Image via WikipediaCouples often enter into therapy after years of conflict, hurt and resentment. IMAGO RELATIONSHIP THERAPY is a unique form of therapy because it does not see the conflict as the problem, but rather as the solution, and the starting point of recovery. Imago Relationship Therapy was created by Harville Hendrix, Ph.D., and was introduced in his revolutionary book, Getting the Love You Want. This highly effective technique involves working backwards from the point of conflict, and discovering what underlying emotions exist that caused the disagreements between partners.
The Imago represents our emotional conditioning, developed from childhood. Each child is born with the need for love, and when that love is missing, whether in reality or perceived, the child subconsciously believes that they are no longer protected from danger. Therefore, in the subconscious, this perception is construed as life-threatening.
In our adult relationships, we are unconsciously drawn to a person who fits our Imago, therefore repeating the emotional experience we had in childhood. Although this person may be our soul mate initially, and we often feel as if we've known each other our whole lives, when the novelty of the relationship fades, the reality settles in. We quickly become aware that this person has the same emotional deficiencies that our parents had, thus leaving us with the same sense of being unfulfilled and afraid. It is out of these deep emotional reactions that our conflicts arise. However, Hendrix believes that we are drawn to this person because they match our Imago, and therefore they are exactly the person we need to help us heal our childhood wounds.
Examining the conflict is the key to understanding each other's Imago. In Imago Relationship Therapy, couples are taught how to identify the root of negative behaviors. They are guided into understanding the deep emotions that lead to the conflicts, and why. By recognizing the root of the conflict, couples can work together, respectfully and lovingly, to help each other fill in the gaps of their emotional blueprints. Imago Relationship Therapy teaches couples how to communicate in innovative ways and gives them the tools they need to be able to address their subconscious fears and heal the emotional childhood wounds that keep appearing in their adult relationship.
Imago Relationship Therapy is conducted by therapists who are highly trained in the Imago method. Couples can seek individual counseling or can attend workshops with other couples to learn and develop the skills for effective communication.
Jennifer Wilson is a professional copywriter with special focus on relationship issues. You can visit her site to find a therapist in your area.
View Article Source
Related Articles
* Find your missing parts (healthymind-blog.com)
* The FINAL Episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show (saltandnectar.wordpress.com)
* Marriage Blues (albw51.wordpress.com)
* The Basics of Family Therapy (everydayhealth.com)
* Erectile Dysfunction and Your Relationship (everydayhealth.com)
0 comments:
Post a Comment