Part 1: Imago Relationship Theory: From the Individual to the Relational and Core Skills with Founders Harville Hendrix and Helen La Kelly Hunt
CPD courses for psychologists in United Kingdom
UK psychologists: Study Imago Relationship Theory's evolution from individual to relational paradigms. Learn core Imago practices like Dialogue in our professional development courses.
About this course in the United Kingdom
Harville Hendrix and Helen LaKelly Hunt, the founders of Imago Relationship Therapy, lead this course on the move from individual to relational thinking in psychotherapy. UK practitioners will follow the shift from a focus on the Self to the relational paradigm, informed by Newtonian physics, Freud, Buber and quantum theory, before exploring stages of relationships and the core Imago practices: Dialogue, Zero Negativity, Empathy and Affirmation. The course shows how these help couples move from reactivity to intentional relating, and can be logged as a learning activity in an HCPC CPD record.
This talk explores the evolution of relational understanding from a worldview of separateness toward one of connection. Beginning with an understanding of the individual-centred approach to psychotherapy, focusing on the Self, the talk concludes by explaining the relational paradigm as the space between individuals. Imago Relationship Therapy integrates different relational perspectives, and this talk describes the structured Imago practices: Dialogue, Zero Negativity, Empathy, and Affirmation to help couples move from reactivity to intentional, conscious relating.
Sections
- The Individual Paradigm
- The Relational Paradigm
- Stages of relationships
- Imago practices
- The Imago Dialogue
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this talk, participants will be able to:
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- Explain the historical and scientific shifts from an individualistic model of human experience to a relational paradigm, including contributions from Newtonian physics, Freud, Buber, and quantum theory.
- Describe the core principles and practices of Imago Relationship Therapy—especially the Dialogue process—and how they cultivate connection, differentiation, and emotional regulation in couples.
- Identify how childhood experiences and unmet needs re-emerge in adult relationships, and how concepts like the Imago match can be used to support healing and sustained intimacy.
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