Imago Relationship Therapy: An Interview With Sarah Louise Ryan

I Was Recently Interviewed for Imago Relationship Therapy UK, in their 'Therapist in the Spotlight Series'

I was recently interviewed for Imago UK’s Therapist in the Spotlight series, where I had the opportunity to reflect on my journey into relationship therapy, what drew me to Imago Relationship Therapy, and the work I am most passionate about today.

For those who don't know me, I've worked in the dating and relationship industry since 2011, founding international matchmaking companies and helping people create meaningful relationships around the world. Over the years, I realised that finding love is only part of the story.

Sustaining healthy, secure and emotionally connected relationships is where the real work begins.

That curiosity led me into psychotherapy, couples therapy and eventually Imago Relationship Therapy, an approach that beautifully combines attachment theory, communication, emotional safety and conscious connection.

Below are some of the questions I was asked during the interview.

What led you to become a Qualified Relationship Therapist?

"I've worked in the dating and relationship industry since 2011 and founded international matchmaking companies focused on helping people create meaningful, lasting relationships.

Through years of matchmaking, relationship coaching, and working closely with clients around the world, I realised that finding love is only one part of the story. Sustaining healthy, secure, emotionally connected relationships is the deeper work.

I became increasingly drawn to understanding the psychology behind how we relate, communicate, attach, and experience intimacy. I wanted to support people not just in attracting relationships, but in creating relationships that actually feel safe, fulfilling, and emotionally healthy.

That naturally led me into psychotherapy, couples therapy, and ultimately Imago Relationship Therapy."

How did your journey lead you to Imago Relationship Therapy?

"Literally by happenstance. I was renting a place in Manchester during the pandemic to be closer to family and stumbled across the Affinity Centre.

After years of supporting people through dating, relationships, and long-term partnership dynamics, I saw how many couples were repeating unconscious relational patterns. Imago Relationship Therapy gave me a framework that beautifully connects attachment styles, communication, childhood experiences, intimacy, and emotional repair in a practical and transformative way.

It genuinely felt like finding a language for the work I was already passionate about."

How would you describe your therapeutic style?

"Warm. Educational. Safe."

Clients often tell me they feel deeply seen, emotionally safe and genuinely understood when working with me. I bring together my experience as a relationship psychotherapist, Relationship Therapist, former international matchmaker and relationship expert to help people understand themselves and each other more deeply.

What makes Imago Relationship Therapy different?

"What makes Imago Relationship Therapy so unique is its focus on transforming conflict into connection through conscious communication and relational safety.

Unlike some therapeutic approaches that can become problem-focused or overly analytical, Imago helps couples slow down reactive conversations and truly listen to one another with empathy and curiosity.

One of the things I value most is that Imago does not position one partner as the problem. Instead, it views the relationship itself as the space for growth, healing, and transformation."

What are you most passionate about?

I feel especially passionate about emotional intimacy and sexual intimacy within relationships because the two are so deeply interconnected.

When people feel emotionally seen, emotionally secure, desired, respected and connected, it naturally impacts closeness, affection, sensuality and sexual connection.

As a sex-positive, neurodivergent-affirming therapist, I create a space where conversations around intimacy, desire, attachment, sexuality and relationships can happen openly, safely and without judgement.

What changes have you seen couples make through Imago?

"One of the most powerful things I have witnessed through Imago Relationship Therapy is how quickly couples can begin transforming the emotional culture of their relationship once they feel emotionally safe with each other again.

I have worked with couples who have not been physically intimate for years, and through the Imago process they reconnect emotionally in such a profound way that the shift in sexual intimacy can happen incredibly quickly.

When couples begin feeling seen, heard, valued, and emotionally connected again, desire often reawakens naturally."

What would you say to a couple considering therapy?

"I would say that feeling nervous about starting couples therapy is completely normal. Many couples worry therapy means they have failed, but I actually see it as the opposite. Choosing relationship therapy is often a sign that both people care enough about the relationship to invest in understanding each other more deeply."

A Final Thought

One of the things I love most about being an Imago Relationship Therapist is witnessing couples move from emotional disconnection to genuine understanding, compassion and intimacy.

Relationships don't need to be perfect. They simply need enough safety, honesty and willingness to keep choosing each other.

As I often say to my own partner: "I like you, I love you, and I choose you."

If you'd like to learn more about working with me, whether individually or as a couple, I'd love to hear from you.

You can check out my qualifications in Imago Relationship Therapy UK on their website here or you can contact me for any support in your dating and relationship journey here.