Definition of Imago:
“IMAGO, Latin for image, is a psychotherapeutic approach based on the fundamental role of relationship in shaping human development,
personality and behavior from childhood through maturity. The unique wisdom of Imago Therapy is its explicit focus on the critical
relationship(s) that create the individual’s sense of self and form the basis for relationships to others.’’
Origins:
Imago has evolved over thirty years since its initial development by Dr. Harville Hendrix. It became widely known after Drs. Harville Hendrix ,and
his wife Helen LaKelly Hunt, wrote the best selling book, Getting the Love You Want and began a series of regular appearances on the Oprah
Winfrey Show. Imago Relationship Therapy has inspired me personally and informed the work I do with couples for over twenty-five years. Imago Relationship Therapy (IRT) offers a simple, elegant framework for understanding relationships along with tried-and-true tools and techniques that foster deep and lasting connection.
The 12-day Imago Clinical Training (ICT) is an opportunity to learn and experience firsthand the power and effectiveness of this brilliant model. In this training, you will understand more about how and why we choose our “Imago”; You will see the ways in which “conflict can be growth trying to
happen.” Using the three-step Imago Dialogue, you will develop and practice new skills to help couples move from “rupture” through “repair” and into authentic “connection.”
This Imago Clinical Training (ICT) interweaves clear and concise teachings with experiential learning. Live mini-lectures provide you with a theoretical foundation for the many processes and tools you will be practicing and integrating. In addition, all the learnings and protocols are clearly outlined in the comprehensive manual you will receive at the start of the training, which for many ICT graduates remains an ongoing resource and toolbox.
What happens in a training?
You will learn about yourself through commonly used Imago protocols and exercises such as the The Parent Child Dialogue, The Goodbye Process, and The Behavior Change Request Dialogue. You will also have the opportunity to role-play being both the “therapist” and being part of the “couple." Experiencing first-hand the insights and healing that emerges from the use of these simple, “user-friendly” processes will help support your effectiveness in practicing these tools and operationalizing these concepts in your work with clients.
Structured supervision is given during this training through a gentle Feedback process that encourages you to stretch into growth where needed while fully supporting your strengths. The supervision is tailored to where you are in your unique certification journey. It will gently provide you with a learning tool to use towards becoming a Certified Imago Therapist as well as actionable ways to work on achieving your “Growth Gift." For many this "gift" is the linch-pin to becoming an “artist” using Imago Therapy and Dialogue.
This unique theory and learning process will help you experience a whole new level of competence as a therapist, give you deeper confidence in your work and motivate you to see and help more couples in your practice.