Why is IMAGO Relationship Therapy Different?
Most couples know what they want in their relationships, they just don’t know how to get there, without getting into conflict, or disconnecting from each other.
This therapy is distinctively unlike many other forms of typical couples’ therapy in that the therapist coaches and guides a couple in communicating with each other through a safe respectful structured process, known as the ‘Imago Dialogue’. The process helps couples move from ineffective behaviours such as blaming, shaming and criticizing each other, along with other reactivity, to becoming more conscious, curious and empathic with each other.
My focus will be supporting you both in finding a safer connection, whilst gently leading you both in expressing your reality and feelings with each other. This enables a deeper understanding of each other and a more loving connection
lf this is the first time you have reached out for help as a couple, | imagine you may feel somewhat apprehensive, or if you have been for couples counselling previously and had an unpleasant experience it may take some courage. Whatever may be your experience, Imago Relationship Therapy will be a pleasant surprise for you, as my focus is to support you equally, and provide a safe structure for each of you to be open with each other.
Skills, tools and new ways of being in relationship will be coached in session enabling you to feel confident in using whenever needed to address any issues that may arise.
Partners also gain a deeper understanding of the reasons they feel triggered by each other at times,
and the effect their unresolved and painful pasts can have on their present relationship.
The Meaning of IMAGO
The word ‘Imago’ is the Latin word for ‘image’. Whilst this word has differing meanings for the different ways it is used, in Imago Relationship Therapy, it represents the unconscious ‘image’ or the impressions we have formed over time of our parents, caregivers or the people who raised us and influenced us most in our childhood. Imago theory proposes that this image embraces both the positive and negative traits of our caregivers which feels familiar to us.
It’s our unconscious mind that appears to attract us to a romantic partner in life, who has these similar weaknesses and strengths. This is in order to complete the growth and development within ourselves, that we did not get to do in our growing up years. The unconscious mind knows that if we can grow into all our fullness and support one another in healing from our childhood wounds, it is more likely we can find the relationship we have been looking for.
