Part 1: Imago Relationship Theory: From the Individual to the Relational and Core Skills with Founders Harville Hendrix and Helen La Kelly Hunt

South Africa · CPD points & talks · Psychologists

South African psychologists, deepen your practice with Part 1 of Imago Relationship Theory. Explore the shift from individualistic models to relational paradigms, and master core Imago skills like Dialogue, Zero Negativity, Empathy, and Affirmation to guide couples towards conscious relating and healing unmet childhood needs.

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:

• • 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.

Structure as a Pathway to Connection: The Imago Dialogue as Relational Practice
Structure as a Pathway to Connection: The Imago Dialogue as Relational Practice
Artificial Intelligence, Ethics and Psychotherapy
What is Emotion-Focused Couple's Therapy (EFT)?
Reflections on working with couples when you only have one in the room
Error. Advanced Awareness: Strengthening Presence & Perspective in Practice
What Really Builds Resilience? A Practical Overview of the "FUEL Your Resilience" Model
Working with Death, Illness and Loss