Understanding Imago Relationship Therapy (IRT)
Imago Relationship Therapy offers couples a structured path toward understanding each other more deeply. This approach focuses on transforming conflict into opportunities for connection and growth.
Imago Relationship Therapy (IRT), developed by Harville Hendrix, PhD, and Helen LaKelly Hunt, PhD, is built on the insight that we often choose partners who reflect both the positive and challenging qualities of our early caregivers. The term "imago"—Latin for "image"—refers to this unconscious template of love formed in childhood. When relationship conflicts arise, IRT suggests they may be activating deeper patterns from our past, offering an opportunity for healing and growth.
At the heart of IRT is the Imago Dialogue, a structured communication technique involving three steps: mirroring (reflecting back what your partner says), validation (acknowledging their perspective makes sense), and empathy (connecting with their emotional experience). This process helps couples move beyond reactive patterns toward what practitioners call "conscious partnership." If you're curious whether couples therapy might support your relationship, exploring IRT could be a meaningful step. You can also learn more about what therapy typically costs as you consider your options.
Jessica Sloan
Jessica Sloan
Eda Mucaj
Eda Mucaj
Luigi Garde
Luigi Garde
Julianna Harry
Julianna Harry
Therapy is hard work.
Imago Relationship Therapy is an approach to couples work developed by Harville Hendrix and Helen LaKelly Hunt. It's based on the idea that we unconsciously seek partners who embody traits of our early caregivers—both positive and negative. The therapy helps couples understand how childhood experiences may shape their relationship dynamics and provides structured tools for communicating more effectively and empathetically.
The Imago Dialogue is the cornerstone technique of IRT. It's a three-step communication process: first, one partner mirrors back what the other has said without interpretation; second, they validate that the perspective makes sense; and third, they express empathy for their partner's feelings. This structure helps couples slow down reactive patterns and truly hear each other, often leading to deeper understanding and connection.
IRT may be helpful for couples experiencing recurring conflicts, communication difficulties, or a sense of disconnection. It can also support partners who want to deepen their understanding of each other and build a more conscious relationship. Because IRT explores how childhood experiences influence adult partnerships, it often resonates with those interested in understanding the deeper roots of relationship patterns.
While approaches like Gottman Method or Emotionally Focused Therapy focus on specific skills or emotional bonding, Imago Therapy emphasizes understanding the unconscious "imago" or image of love we bring from childhood. Its distinctive dialogue technique provides a highly structured format for communication. Many couples find that IRT's focus on childhood origins helps them develop compassion for both themselves and their partner.
In a typical IRT session, the therapist guides couples through the Imago Dialogue process, helping each partner take turns speaking and listening. Sessions often explore how current conflicts may connect to earlier life experiences. The therapist creates a safe space for both partners to share vulnerably while learning to respond with curiosity rather than defensiveness. Many therapists offer free consultations to discuss their approach.
First Session's growing network includes therapists trained in Imago Relationship Therapy across Canada. You can browse therapist profiles to find practitioners who specialize in IRT and watch their intro videos to get a sense of their style before booking. All therapists on our platform have their credentials verified during onboarding, and many offer both online and in-person sessions.