Imago Relationship Therapy

A relational therapy that helps couples uncover the hidden roots of conflict, heal old wounds, and create deeper empathy and connection.

Explore Programs Near You

Couples Healing and Communication Therapy

A guided method for transforming repeated conflicts into connection, understanding, and emotional safety.

Best for

Couples struggling with recurring conflict, communication breakdowns, childhood trauma triggers, or intimacy issues.

Session format

Couples sessions · In person or Virtual.

Typical cadence

Weekly or biweekly · Typically 12–20 sessions.

Session length

60–90 minutes

Often combined with

Individual therapy, trauma therapy, recovery-focused couples support, mindfulness practices.

Evidence base

Developed by Drs. Harville Hendrix and Helen LaKelly Hunt · Based on attachment theory and developmental psychology.

overview-figure

What Is Imago Relationship Therapy?

Imago Therapy is based on the idea that early childhood experiences shape how we connect and clash in adult relationships. Partners often unconsciously choose each other to help heal unresolved childhood wounds.

The therapy focuses on:

Identify Triggers

Understanding how past wounds trigger current conflict

Foster Empathy

Building empathy and compassion through structured dialogue

Safe Vulnerability

Creating a safe, nonjudgmental space for vulnerability

Transform Struggles

Transforming power struggles into opportunities for growth

How Imago Therapy Helps Couples in Recovery

Enhances understanding, trust, and emotional connection

Reduces conflict cycles

Reduces conflict cycles

Shifts from blame and defensiveness to empathy and validation

Supports trauma healing

Supports trauma healing

Allows couples to safely explore how past wounds affect the present

Strengthens recovery bonds

Strengthens recovery bonds

Helps partners support each other in addiction or mental health recovery

Restores intimacy

Restores intimacy

Builds safety and closeness after betrayal, relapse, or distance

What to Expect in Imago Therapy Sessions

Learn to communicate effectively, resolve conflicts, and deepen emotional connection.

Assessment phase

Exploring relationship history and early experiences.

Imago Dialogue practice

Learning and practicing structured communication.

Skill-building

Developing empathy, compassion, and emotional safety.

Integration

Applying new communication patterns at home

session image

Who Benefits from Imago Relationship Therapy?

Ideal for couples seeking deeper understanding, trust, and connection

Imago Relationship Therapy supports couples who feel stuck in repeated conflicts or communication breakdowns. It helps partners understand core emotional triggers, build empathy, and create safer, more connected interactions.

Recurring Conflicts

Recurring Conflicts

Couples experiencing recurring, unresolved conflicts

Healing Past Trauma

Healing Past Trauma

Partners healing from childhood trauma or neglect

Addiction & Betrayal Impact

Addiction & Betrayal Impact

Couples impacted by addiction, relapse, or betrayal

Emotional Disconnection

Emotional Disconnection

Partners feeling emotionally disconnected or lonely

Deepening Connection

Deepening Connection

Couples seeking a deeper, more compassionate connection

Why TruPaths Highlights Imago
Relationship Therapy

Because understanding, empathy, and connection strengthen recovery

TruPaths highlights this approach because it gives couples a practical, compassionate framework for healing. By teaching empathy and helping partners understand the roots of conflict, Imago Therapy turns relationships into safe spaces for growth.

FAQs about Imago Therapy

Imago emphasizes childhood roots of conflict and uses structured dialogue for healing.
The duration varies depending on each couple’s needs and goals. Some couples notice improvements within a few sessions, while others benefit from ongoing therapy over several months.
It’s common for one partner to feel hesitant. The therapist can help create a safe and nonjudgmental space where both partners feel heard, reducing resistance and encouraging participation at a comfortable pace.
Coverage depends on your insurance provider and the therapist’s credentials. It’s best to check with your provider to see if couples or relationship therapy is included in your plan.
Yes. Imago Therapy can be effective in addressing relationship patterns affected by trauma or addiction. It supports emotional healing, improves communication, and strengthens the couple’s ability to navigate recovery together.
Yes — Imago Relationship Therapy can be very helpful for couples who don’t argue much but feel emotionally distant. Imago isn’t just for conflict; it’s designed to deepen connection by helping partners understand each other’s inner world, childhood influences, and emotional needs.

Find Recovery Options Offering Imago Relationship Therapy

Every conflict carries a message from the past. Imago Therapy helps couples listen, heal, and build the compassionate, connected relationship they long for.

Explore Programs Near You

About TruPath's Recommendations

Recommendations are based on your location and recovery needs, including the programs you've explored, the services you've saved, and the filters you've used. We use this information to highlight similar treatment options so you never miss a trusted path forward.

Tru AI
expand minimize
close
send