Imago
Imago started in the USA as a method of couple therapy. Harville Hendrix PhD wondered why relationships fail.
His research and practice evolved into the Imago way of generating emotional safety within intimate partner relationships. Frequently, Imago is a method of couple therapy. Imago can also work for family groups or work partnerships.
Whichever situation is in focus, Imago works to create an emotionally-safe relationship without blame, shame, criticism, or judgement. This enables each person to say what they need and articulate how they ideally want the relationship to work. Listening skills are key to this, as well as communication so each person can say what they want to say without fear of destructive responses.
I’ve been trained in facilitating couples to diffuse arguments, conflict, betrayal and cheating. Or sometimes time has elapsed and you’ve grown apart. Every relationship starts with excitement and dreams. Life happens. Children arrive. Disappointment emanates from unmet expectations. Frustration grows from innate differences between you. Resentment simmers from lack of cherishing special feelings being expressed by your partner. Sex is often the first casualty of this kind of conflict. Sometimes energies are channelled into other people or pastimes or passions, with addictive or compulsive consequences.
Imago was originally developed to help couples and individuals establish successful and long-lasting relationships.
However, Imago also understands that, in extreme circumstances, separation and/or divorce may seem like the only option for survival or integrity. In these situations, Imago offers you a set of tools you can use to navigate this difficult period allowing each of you to be responsible and respectful throughout. In addition, if there are children to consider, Imago offers a brilliant set of tools to face the ongoing challenges of co-parenting.
Whatever your circumstances, Imago is a powerful potion to transform your relationship situation if you really want that to happen. You are guaranteed to learn about yourself and your relationship needs, which leads to growth – whatever the future path you take.
Even relationships that are in the doldrums can be turned around. Imago gives you a toolkit of ways to communicate deeply which rekindles connection and reignites a passionate relationship. But you don’t do this alone: each of you needs to want this to happen and to put in the effort of becoming your partner’s ideal connected partner.
I’m a Certified Imago Therapist recognised by Imago UK as part of the international Imago community. I can coach you on how to deconstruct the wall of contempt and rebuild the wasteland of indifference. By facilitating you through the Imago structured process of dialogue, revealing your personal template, evoking appreciation rather than criticism, plus transforming your experience of the relationship by finding effective ways of co-creating change, Imago therapy could be a transformational experience – whatever your current situation together.
Imago lays ground rules for healthier relationships, with less of a power struggle and less conflict. This does require each person to own their own stuff (often embodied in patterns established in childhood to get through life with less pain and rejection). Through attention to showing up in your relationship authentically. I pledge to support this process of growth and connection, coaching you each step of the way.
To find out more about how this approach might be useful for you, do get in touch by booking a free 30-minute call.