Course Description

If you are a therapist interested in becoming more effective in working with relationships this course will provide you with a sound roadmap. Imago Relationship Therapy is a most effective model for understanding and improving relationships. You can expect to experience dramatic results quickly.

The program provides a strong foundation for providing effective Imago therapy. The heart of the course is to practice integrating Imago dialogue into the way you work with clients. In addition you will learn the theory which provides Imago’s foundation as well as explore the impact of relationship history on the present day and use tools to help couples achieve their relationship vision. The program is divided into two sections:

Level I

Level I is a 96-hour small-group intensive program, delivered over 12 days, divided into 3 sections of 4 days each. The online trainings may differ and be divided into more sections across more days, see specific training.

Level II

Level II is a 6-month period of clinical consultation to enable you to prepare a video tape of a session which meets the requirements for Certification.

Learning Objectives

Imago Relationship Therapy (IRT) is a comprehensive yet remarkably coherent theory and application, developed by Harville Hendrix, Ph.D., and Helen LaKelly Hunt. IRT powerfully synthesizes major aspects of depth psychology, object relations, systems theory, and humanistic-existential theory into a comprehensive approach to working with relationships.

This training will equip you to incorporate a unique approach to working with couples into your practice. You’ll learn to help couples develop the skills needed to navigate challenges in their relationships. As you progress, you’ll see how relationships can evolve from defensiveness to empathy, fostering healing.

By shifting focus to relationships rather than individuals, you’ll discover the potential for growth and healing in all couples. This perspective moves away from labeling and emphasizes interpersonal dynamics for positive outcomes.

Imago emphasizes learning through both experience and understanding. We combine theoretical teachings with practical exercises and personal exploration. Our aim is to help therapists build the skills needed to work effectively with couples, guiding clients towards healing through relationships with confidence and competence.

• Acquire the skills and techniques of Imago dialogue to foster connection, safety, and transformation within intimate, committed relationships.
• Explore the four fundamental theories or perspectives on relationships that offer understanding into attraction, conflict resolution, and dynamics of change in couples.
• Enhance your proficiency as a therapist by gaining practical clinical skills to effectively navigate challenging situations.
• Engage in Imago’s supportive supervision process to boost your clinical competence and self-assurance when working with couples.
• Delve into your personal family and romantic relationship dynamics, and integrate newfound knowledge into your own experiences.

Requirements for Admission

• Completion of a Getting the Love You Want or Keeping the Love You Find Workshop conducted by a Certified Couples Workshop Presenter® during Level 1 is mandatory for certification.
• Possession of an advanced degree (master’s or doctorate) in a mental health-related field (e.g., M.A. or M.S. in counseling or psychology, M.S.W. in social work, M.Div. in pastoral counseling, Ph.D. in clinical psychology, M.D. in psychiatry) or enrollment in an advanced degree program is required.
• Maintaining an active membership in a recognized professional association is essential for all Imago Therapists.
• Having a valid psychotherapy license if mandated by the state or province.
• Proof of malpractice insurance is necessary.

Each candidate will be assessed on an individual basis. If you lack any of the specified credentials, please contact maureen@emaureenbrine.com to provide clarification. Please note that admission to the program does not automatically guarantee certification.