Imago Relationship Therapy Edmonton
Imago Relationship Therapy
Imago Relationship Therapy in Edmonton.
Imago Relationship Therapy
Imago Relationship Therapy (often just called Imago Therapy) is a form of couples counseling developed by Dr. Harville Hendrix and Dr. Helen LaKelly Hunt. The word “Imago” means “image” in Latin, and it refers to the unconscious image of love and connection we form in childhood, based on our early experiences with caregivers.
The idea is that we often choose partners who reflect both the positive and negative traits of those early caregivers. This is why relationships can feel so intense—they bring up old wounds as well as old comforts.
The Core Idea
Imago Therapy sees conflict in relationships not as a sign of failure, but as an opportunity for growth and healing. Through the relationship, each partner has the chance to heal old wounds and become more whole.
Key Principles of Imago Therapy
- The Imago – We unconsciously look for partners who mirror the emotional experiences of our early life.
- Conflict as growth – Struggles in relationships are natural and can be used to heal past hurts.
- The Imago Dialogue – A structured way of communicating that helps couples listen deeply and respond with empathy.
- Mirroring – Repeating back what your partner said, so they feel truly heard.
- Validation – Acknowledging your partner’s perspective as understandable.
- Empathy – Connecting with the feelings behind your partner’s words.
What Happens in Therapy
- Couples are guided through Imago Dialogues, which create safe, structured conversations instead of reactive fights.
- Instead of blaming or criticizing, partners learn to share feelings and needs in a way that fosters connection.
- The therapist helps each partner see how their current frustrations may connect to old wounds, and how healing can happen through the relationship.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Who it Helps?
- Couples stuck in repetitive conflicts.
- Partners who feel unheard, misunderstood, or disconnected.
- Couples wanting to deepen intimacy and empathy.
- Even strong relationships that want to grow closer and more conscious.
In short: Imago Therapy teaches couples to turn conflict into connection by using structured dialogue, deep listening, and empathy—helping each partner heal old wounds while building a more conscious, loving relationship.
Imago in Counselling
Couples Counselling
Couples counselling (also called marriage counselling or relationship therapy) is a type of therapy where two partners meet with a trained therapist to work on their relationship.
It’s not about taking sides—it’s about helping both people understand each other better, resolve conflicts in healthier ways, and strengthen their connection.
Couples counselling is a guided process that helps partners communicate better, resolve conflicts, and build a healthier, stronger relationship.
