Important Principles that we explore in Imago Therapy
In Imago Therapy, we work extensively with terms like safety and connection, but what do these concepts truly mean?
“This is a safe space. A place where you can show up as you, lean into your whole self, and just be present (to all of it). This is a space where you can: Dance. Be silly. Open your heart to another. Speak the poetry inside you. Listen with every cell and then be listened to. Hold grief in one hand and joy in the other. Cry. Rest. Laugh loudly. Tell the truth. This is a safe space to feel (all of it) and to trust you are not alone.” — Liz Lamoreux
Safety and connection are two vital principles for a healthy relationship. In this article, we’ll explore how Imago Therapy focuses on these key principles to help couples create stronger, more fulfilling connections.
The Principles:
Connection: The Foundation of Relationships
When couples experience pain — whether from judgment, criticism, disappointment, or feeling invisible — they often disconnect. This can lead to what we call a “parallel relationship,” where partners coexist without truly engaging. They may share a home, even a bed, but lack meaningful interaction. Greetings like “morning” and “night” become the extent of their communication. If you are experiencing such a relationship it might necessitate emergency action – consider my intensive package for such a case. Although this arrangement might seem peaceful due to the absence of conflict, it can leave both partners feeling alone and isolated. Over time, this disconnection can lead to breaking up, affairs, addictions, or divorce. This is where Imago Couples Therapy comes in. Instead of amplifying the pain through criticism, judgment, or withdrawal, Imago Therapy helps couples uncover the root cause of their disconnection. Through dialogue techniques, couples can move from problem-focused interactions to connecting as human beings — soul to soul, essence to essence. Once this connection is restored, the “magic” of life and love can flourish.
Safety: The Key to Vulnerability and Growth
Safety is another cornerstone of Imago Therapy. When a relationship feels safe, partners can be themselves, trust one another, and explore love without hesitation. In a safe relationship, couples can play, be passionate, adventurous, and nurture each other. However, when safety is compromised, the relationship suffers. Partners may either withdraw to avoid contact or seek excessive closeness, creating a dynamic of feeling smothered or abandoned. To rebuild safety, Imago Therapy equips couples with techniques to restore trust and create a secure environment. A safe relationship is one where there is no blame, criticism, or sulking — only space for intimacy, growth, and playfulness.
A New Perspective on Relationship Challenges
Rather than focusing on what’s “wrong” with your partner, Imago Therapy encourages you to ask deeper questions: Where is the disconnection? What is making the space unsafe? By addressing these core issues, couples can move away from parallel lives and towards genuine connection and safety. Through the principles of safety and connection, Imago Therapy empowers couples to build lasting, meaningful relationships. By focusing on these foundational aspects, you can create a space where love, trust, and joy thrive. Follow us on Facebook for more recent news and updates!
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