What is Imago Relationship Therapy?
Imago Therapy is a method of Couples Therapy that helps people to understand the unconscious factors (the Imago) in their selection of each other. The word imago is Latin for image and has been used as a term to describe the inner imprint that matches the type of person we seemed destined to fall in love with. Imago Therapy reveals the emotional dynamics that are being replayed from childhood and it teaches couples how to relate to each other and themselves in a more nurturing and loving way.
When we fall in Love we see things through a pink cloud and think that the feelings of being alive, whole and connected to the world and the people in it will last forever. Soon or later, we wake up and that magical feeling disappears. We realize that our partner is not perfect and try to get from him/her what we need. If we don't get it we intimidate, control, criticize, withdraw, manipulate, shame/blame etc. the other and might get locked into a painful power struggle for years until we either brake up or seek help, desperate to regain the magic we once had.
Once the power struggle starts we stop listening to, or hearing each other and expect to become mind readers. Unintentional triggers are being displayed which cause emotional reactions that have little to do with the issues at hand. Once those issues get out of hand everyone feels very confused, hurt and lonely.
Without having the awareness to what had just happened we feel unsafe and start building up walls and escape into other activities such as drinking, careers, children, hobbies, friends, starting affairs etc...."Once our primary connection shifts away from our partner, there is a strong possibility that our relationship won't have a future".
Does this sound like a relationship you are currently in, or something along those lines? Would you like to restore some of the love and passion you 'd once experienced with your partner? Imago Relationship Therapy can show you new ways to connect, love and being loved.
How does Imago Relationship Therapy work?
In imago relationship therapy, the psychologist/psychotherapist will introduce all the tools necessary for transforming relationships. It will also offer important immediate relief. (e.g. helping each person to recognize and slow down his/her triggers, learn new ways of how to listen to each other, put him/herself into the shoes of the other and take responsibility for the contribution of conflict, in order for both to feel more safe and satisfied within their communication skills with one another).
When we remain unaware of the hidden agendas of the other, we repeat our mistakes. We need to understand that conflict is actually growth trying to take place. By becoming aware and resolving our problems through the tools and techniques that Imago Therapy offers, the emotional bond that we experienced initially created by romantic love can transform into the powerful bond that is true love.
Once we learn to feel emotionally safe again with each other, we can grow and become truly authentic with ourselves and each other. That 's when we fall in love again with who our partner really is, and we are loved for who we really are...........