Imago Relationship Therapy assists couples in unveiling their unconscious components (the Imago) that determine their choice of mate. This therapy combines spiritual and behavioral techniques and marries them with western psychological methodologies. It arms the couple with the tools necessary to relate to each other and themselves in a positive and caring way, and reveals the emotional pathway formed in childhood that led them to their current situation. Revealed by Harville Hendrix in his groundbreaking book, Getting the Love You Want, Imago relationship therapy involves viewing a conflict between a couple as the answer to the situation, not the cause of the disharmony. By examining the conflict itself, a couple can unlock the key to the solution.

Conflict & Communication Problems

Conflict often arises as a result of an underlying emotional discontent felt within the context of the relationship. Outwardly it is expressed through criticism, anger, and dissatisfaction. When this situation presents itself, many couples choose to turn to others for comfort and love. Imago Relationship Therapy helps a couple explore the root of the emotional hurt or need and determines what elements causes those issues to manifest as strenuous and negative comments, feelings, and behaviors. Communication is often severed or non-existent when couples first seek therapy. By understanding that both parties of the couple are communicating from different sources of needs fulfillment, the dialogue becomes deciphered in a manner that is accepted and empathized by both parties.

Imago Therapy's "Road Map"

Couples who engage in conflicting behavior learn to realize that although the disagreements are not a threat to self-preservation on the conscious level, they are on the unconscious level because they attack very real emotional perceptions. Our primitive selves revert to innate beliefs that in order to be adequately protected we must be outwardly loved. Therefore, on a very real and subconscious level, the lack of loving and accepting emotion results in a perceived threat. As we mature into adulthood, we come armed with our own roadmap to help us sustain our life force. In some cases, our maps are quite disjointed and subjective, making us more vulnerable to the threat of danger than our partners would assume. This roadmap is what is referred to as “The Imago.” Imago therapy focuses on guiding each partner to understand and accept each other’s map and furnishing them with the skills necessary to work as allies for the completion of those blueprints.

Resources Related to Imago Relationship Therapy:

Offical Website for Imago Relationship Therapy - Imago International

Wikipedia's Page about Imago Relationship Therapy

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Last updated: 05-14-2013