IMAGO Therapy is a relational approach that helps two (or more) individuals uncover and heal unresolved wounds that influence how they connect, communicate, and conflict. At its heart, it’s based on the idea that we unconsciously choose our partners or connect with others in a way that mirrors early life experiences. These relationships hold the potential for deep personal growth and healing — if we know how to work through the conflict.
This particular model of therapy can be particularly useful for those who may have been impacted by addiction and are struggling to move forward in their relationship due to previous behaviours and experiences. Many individuals can struggle adjusting to life after rehab and IMAGO can be a powerful supporting therapy when transitioning back to normal living.
About 75% of couples who go to counselling see an improvement in their relationship, and 90% see an improvement in their physical or mental health.
“IMAGO Therapy is about using the power of the relationship itself as a tool for transformation. We help partners understand each other’s unmet needs and move toward connection, rather than disconnection.” – Jakana, IMAGO Therapist.
If you would like to explore how couples therapy or other treatments could support you and loved one please contact our Treatment Advisors for a free assessment.
IMAGO Therapy draws from several psychological traditions, including:
- Attachment theory – understanding how early bonds shape adult relationships
- Psychodynamic theory – exploring unconscious patterns
- Jungian concepts – particularly the collective unconscious
- Humanistic psychology – fostering personal growth and connection
This blend of theory helps individuals not only navigate conflict but use it as a transformative tool for change.
IMAGO isn’t just for romantic couples. It’s suitable for any two people (and sometimes more), including:
- Partners in romantic relationships
- Parents and children
- Co-parents navigating separation
- Friends or siblings with longstanding tension
Note: In more complex dynamics such as a mother-father-child triad, additional groundwork sessions are typically recommended to align goals before involving all parties.
A study published in the Journal of Couple & Relationship Therapy conducted a randomised controlled trial with distressed couples undergoing 12 sessions of IRT. The findings indicated statistically significant increases in marital satisfaction for the treatment group compared to the control group.
Addiction and IMAGO
While addiction is treated separately, IMAGO can be a powerful tool after an individual begins recovery. It helps rebuild trust and repair communication that was damaged during the addiction cycle. For example, this could include a couple affected by Chemsex who are now working to rebuild their relationship.
In a quasi-experimental study involving 20 couples, the experimental group received ten two-hour IRT sessions. Compared to the control group, the results demonstrated significant improvements in communication skills, conflict resolution abilities, and reduced sensitivity to rejection.
Neurodivergence and IMAGO
The clear, step-by-step dialogue process is particularly helpful for neurodivergent individuals, offering a stable structure and predictable framework that supports effective communication and deeper relational understanding.
Power Imbalances or Feeling Unheard
IMAGO ensures equal time, equal voice. The facilitator supports quieter individuals to speak up and ensures dominant voices don’t take over. It's about creating a balanced space where everyone feels heard.
A study targeting women who were victims of domestic violence found that ten sessions of IRT significantly enhanced resilience and improved difficulties in emotion regulation, with benefits maintained at follow-up.
