Our Beliefs:

When we decided to name our organization Courageous Loving, we were working with the association of two very important concepts. One is the warmth and joy of love, the feeling of being home, belonging in the world, feeling free to be yourself, and the satisfaction of being understood by those close to you. The other is the desire and expression of courage, that feeling of reaching beyond yourself, stepping into the unknown, and working through conflict. Courageous Loving is about standing up for your true self while stretching to create safety for your partner at the same time. In our own relationship, we have strived to be practitioners of real relating, utilizing the process of Imago Dialogue to facilitate the healing of each other’s childhood wounds. On the journey of our relationship, we have been witness to each other’s authenticity unfolding. Our belief is that by guiding others through the practice of dialogue, we will set in motion a progression of healing and growth that will be absorbed by individuals and couples in a manner that is reliable, straightforward and fun. This is our commitment to you.

-Amy Jay Sherman and Michael Sherman, Practitioners

Our Practitioners:

Amy Jay Sherman, MA, LMFT, Ceritfied Imago Therapist

Amy has been a therapist since 2000. She completed a Masters Degree in Family Systems Therapy at Bastyr University’s Leadership Institute of Seattle. At Generation Counseling, her private practice in Nyack, NY, Amy sees individuals, couples, families, and groups. She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of New York. As a Certified Imago Therapist, Amy guides couples through Imago Dialogue, helping couples facilitate their own healing. (For more information on Imago, visit www.ImagoRelationships.org).

Amy has worked as a clinician and teacher in the fields of mental health, chemical dependency treatment, and education. She has led workshops and seminars in her community, as well as for professionals and organizations. She has studied under experts in the fields of Family Systems Therapy, Couples Therapy, Psychodrama, and Object Relations Theory. Amy’s work also draws upon her influences in movement and meditative arts such as yoga, and guided imagery.

At Generation Counseling, Amy works with a broad spectrum of clients dealing with a wide range issues. She encourages individual clients to explore the underlying aspects of painful places in their lives, guiding them to breakthrough to new levels of self-awareness and self-acceptance. When she sees couples, she helps them create a safe, nurturing space for the relationship, encouraging each partner to hear the other’s true voice while stretching to meet their partner’s needs. This process offers growth and healing for both partners.

Aside from seeing private clients at Generation Counseling, Amy leads educational seminars with her husband, Michael.

Michael J. Sherman, MA, Imago Educator

Michael has been a writer and an educator for more than a decade. After completing a Masters in Teaching at Seattle University, Michael taught in middle schools on both coasts, focusing on writing and literacy, while also teaching musical performance and Jewish studies. Michael is currently completing his first novel for Young Adults, dealing with teen experimentation with drugs. He has spent years absorbing the wisdom and spirit of personal growth, motivational and men’s workshops, having been influenced by the work of Anthony Robbins, T.Harv Eker, Robert Bly, David Deida and Dr. Wayne Dyer and the Recovery Process. He has experience as a jazz pianist and as a student of Aikido, a martial art focused on the unification of mind and body. Having travelled extensively throughout the United States and beyond, Michael brings unique insights and perspectives to his work.

Michael has led trainings for education professionals on teaching writing, developing literacy, motivation, and classroom management. He has been a leader in his community, helping to organize and promote the Rockland Jewish Film Festival in 2005, while facilitating educational programs in coordination with the festival screenings. He is currently completing the training to become an Certified Imago Educator.

Michael leads educational seminars with his wife, Amy, as well as directing the organization and administratrion of all Courageous Loving events. Michael is currently developing techniques to integrate Imago Dialogue into healing forms of writing. He also writes the Courageous Loving E-Newsletter.

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