Discovering imago relationship therapy.

Abstract

Imago relationship therapy (IRT) developed from a synthesis of clinical therapeutic approaches and theoretical schools as an operational means of intervening in troubled, committed relationships. IRT is based on a premise of mate selection, loss of romantic love, power struggle, and the conscious evolution of passionate friendship. The effective use of IRT by therapists with couples necessitates the acquisition of specific skills sensitively applied in an effort to help the couple heal each partner. Brief, theoretical comparisons with other relationship therapy paradigms are made to aid the reader in discerning differences between competing schools of thought. The complexities of the differential treatment response of various diagnostic entities to IRT are discussed, as well as factors complicating treatment processes. The pitfalls and rewards of manualization efforts are noted, and outcomes measurement needs are explored.This document is copyrighted by the American Psychological Association or one of its allied publishers.This article is intended solely for the personal use of the individual user and is not to be disseminated broadly.

The Impact of Integrated Narrative Therapy and Imago Therapy on Depression among the Mournful Women

“…In this method, the formation of a new relationship and its process are discussed and the therapist and the client go in search of identify the client partner [10]. The structure of imago therapy deals with the denied aspects of a person's personality and by presenting a real image of love, it reconstructs people's imaginary image [11]. Obtained, it can be concluded that the treatment of integrated narrative therapy and imago therapy can affect the treatment of depression and reduce it.…”

Randomized Controlled Trial of Imago Relationship Therapy: Exploring Statistical and Clinical Significance

“…Today, there are more than 1000 certified Imago therapists in more than 30 countries (Imago Relationships International [IRI], n.d.). IRT integrates psychodynamic approaches (e.g., ego psychology, attachment theory, and object-relations psychology), transactional analysis, and cognitive-behavioral approaches and hypothesizes that unconscious factors play a significant role in mate selection and the development of conflict in romantic relationships (Zielinski, 1999). Unconscious partner selection creates an opportunity to heal a connection that was lost in childhood by increasing empathy, understanding, and communication with one's adult romantic partner (Love & Shulkin, 2001).…”

Couples Therapy and Empathy

“…IRT (Hendrix, 1988(Hendrix, /2008) is a theoretical and applied methodology for working with couples in committed relationships (Martin & Bielawski, 2011). The theory integrates psychodynamic approaches (e.g., ego psychology, attachment theory, and object relations psychology), transactional analysis, and cognitive-behavioral approaches and contends that unconscious factors play a significant role in the selection of a partner (Zielinski, 1999). IRT theorizes that unconscious partner selection creates an opportunity to heal a connection that was lost in childhood by increasing empathy, understanding, and communication (Love & Shulkin, 2001).…”