Imago is a method for establishing a working dialog in a relationship.
At the heart of the method lies creating security and trust in the relationship and to establish contact.
The method helps the parties to rediscover each other, so that the relationship can deepen and become a conscious relationship.
Imago Relationship Therapy was developed by psychologists and couple Harville Hendrix and Helen Hunt in the United States.
The method is research-based and draws on many years of experience in psychotherapy with couples.
The method is integrative and cognitive, systemic, communication theoretical and object relations theoretical.
The central elements of the imago method can also be applied in other areas, such as in organizational contexts and conflict resolution.
Imago means image. It is the image we all carry with us of the ideal partner. An image that is based on our early experiences of relationships with important people in our lives.
This applies to both positive and negative experiences. The negative experiences are very much about shortcomings or wounds that we unconsciously or consciously carry and need to repair.
With the help of a conscious dialog, both parties can get a chance to grow and develop as people.
A key tool in this work is intentional dialog, parterapeut Frederiksberg. It can be summarized in three steps: mirroring, validation and empathy.
These three steps help both parties to be heard, to have their experience validated and to understand their reality.
What is imago couple therapy?
Imago couples therapy is based on the best elements from other known forms of therapy.
Imago couple therapy differs from other couple therapy approaches in that the majority of the session takes the form of a conversation between you and your partner. Your contact is the focus.
The therapist functions almost like a coach or facilitator. Couples therapy is organized as a conversation between you and your partner, and it is the therapist’s job to guide and support the conversation.
The aim of imago couple therapy is therefore to strengthen your and your partner’s contact, dialogue and connection. That goal is of course best achieved if it is you who talk to each other.