Imago Relationship Therapy
The goal of Imago Relationship Therapy is to find desired love, maintain it, and create a safe and deep connection with your partner. The therapy helps couples better understand how to resolve conflicts in a way that keeps both parties connected. In the safe space created by therapy, couples can open up more deeply, relax, and allow themselves to be vulnerable. Clear and open communication is key to a long and loving relationship. Facing and overcoming obstacles as a couple increases the ability to constructively express emerging insecurities and frustrations. Imago helps in this renewed togetherness to find deep spiritual peace and joy.
In what cases can Imago Relationship Therapy help?
Relationship therapy is also intended for those considering divorce but still seeking a way to continue their relationship in a new way. It is also suitable for couples who are just deciding to start living together and want to do so consciously from the beginning, to experience an even deeper connection with their partner.
How Imago Relationship Therapy works
Imago dialogue is highly structured. Your Imago therapist will teach you communication techniques that allow you to reach deeper layers of the conflict at hand. This requires one of you to be the sender and the other the receiver. Once one person has gone through all the steps, you switch roles so that both of you experience each role.
Imago emphasizes the importance of deep listening skills and emotional regulation. The therapist creates an active communication environment.
The following video provides a good overview of the Imago Relationship Therapy process.
Contraindications for Imago Relationship Therapy
While Imago Relationship Therapy is generally suitable for most couples who want to work on themselves and their relationship, it may not be appropriate for everyone. Some contraindications include:
- Severe mental illness: If one or both partners have a severe mental illness, specialized treatment may be necessary before benefiting from Imago Relationship Therapy.
- Current cycle of violence: Imago therapy requires both partners to communicate openly and listen to each other. If the relationship is currently in a cycle of violence, addressing the violence is crucial before starting therapy.
- Lack of motivation from both partners: The therapy assumes that both partners are motivated to improve the relationship and willing to work with the therapist.
- Alcohol or drug abuse: If one or both partners are abusing alcohol or drugs, treating the addiction first is necessary before Imago Relationship Therapy can be effective.
- Relationship trauma: If one or both partners have experienced relationship trauma in the past, specialized treatment may be needed before they can benefit from Imago Relationship Therapy.
Useful information about Imago Relationship Therapy
Imago Relationship Therapy was developed by Harville Hendrix and Helen LaKelly Hunt. Hendrix, a clinical psychologist and author, met his future wife, Helen LaKelly Hunt, in 1977. Together, they began exploring relationship dynamics and the need to create healthy relationships. After years of research and practical experience, they decided to develop a new psychotherapy approach in the early 1980s, which they named Imago Relationship Therapy.
The following video provides a good overview of the Imago Relationship Therapy process.
