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 that requires couples to mirror what their partner is saying, validate it, and empathize with it.
Imago therapy may help with:
- Communication difficulties
- Disagreements and conflicts within relationships
- Trust issues
- Overcoming infidelity
- Disconnection
- Absence of intimacy
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
Just like any other therapy technique, there may be certain situations for which IRT does not meet your needs. It may not be a good fit for those who are experiencing domestic violence, ongoing substance abuse, or any other circumstances you believe may hinder a successful couple’s therapy experience.
