Every relationship has its ups and downs. In many instances couples are able to address and overcome those niggly little issues that tend to build up if not addressed. Others may seek the professional guidance offered by a professional counsellor or therapist.
Opting to attend the relationship counselling Melbourne experts recommend for struggling couples is often the best way to get objective and constructive guidance. Whether you’re going for individual or couples therapy, treatment often involves a combination of traditional techniques as well as a few new ones you may not be familiar with. One of these is the IMAGO therapy approach. Keep reading as we highlight why this is a good idea.
Defining the IMAGO Therapy Concept
If you’ve keen to try a new approach to resolving your relationship issues, then IMAGO may be what you need. Essentially, the IMAGO concept is based on the theory that various frustrations in different adult relationships usually originate from unresolved childhood issues and needs.
The term “IMAGO” comes the Latin word for “Image” and refers to the “image” of love developed in the formative years. An essential aspect of this therapy type is that it focuses on a structured method to establish and understand your own and your partner’s feelings, needs, and emotions. This is done by practising a unique and consistent dialogue process.
Your therapist will encourage you to use communication to address the underlying, surface-level conflicts and then drill down to the root cause. The goal is to develop an understanding and empathy for the other person’s point of view. Many couples have embraced these techniques and reported having found positive long-term results.
Guidance is Based on Focusing on Communication and Empathy
You don’t need to be an expert to know that there are a bunch of techniques out there that all promise to be the one to provide the best results. Working through them can be exhausting and can lead to further aggravation.
Fortunately, many couples who have tried the IMAGO therapy approach all agree that the results are positive and impressive. We’ve compiled a list of a few of the reasons why you and your partner should give it a try.
Improves Communication
It’s no secret that many issues between people can be attributed to a lack of proper communication. In fact, couples who are experiencing issues will often display poor communication which only seems to get worse the more the issues grow. This is why the first step in the IMAGO therapy process involves a deep focus on improving communication between the two partners.
Improving communication starts with introducing the principle of “conscious partnership” and this involves teach each partner to view each interaction as a chance to grow and heal. Your therapist will provide you with structured dialogue techniques. The aim here is for each partner to feel heard and understood. The belief is that feeling understood minimises the likelihood of creating the misunderstandings that lead to constant conflicts.
Works to Boost Emotional Intimacy
The IMAGO therapy techniques are a go-to option for many therapists because of it’s remarkable ability to rekindle emotional intimacy. This is usually done by guiding the partners through the key steps of the IMAGO therapy dialogue.
During this process, individuals are encouraged to explore and share their inner desires, fears, as well as vulnerabilities without the usual criticism and judgment. For many, this empathetic communication helps to foster a much deeper emotional understanding and bond.
Strives to Encourage Self-Awareness
A comprehensive aspect of the IMAGO therapy techniques focuses on each person’s role in the misunderstanding or conflict. Each partner is encouraged to investigate and explore how their psychological makeup affects their current relationship.
This is done without making anyone feel guilty about their role in the issue. The goal is to use self-awareness to work on behaviours, motivations, and fears. Focusing on these aspects not only encourages personal growth but helps to iron our issues in your partnership.
Learn Techniques and Tools for Future Use
A lot of couples can successfully make it through the prescribed IMAGO therapy sessions. However, a common concern involves wondering how you’ll cope when the therapy ends. Fortunately, an integral aspect of IMAGO involves equipping you and your partner with essential techniques and tools that can effectively be used outside the therapy environment.
Easy-to-follow techniques aim to teach you the best ways to communicate and address any underlying issues. Your therapist will teach you how to focus on building an emotional connection rather than fueling current anger. You and your partner can use these techniques as a stepping stone every time you face new or recurring issues.
Final Thoughts
IMAGO relationship therapy refers to a concept that adult relationship frustrations are as a result of unmet childhood needs. The primary goal is to get to the root cause of specific feelings and behaviours and use this knowledge to improve current issues.
By using communication techniques and focusing on developing stronger emotional intimacy, you can look forward to new ways to navigate difficult relationship tensions. You’ll be glad you made the effort!