![Two lavender armchairs facing each other across a still garden pond that reflects them both](https://viacara.com/img/content/approaches-imago-feature-light.webp) # Imago Relationship Therapy Learn how Imago relationship therapy works, what the Imago dialogue asks of each partner, and what the research does and does not show. ## What is Imago relationship therapy? Imago relationship therapy is a way of working with couples. Harville Hendrix and Helen LaKelly Hunt began it in 1980. Imago is Latin for image. It means the picture of love you formed as a child. Imago holds that you pick a partner who repeats your early carers' gaps. A row about the washing up can then carry the weight of something much older. Sources: [Hendrix & Hunt 2026](https://viacara.com/approaches/imago/#ref-1), [Imago Relationships: overview](https://viacara.com/approaches/imago/#ref-2) ## How it *works* The work runs through the Imago Dialogue. One of you sends and the other receives. The steps are mirroring, validating and empathising. The *Imago* dialogue 1. **Mirror** The listener repeats what they heard and checks they understood. 2. **Validate** They explain how their partner's view makes sense, without needing to agree. 3. **Empathise** They name the feelings their partner might have and check their understanding. 4. **Swap roles** The listener becomes the speaker. Each partner has a turn. A therapist guides the exchange. These are parts of a conversation, not a promise of agreement. The structure slows the talk down. Each of you hears the other out before you answer. Sources: [Imago UK: FAQs](https://viacara.com/approaches/imago/#ref-3), [Imago International: toolbox](https://viacara.com/approaches/imago/#ref-5) ## What *sessions* look like Sessions run longer than most, at 90 minutes to two hours. You face each other, not the therapist. The therapist coaches the dialogue from the side. They help each of you stay with the steps when the talk gets hard. Source: [Imago UK: FAQs](https://viacara.com/approaches/imago/#ref-3) ![The still pond close up, two chairs and the sky held in its surface](https://viacara.com/img/content/approaches-imago-mid-light.webp) In Imago, each partner reflects back what the other one said ## Who it may *suit* Imago relationship therapy can be a good fit if you: - Talk over each other and neither of you feels heard - Notice that your rows echo something from your own childhood - Want a set way to talk that you can use at home - Prefer to face your partner rather than the therapist If one of you is afraid of the other, couples work is not the right start. Our [couples page](https://viacara.com/support/couples/) explains why, and where to begin instead. ## The *evidence* The evidence here is thinner than for some couples methods. A 2026 review found one randomised trial. Imago Relationships International helped pay for it. Its authors report gains that counted in the figures but not in daily life. One couple in the treated group recovered. The same review places Imago in its weak support tier. That sits one step below the seven models it calls modestly supported. NICE does not name it. Sources: [Jackson et al. 2026](https://viacara.com/approaches/imago/#ref-7), [Gehlert et al. 2017](https://viacara.com/approaches/imago/#ref-6), [NICE NG222](https://viacara.com/approaches/imago/#ref-8) ## *Training* and what to ask Imago UK says its certified therapists already hold a counselling or psychotherapy qualification. Ask which register they are on. The register tells you about their core training and who they answer to. To compare methods, [emotionally focused therapy](https://viacara.com/approaches/emotionally-focused-therapy/) works on the emotional bond. [The Gottman method](https://viacara.com/approaches/gottman/) starts with an assessment. Source: [Imago UK: find a therapist](https://viacara.com/approaches/imago/#ref-4) On this page [What is Imago relationship therapy?](https://viacara.com/approaches/imago/#what-is-imago-relationship-therapy) [How it works](https://viacara.com/approaches/imago/#how-it-works) [What sessions look like](https://viacara.com/approaches/imago/#what-sessions-look-like) [Who it may suit](https://viacara.com/approaches/imago/#who-it-may-suit) [The evidence](https://viacara.com/approaches/imago/#the-evidence) [Training and what to ask](https://viacara.com/approaches/imago/#training-and-what-to-ask) Related [Couples Therapy](https://viacara.com/support/couples/) [Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT, not EMDR)](https://viacara.com/approaches/emotionally-focused-therapy/) [The Gottman Method for Couples](https://viacara.com/approaches/gottman/) [Behavioural Couples Therapy](https://viacara.com/approaches/behavioural-couples/) [Couples Counselling](https://viacara.com/approaches/couples-counselling/) [Understanding Different Approaches](https://viacara.com/guides/understanding-approaches/) Thanks for your interest. We're not taking on new clients at the moment. ## Looking for an Imago therapist? We ask what matters to you, then find professionals who fit. Leave your email and we'll let you know as soon as we're ready for you. This conversation helps us find you the right support. What you share helps us understand what you're looking for and find someone who fits. Your email keeps you updated on what's happening next and isn't shared with anyone we introduce you to. [Privacy policy](https://viacara.com/privacy/) [Terms of service](https://viacara.com/terms/) ## References 1. Hendrix, H. & Hunt, H. L. (2026). *What is Imago?*. [harvilleandhelen.com](https://harvilleandhelen.com/initiatives/what-is-imago/) 2. Imago Relationships Worldwide (2026). *About Imago*. [imagorelationships.org](https://imagorelationships.org/about/) 3. Imago UK (2026). *Frequently asked questions*. [imagouk.co.uk](https://www.imagouk.co.uk/faqs/) 4. Imago UK (2026). *Find a therapist*. [imagouk.co.uk](https://www.imagouk.co.uk/find-a-therapist/) 5. Imago International Training Institute (2019). *Toolbox: Segments 1 and 2*. [imagolearning.com (PDF)](https://imagolearning.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Toolbox-Segments-1-2-wwkups-_1-2019.pdf) 6. Gehlert, N. C., Schmidt, C. D., Giegerich, V. & Luquet, W. (2017). *Randomized controlled trial of Imago relationship therapy: Exploring statistical and clinical significance*. Journal of Couple & Relationship Therapy. [doi:10.1080/15332691.2016.1253518](https://doi.org/10.1080/15332691.2016.1253518) 7. Jackson, J. B., Codecá, L., Miller, R. B., Simpson, J. E., O'Leary, A. M. & Renner, S. M. (2026). *Empirically supported couple therapy models for couple relationship distress: A replication and update*. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy. [doi:10.1111/jmft.70162](https://doi.org/10.1111/jmft.70162) 8. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2022). *Depression in adults: treatment and management (NG222)*. [nice.org.uk](https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng222) ## Related ### [Couples Therapy](https://viacara.com/support/couples/) Couples therapy for any kind of couple: how sessions work, time alone with the therapist, what it costs for two and when it is not the right start. ### [Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT, not EMDR)](https://viacara.com/approaches/emotionally-focused-therapy/) Learn how emotionally focused therapy works for couples and families, how it differs from EMDR and tapping, and what the research shows. ### [The Gottman Method for Couples](https://viacara.com/approaches/gottman/) Learn how the Gottman method works for couples, what the assessment and sessions involve, and what the research does and does not show. ### [Behavioural Couples Therapy](https://viacara.com/approaches/behavioural-couples/) Learn how behavioural couples therapy works, when NICE recommends it for depression, and how integrative behavioural couple therapy differs. ### [Couples Counselling](https://viacara.com/approaches/couples-counselling/) Learn what couples counselling is, what the first sessions and the assessment involve, what it costs and how to check a counsellor's register. ### [Understanding Different Approaches](https://viacara.com/guides/understanding-approaches/) A plain-English guide to the main therapeutic approaches including CBT, person-centred therapy, psychodynamic and integrative methods.