Imago Therapy

Because it can save a relationship, and often very quickly and effectively. Using the tools learned in therapy, couples report immediate improvement in communication and in connection. My job is to show you how you can turn a conflict into a connection. It seems so simple, but it does take practice, like any new skill you learn. With practice you become much more effective at communication. Using the Imago dialogue involves the cerebral part of your brain rather than the “reptilian” brain that triggers adrenaline-induced fights or flights. So fighting, criticizing, judging, blaming get replaced by effective communication tools that allow you to understand each other better.

As an Imago Therapist, I will do a combination of teaching and coaching you on how to express your thoughts, feelings and needs, and I will coach your partner on hearing you fully. Using the dialogue, along with other tools you learn in therapy, will help you feel safe, close and connected again.

Imago Therapy is about communication, understanding each other better, eliminating negativity and restoring passion. We use the dialogue to talk about difficult subjects in ways that are safe, positive and geared toward both people getting their needs met. It’s also about restoring joy and fun and sharing life together again.

Imago is Latin for “image”. It explains the chemistry of attraction, why it fades, why we argue and fight and repeat the same frustrating pattern over and over again. Imago Therapy provides a completely different understanding of your relationship conflicts, as well as a very effective array of tools for reconnecting. This reconnection is what Imago Therapy is all about. When you fell in love, you felt connected. You likely felt a sense of wholeness, like the other person somehow completed you. This phase of the relationship is known as “romantic love”. It feels amazing, positive, hopeful and delicious. In romantic love, you’re happy together and cannot imagine life without this person. After a while, couples habituate to the chemistry and often begin to feel annoyed, and eventually hurt and deeply disappointed at the overwhelming loss of “love”. What happened? Who changed? One asks “Who ARE you and what did you do with the person I fell in love with”? This phase of love is known as “the power struggle”, and it can be devastatingly painful. Imago Therapy will show you how to use conflict to actually experience deep connection again, heal your relationship, your past hurts, and move you both into a much more rewarding and conscious love.

Imago Therapy is about helping you heal and live in a connected relationship, without defensiveness. It's real and lasting love.

As an Imago Therapist, I help you articulate your frustrations, and I help your partner hear them without defensiveness. I also help you both understand something extremely important about yourself and your partner, so that a very powerful shift in consciousness can occur. My goal is for you to live and love again in a positive, safe and rewarding relationship.

Imago Couples Therapy – Couples meet with Jeannie in private 1.5 or 1 hour sessions.

Individual Therapy – private individual 50, 75 or 90 minute sessions with Jeannie

Getting the Love You Want Weekend Workshops for Couples – A weekend workshop designed to get a jump start on the relationship you always wanted.

Ongoing Couples Groups – For staying on track after a workshop – Semi-monthly groups for couples who have been to a workshop and want to keep the momentum. This is a wonderful way to build a network of positive, affirming friends.

Keeping the Love You Find Groups – A ten week group for individuals who want to become conscious of their relationship patterns, learn from past mistakes, and prepare for their next relationship. This group is appropriate for singles or individuals who are in a relationship and want to do some work on their own growth.

Start Right Stay Connected Pre-Marital Seminars – a six hour Imago based seminar that will prepare a couple for success in marriage.

From Conflict to Connection – A three hour Introduction to Imago.

In addition to her Master’s degree and experience now measured in decades, Jeannie is certified by Imago Relationships International as

• Imago Relationship Therapist
• Imago Advanced Clinician
• Getting the Love You Want Workshop Presenter

These credentials represent years of rigorous training, study experience, in addition to ongoing clinical supervision. Imago Clinical Training has been compared to an advanced degree program because of the requirements for certification. These credentials are shared so that you can be confident of the excellent quality of service you will receive.

Imago Relationships International: http://www.gettingtheloveyouwant.com

Conflict to Connection Video on Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucieWWQK29M

Recommended books and reading for relationships written by Imago Therapists

• Getting the Love You Want – Harville Hendrix, Ph.D.
• Keeping the Love You Find – Harville Hendrix, Ph.D.
• Receiving Love – Harville Hendrix, Ph.D., and Helen LaKelly Hunt, Ph.D.
• Getting the Sex You Want – Tammy Nelson, Ph.D.
• The Truth About Love – Pat Love, Ed.D.
• Hot Monogamy – Pat Love, Ed.D.
• How to Improve Your Marriage Without Talking About It – Pat Love, Ed.D. and Steven Stosny, Ph.D.