David Kest, LMT
Imago Relationship Therapy
"Getting the Love You Want"
When the early excitement of falling in love fades, differences which once felt trivial become the source of disagreement and frustration. In a safe and confidential setting, I welcome individuals and couples into my private practice to improve their communication skills, increase their positive self esteem, and restore the connection in their primary relationships. Imago Relationship Therapy is based on the best selling book, "Getting the Love You Want," by Harville Hendrix, PhD and Co-Founded Imago Relationships International together with his partner, Helan LaKelly Hunt, PhD. As a Certified Imago Relationship Therapist in the Greater San Francisco Bay Area, I give couples the tools they need to tranform their relationship difficuties into the shared path of healing for optimum growth and connection. The Imago Dialogue is a simple, respectful and effective way to talk to your partner about the things that really matter. Exploring, understanding and appreciating your differences can become the most joyous experiences of your life, and the path to lasting love. In Imago their is no blame, shame or harsh criticism. Instead, a stronger connection comes through attentive listening and being deeply heard in an emotionally safe environment. Then surprising answers to age old conflicts can emerge from the relationship itself. Conflict and frustrations are truly growth waiitng to happen. Imago gives couples the tools they need to restore the loving connections they seek.
Education/Training
BS in Journalism from Ohio University in 1978; Worked at three daily newspapers 1977-1983; TM Citizen Sidha in 1979; Trager Bodytherapist Practitioner in 1984; Mindfullness Meditation Student since 1988; Worked as an MFCCI at the Boyor-Marin Lodge and the Lomi Community Clinic 1987-1993; MA in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University West in 1990; Masters Thesis on the "Psychology of Touch," in1990; Licensed as an MFCC in Califonia in 1994; Certified in EMDR Truama Therapy in 1995; Volunteer Supervisor at the Lomi Clinic since 2000 and volunteer trainer at the Apple Family Counseling Center since 2002; Certified in Analytic-Somatic Therapy in 2006; Diplomate of the American Psychological Association since 2006; Adviorsary Board Member of the Marin Suicide Prevention Center and Grief Counseling Program since 2007; Certified in Imago Relationship Therapy in 2010.
Bio
I have been in the counseling profession for 24 years and licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist in California since 1994. Originally from Ohio, my first career was in newspaper journalism and advertising. In the late 1970's I became interested in early research involving human potential. Practical apllications of optimal performance techniques evolved in psychotherapies, sports, business organizatons, and also personal relationships. Exploring greater human potential involved many facinating aspects of the "Mind-Body" connection, including meditation, yoga, wilderness experiences, bodytherapies, and enhanced relationship skills. All of this was very much about "mindfulness" and cultivating awareness from the Esalen Institute to Green Gulch and Spirit Rock. So the adventure continued through graduate school at Antioch University in San Franciso focussing on Clincal Psychology and Somatic Education. Working and training to become a professional therapist at such pioneering treatment centers as the Boyer-Marin Lodge and the Lomi Comunity Counseling Clinic. The common theme being that healing emotional and psychological woundings rstores human development to the path of growth and fullfillment that Nature always intended. One primary way this happens is through a positve attuned relationship. I discovered that Imago Relationship Therapy provides couples with the powerful tools that they need to heal old issues, restore connection, stretch one's character, and revitalize personal growth.
Memberships
Member of the Californai Association of Marriage and Family Therapists 1990-present;
Marin CAMFT clinical member 1994- present; Sierra Club Member since 1997; Diplomate member of the American Psychological Association since 2006; Clinical Member of Imago International 2010.
Payments Accepted
Cash, Check, Some Insurance, Credit Cards, PayPal
Hours:Monday-Friday/10am-8pm
Cost/Session
$140.
License:MFC-30578/ California
Helpful Links
 Couples learn the Imago Dialogue to restore the connection and how to give the love that heals:
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Practice Areas/Issues Treated
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Therapy
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Loneliness
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Anger Management
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Marriage & Family Therapy
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Anxiety and Panic
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Marriage Counseling
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Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
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Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
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Body Image Issues
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Online / Teletherapy
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Caregiver Issues
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Pre and Postpartum Mental Health
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Chronic Illness
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Relationship Issues
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Couples
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Self-Esteem Issues
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Depression
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Seniors and Elder Care Issues
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Divorce
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Stress Management
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Eating Disorders
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Trauma and PTSD
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Grief and Loss
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Work and Career Issues
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Life Transitions
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Licenses/Certifications
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Certified EMDR Therapist (EMDRIA)
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Certified Marriage, Family, and Child Counselor (MFCC)
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Diplomate, American Psychotherapy Association (DAPA)
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EMDR Part 1 and 2 (EMDRIA)
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Licensed by the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS)
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Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
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Psychotherapy (MA)
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