What is Imago?

Imago Relationship Therapy was founded by Oprah’s favorite couples’ therapist, Dr. Harville Hendrix, PhD, author of Getting the Love You Want: A Guide for Couples.

The term Imago is Latin for “image,” and refers to the “unconscious image of familiar love.” Simply put, there is often a connection between the frustrations experienced in adult relationships and early childhood experiences.  For example: If you frequently felt criticized as a child, you will likely be sensitive to any form of criticism, and feel criticized by your partner.  Likewise, if you felt abandoned, smothered, neglected, etc., these feelings will come up in your marriage/committed relationships.

Most people face only a few of these “core issues,” but they typically arise again and again within partnerships. This can overshadow all that is good in the relationship, leaving people to wonder if they have chosen the right mate.  Here’s the good news: When you can understand each other’s feelings and “childhood wounds” with more empathy, you can begin to heal yourself and your partnership, and move toward a more conscious relationship.