice might be the right fit if you’re:
Open to exploring how your past affects your present relationship
Willing to take responsibility for your part in relationship dynamics
Looking for authentic, genuine therapy that includes humor and joy
In need of convenient virtual, evening sessions
Seeking a seasoned therapist with extensive experience and advanced training
In a monogamous relationship or practicing ethical non-monogamy
Still not sure if we’re a match? Contact me for a free consultation so we can speak directly.
-
Start by reaching out for a free consultation where we can discuss your relationship goals and see if we're a good fit. I'll explain more about the Imago process and answer any questions you have about beginning this process together.