How We Treat
Imago Relationship Therapy (IRT)
IRT, or Imago, is a form of couples therapy that evaluates points of conflict in a relationship and reframes them as opportunities to understand, learn, heal, and grow.
The term “imago,” Latin for image, refers to unconscious perceptions people develop about love in their early relationships that end up affecting their sense of self-worth as adults and influencing the way they believe they should be treated in adult relationships.
The working theory—developed by Harville Hendrix Ph.D. and Helen LaKelly Hunt Ph.D.—is that people project these unconscious perceptions onto their significant others, often choosing partners who feel familiar, regardless of whether the familiarity is positive or negative in nature. The goal is to work toward a more “Conscious Relationship” that’s based on constructive dialogue. IRT uses a very specific method of dialogue as couples to mirror what their partner is saying, validate it, and empathize with it.
The Imago Technique Aims To:
- Eliminate hurtful language from communication
- Establish a safe space, where both partners are able to honestly share
- Remove any power hierarchy that may exist
- Help people learn, heal, and grow from the wounds or patterned behaviors of past relationships
Imago Therapy May Help With:
- Communication difficulties
- Disagreements and conflicts within relationships
- Trust issues
- Overcoming infidelity
- Disconnection
- Absence of intimacy
The Benefits of Imago Relationship Therapy
Imago Relationship Therapy (IRT) offers several profound benefits for couples seeking to strengthen their relationship and enhance their communication. Here are some of the key advantages:
- Improved Communication: IRT focuses on fostering open and empathetic dialogue, helping partners truly hear and understand each other’s needs and perspectives.
- Conflict Resolution: Through structured exercises like the Imago Dialogue, couples learn how to resolve conflicts more constructively without resorting to harmful patterns.
- Deepened Emotional Connection: IRT helps partners re-establish lost connections and rediscover the joy and love in their relationship, fostering a deeper emotional intimacy.
- Healing and Growth: The therapy provides a platform for both individuals in the relationship to heal from past wounds, contributing to personal growth and a healthier relationship.
- Enhanced Understanding of Relationship Dynamics: Couples gain insights into how their early life experiences affect their current relationship, allowing for more mindful interactions.
- Renewed Commitment: IRT encourages couples to renew their commitment to each other by focusing on their shared values and goals, reinforcing the foundation of their partnership.
Imago Therapy FAQs
Imago Relationship Therapy (IRT) and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) are quite different, though they both aim to enrich relationships.
IRT focuses on open communication through structured conversations, helping couples understand and empathize with each other to heal past emotional wounds.
On the other hand, EFT zeroes in on deepening emotional bonds by addressing and reshaping emotional responses, which strengthens the attachment between partners.
Each approach tackles relationship improvement from its unique angle, using distinct techniques and theories.
IRT is typically structured around three primary stages designed to help couples heal and grow together. These stages are:
- Mirroing
- Validation
- Empathy
These stages help couples break down barriers of communication, rebuild trust, and strengthen their emotional connection, ultimately leading to a healthier and more fulfilling relationship.
Insurance coverage for Imago Relationship Therapy (IRT) can vary widely, and it’s important to note that the Counseling Center Group (CCG) is out of network.
We strongly encourage you to review your out-of-network benefits directly with your insurance provider to understand what part of the therapy might be covered.
Additionally, please contact us directly regarding our therapist rates and any further financial information you might need. This way, you can make the best decision about starting your therapy journey with full awareness of the costs involved.
