Topic: Relationships
Target Population: Couples, Adults
Sector: Community-Based
This program is for couples in committed relationships who would like to strengthen their connection and for single people who are having difficulty maintaining their relationships.
Imago Relationship Therapy, a community-based program that is offered in a self-directed, therapy, or workshop format intends to help participants strengthen and heal their relationships by helping them improve their communication, understand and empathize with their partners' emotions and hurts, resolve their conflicts and power struggles, and restore their sense of romance and excitement.
Results from one small randomized controlled trial (RCT) of Imago therapy indicate that couples experienced significant improvements in empathy at posttest. There were also significant improvements in marital satisfaction at 3 months after program completion; however, this change was not clinically significant. Posttest results from a second small RCT of Imago therapy indicated improvements in participants’ abilities to accurately empathize with their partners/spouses. Results from workshop participants indicated improvements in relationship satisfaction in females, but not males, and improvements in communication for all participants at posttest after the workshop. Effects on communication were maintained at a 3-month follow-up; however, there were significant decreases in marital satisfaction from posttest to the 3-month follow-up. Posttest results from a modified workshop among low-income, racial and ethnic minority couples indicated significant improvements in marital satisfaction among males and females, particularly on the Consensus subscale of the Dyadic Adjustment Scale.
Imago Relationship Therapy intends to strengthen relationships by enhancing feelings of connection, safety, and empathy. The program is available via self-directed materials (i.e., books, workbooks, and DVDs), in-office therapy sessions, or through the Getting the Love You Want Workshop (GTLYW Workshop). Program content focuses on the following:
Therapy can be provided as individual therapy, couples therapy, inter-generational therapy, or family therapy with an Imago Clinical Therapist.
Imago Relationship Therapy was developed by Dr. Harville Hendrix and Dr. Helen LaKelly Hunt in 1980. Currently, there are thousands of certified Imago therapists implementing the program in nearly 60 countries.
Certified Imago Couples Therapists deliver the program. Minimum qualifications include attending an Imago workshop, possessing an advanced degree in a mental health-related field, and being a current member of an acceptable professional society. The training process consists of the following five levels: a 96-hour Imago Clinical Training; Imago Certification; Advanced Clinician Training; Professional Development for Advanced Clinicians; and Imago Faculty (i.e., Certified Imago Clinical Instructor, Certified Imago Senior Clinical Instructor). Training courses are available online and off-site at various locations. Please visit https://imagocertificationandtraining.com/professional-development or use details in the Contact section to learn more.
Considerations for implementing this program include recruiting facilitators and making arrangements for them to complete training, finding a location to hold the program, acquiring buy-in from participants, and ensuring the program is delivered with fidelity.
The Clearinghouse can help address these considerations. Please call 1-877-382-9185 or email Clearinghouse@psu.edu
If you are interested in implementing Imago Relationship Therapy, the Clearinghouse is interested in helping you!
Please call 1-877-382-9185 or email Clearinghouse@psu.edu
The 20-hour workshop is delivered over 3 days. Length and duration of individual therapy sessions vary based on the needs of the person. Time for use of self-directed materials varies.
Implementation costs will vary.
To move Imago Relationship Therapy to the Promising category on the Clearinghouse Continuum of Evidence, at least one evaluation with a strong study design should be performed demonstrating positive effects lasting at least one year from the beginning of the program or at least six months from program completion.
The Clearinghouse can help you develop an evaluation plan to ensure the program components are meeting your goals. Please call 1-877-382-9185 or email Clearinghouse@psu.edu
Contact the Clearinghouse with any questions regarding this program.
Phone: 1-877-382-9185 Email: Clearinghouse@psu.edu
You may also contact Imago Relationships North America by mail 12172 South Route 47, #207, Huntley, IL 60142, phone 1-866-960-1550, email info@imagorelationshipswork.com, or visit https://www.imagorelationshipswork.com/contact-us
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