Basic Clinical Training in Imago Relationship Therapy

Program Description

The 12-Day Basic Clinical Training in Imago Relationship Therapy offers an experiential approach to mastering the theory and method of Imago leading to certification as an Imago Relationship Therapist. The entire certification program consists of 96 hours of training, divided into 3 four-day training sessions.

Part I
The first part of the training begins with:

Participants practice techniques within a small group format, drawing real material from their personal experience. In an atmosphere of safety and support, participants go through each process as therapist, as client, and as observer while the clinical instructor provides supervision.

Between Part I and II, participants record client sessions using methods taught in Part I for supervision in Session II.

Part II
As clinical demonstrations and practice opportunities continue, participants receive supervision of their recorded therapy sessions. The treatment issues receiveing special attention are:

• The process and purpose of initial partner attraction.
• The maximizer-minimizer polarity, the denied self, lost self, hidden self, disowned self and presentational self.
• The role of emotional exits in the relationship and how to close them.

Clinical practice focuses on the Behavior Change Request, a mindful method for bringing about positive, specific, and measurable changes in partner behavior as an alternative to blindly triggering conflict. There are regular opportunities to review recorded sessions with clients and for supervised work within small groups.

Participants are expected to record sessions with their own clients using processes learned in this session for supervision in Part III.

Part II
The theoretical portion of this last sectionm of the training includes the re-visioning and re-romanticizing the couple's relationship. Practical issues are addressed including the overall structure and progression of the Imago approach, including the format and duration of sessions, commitments on the part of the couples and therapist, the focus, and process of a session, and the use of assignments and guided imagery.

The primary focus of Session III is on clinical practice and supervision of client sessions.

Processes demonstrated and practiced in Part III includes:

Learning Objectives

• Understanding the concept of the imago and the role it plays in partner selection and the subsequent stages of a couple’s relationship;
• Learning methods to move couples from reactivity to intentionality in their relationship;
• Learning how to help couples create a climate of safety and fulfillment in their relationship;
• Learning specific techniques to restructure couples’ conflict and frustration
• Learning how to access the childhood wound and use the information gained for healing the relationship;
• Learning how to assist couples in increasing validation and empathy to achieve a deeper level of commitment and intimacy.
  

Admission Requirements

This program is designed for experienced therapists with a current practice which includes work with couples.

Participation in a Getting the Love You Want: Workshop for Couples led by a certified workshop presenter prior to admission into training. (Note: Participation should be with spouse, if married. Single therapists may attend with intimate partner, close friend, relative, or colleague).

Possession of an advanced degree in the mental health field and membership in a recognized professional association (i.e. NASW, AAMFT, APA, AAPC, etc.).

License to practice psychotherapy if required by state.

300 hours of post graduate supervision (150 hours must be one-on-one supervision). Supervision means time spent with supervisor, not client hours.

Proof of malpractice insurance.

Each applicant will be considered on their own merits. If you do not have all of the above credentials, please attach a cover letter to your application which addresses the exception.

Within twelve months of the completion of the formal course, the participant must serve as a support therapist in a twenty hour Getting the Love You Want Workshop for Couples conducted by a Certified Workshop Presenter. Trainee must receive a positive evaluation from the Presenter which must then be submitted directly to the Institute and the Course Instructor(s).

Post Course Requirements

After a minimum of 6 months of consultation, you may submit a tape TO THE CLINICAL INSTRUCTOR which will be evaluated as the final stage in your Certification. In this tape we will be looking for the following:

Benefits of membership:

Listing in the Resource Directory for referrals by the Institute

Receiving the Journal for Imago Relationship Therapy

Use of registered trademark "Certified Imago Therapist"

Discount on conferences and advanced training

Admission to any program does not guarantee certification.

Certification makes a graduate of any program eligible for referrals from The Institute for Imago Relationship Therapy. Therefore, the review process of audio/video tapes is supervisory and evaluative.

CE Credits: 96

This track is designed for non clinicians or those not eligible to become Certified Imago Therapists® and for those who are not seeking certification. (i.e. spouse of a therapist, minister, attorney, teacher, physician etc.).

Admission Requirements: Participant must participate in a twenty hour Getting the Love You Want: Workshop for Couples led by a Certified Workshop Presenter. Those taking the Educational Track will not be certified at the end of the training. They will be auditing the course for educational purposes. They cannot use the terms Certified Imago Therapist® and cannot practice Imago Relationship Therapy.

Tuition: $3,000

Click here for the Schedule of Basic Clinical Training Dates

*Thanks to The Institute for Imago Relationship Therapy for providing this material.