Are you frequently having problems in your relationship? If you answered, “yes” then Imago Therapy could help you improve your relationship. To help understand what Imago Therapy is and how Imago Therapy can help your relationship, I have interviewed psychologist Mary Simon, PsyD.
Tell me a little bit about yourself.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist in the State of Colorado. I have worked in both public and private mental health settings for nearly 40 years. I am a certified Imago therapist and Workshop Presenter. I also have completed advanced training in several other models of couple’s therapy. I work with a group of therapists at the Relationship Resource Center in Denver, Colorado. We specialize in relationship issues of all sorts ‘” couples, family and work relationships to name a few.”
What is Imago Therapy?
“Imago Relationship Therapy is a model of working with relationships that was developed by Harville Hendrix, PhD and his wife, Helen Hunt, MA. It combines psychodynamic, cognitive and behavioral methods of working with distressed relationships. Imago is distinguished in part by its methods of understanding current relationship difficulties in the light of unresolved relationship issues from childhood.”
Are there certain types of relationship issues that benefit more from Imago Therapy?
“Imago Therapy can be effective with a wide range of issues that come up in relationships. The main counter-indications are issues like domestic violence, addictions and serious mental illness. These usually need to be treated before it is productive to engage in Imago work or any other form of couples’ therapy.”
What types of Imago Therapy techniques are used?
“We use specific exercises to help partners identify the unresolved issues from childhood that are manifesting and causing distress in their current relationship. We also teach the “Imago Dialogue” process which helps provide a safe space for each partner to be heard and understood in the relationship. Being able to listen and be listened to with compassion and understanding forms the basis for the safe, secure connection we all long for in our relationships.”
What advice would you like to leave for someone who is thinking about getting Imago Therapy?
“First of all, don’t be afraid to take the risk of admitting you have problems in your relationship! Establishing healthy, loving, mature relationships is one of the most advanced, and difficult, tasks that we as adult human beings undertake. We have had little, or no, training in how to do this. Furthermore, most of us have seen very few models of how to relate successfully on an intimate level. So, most people need help at some point. This is a journey on which we are ALL finding our way!
Second, you can go to the Imago Therapy web site to find lots more information about this dynamic approach to relationships. You can also find there a list of Imago therapists in your area. I recommend that you talk to, and even interview, two or more therapists to find the right fit for you. Bon voyage on this exciting, sometimes frightening, journey!”
Thank you Mary for doing the interview on Imago Therapy. For more information on Mary Simon or her work you can check out her website on www.relationshipresourcecenter.com.
Recommended Readings:
Increasing Your Sexual Activity in Marriage
How to Put the Sizzle Back in Your Marriage
How to Deal with Annoying Husband
