Imago

Imago Relationship Therapy was created by Harville Hendrix, Ph.D., and Helen LaKelly Hunt, Ph.D. in the 1980s and introduced through the New York Times Best-Selling book “Getting the Love You Want”, a guide for Imago Therapy for Couples. The book proved to be a welcome breakthrough for many couples in their relationships, using Imago Techniques contained internally. Imago Couples Therapy was popularized by Dr. Hendrix’s numerous appearances on the Oprah Winfrey Show. One show was awarded an Emmy, and eventually Oprah began referring to Dr. Hendrix as the “the relationship guru” during his appearances. Imago theory provides tools and an understanding of the process couples experience as “falling out of love” after passing through the Romantic Stage of relationship attraction.

Imago is the Latin word for “image, copy, or likeness.” The theory of Imago Relationship Therapy presupposes that we all have within us an unconscious map which developed during our formative years of those situation we move towards or away from, based upon childhood wounding, unmet needs, and protective behaviors we developed around these issues. Imago Couples Therapy theory also presumes that the Imago is a composite picture of the people who influenced you most at an early age. We unconsciously choose a “match” who has the positive and negative traits like our caretakers/parents. In essence, it’s not a coincidence whom you have attracted as a partner.

Imago Therapy for Couples claims that your marriage itself is therapy; that your partner is the best person for you to help resolve your unhealed childhood pain, such as abandonment, rejection, smothering, and shame which resurface in your marriage. These issues are generally at the core of what is causing pain/conflict in your relationship. Marital relationships are more than just “a marriage”; they are about spiritual partnership, growth, and healing.