EP21 Speech 19 - Doing Imago Relationship Therapy in the Space Between - Harville Hendrix, PhD; Helen LaKelly Hunt, PhD

When the Space-Between rather than the Space-Within becomes the source of experience, by implication it is the location of therapeutic intervention. This speech will discuss the shift from the individual to the relational paradigm as the new domain of therapeutic intervention.

Learning Objectives

1. To describe the distinction between the individual and relational paradigm and its significance for therapeutic intervention.
2. To discuss the implications of the shift for the field of mental health.
3. To describe and practice a relational therapeutic intervention.

Outline:

Introduction to Imago Relationship Therapy

• Session: Doing Imago Relationship Therapy in the Space Between with Dr. Harville Hendrix and Dr. Helen Hunt.

• Co-creators of Imago Relationship Therapy and Imago International Training Institute.

• Authors of three New York Times bestsellers and eight other books.

• Focus: Shifting from the individual to relational paradigm in therapy.

Faculty Disclosure and Learning Objectives

• Dr. Helen Hunt outlines goals: understanding individual vs. relational paradigms.

• Emphasis on the "space between" individuals as key to therapeutic success.

• Aim: Help couples rediscover their sense of wonder and connection.

The Still Face Experiment and Imago Therapy

• The still face experiment shows the impact of emotional disconnection.

• Imago Therapy helps couples rebuild mutual presence, resonance, and joy.

• Focuses on healing through conscious, connected partnership.

Relational Paradigm and Quantum Field Theory

• Psychology’s shift from individual focus to relational understanding.

• Based on quantum field theory: everything is interconnected.

• Relationships thrive through attention to the "space between" partners.

The Physics of the Between in Therapy

• Energy between individuals determines relationship quality.

• Ruptures in connection (like still face experiment) cause emotional distress.

• Imago Therapy works to create emotional safety between partners.

Structure and Safety in Imago Dialog

• Structure is critical to creating safety in conversations.

• Four practices of conscious partnership:

  • Imago Dialog

  • Zero Negativity

  • Empathy

  • Daily Affirmations

• Mirroring and affirmations are key to deepening connection.

Practical Demonstration of Imago Dialog

• Steps include deep breaths, eye contact, and using sentence stems.

• Focus on mirroring, validating, and affirming the partner's experience.

• Demonstration shows dialog as a tool for resolving conflict safely.

Impact of Imago Dialog on Relationships

• Helps couples develop relational competency and better communication.

• Fosters empathy, curiosity, wonder, and stronger connection.

• Reinforces validation and empathy to resolve conflicts.

Q&A Session and Closing Remarks

• Discussion on the role of validation without needing agreement.

• Influences on Imago Therapy include Bob and Mary Goulding, John Bowlby, and Dan Siegel.

• Final emphasis: The importance of empathy, curiosity, and recognizing each person’s inherent wonder.