The Imago Couples Weekend Workshop introduces you to the concepts of a unique model of committed love relationships known as “Imago” (i- MAH-go.) Co-created by Dr. Harville Hendrix and his wife, Dr. Helen Hunt, (and described in the New York Times best selling book: Getting The Love You Want: A Guide for Couples), Imago teaches that once the elements causing the greatest pain in marriage are revealed and understood, they can be utilized for reaping marriage’s greatest gift: that of personal healing and spiritual growth.
Throughout the weekend, participants learn and practice a concrete communication tool. As this simple skill is mastered, the hidden origins of each person’s needs are illuminated, creating a deepened sense of empathy and compassion and a strong desire to begin the process of co-creating what we call a Conscious Marriage: a relationship of passionate best friends.
What Can I Expect To Happen?
Beginning Friday night, you and your partner will be in a room with other workshop couples where you will be taken through an activity, e.g., a lecture, written exercise, or live or video demonstration. Afterwards, you and your partner will be asked to practice what you have just learned with each other in private.
When finished, the group reconvenes, at which time participants have an opportunity to ask questions or comment upon their experience. This completed, we move onto the next topic. The format of hearing an idea, seeing it demonstrated, then trying it out in private with your partner is repeated through the entire weekend.
Though couples are free to share and ask questions, no one is required to self disclose if they choose not to. This is NOT group therapy – your privacy will be respected. The workshop leader is available for brief personal coaching throughout the weekend.
If you could be a fly on our wall, you would see . . .
On Friday night: a room full of faces – some excited, some somber, a bit frozen from anticipation of the unknown. Many show eagerness as well as apprehension – eagerness to explore themselves, their partner and their relationship. Some are clearly here begrudgingly. For others, this is all just very new and strange.
By Sunday night: you will see . . .
People tired, happy, perhaps touching in an affectionate way. In a closing ceremony, they are open, expressing new hope, commitment, gratitude and, understanding. (“So glad we came”, “thank you”, “looking forward to many more years with you”, “think we now have the tools to help us go forward”, and so on.) There are smiles, tears, and warm embraces.
As couples prepare to leave, Barbara breathes a sigh of gratitude and satisfaction at one more time having been a part of such profound change and deepened or renewed connection and hope.