The Horsforth Centre



Getting Started with Couples Therapy image

Getting Started with Couples Therapy - Imago Foundations

18 & 19 November 2024      £270                               Book Ticket

Course Information

The Getting Started with Couples Therapy, Imago Foundations course is designed to get you started with working with couples. The Imago Foundations course is a two-day training course for counsellors and therapists who are looking to train in couples therapy. You will learn the basic theory and clinical skills of Imago Relationship Therapy. In addition, it is the first part of a 12 day training programme to become a Certified Imago Relationship Therapist.

Are you wanting to learn to work with couples but are unsure of where to start? The “Getting Started with Couples Therapy” Imago Relationship training course is ideal for you. You need to at least be in training as a counsellor or therapist to attend this course. If you currently work with couples and would like to learn the Imago approach, this course gives you the basics of the model. If you are not yet working with couples and would like to begin expanding your practice into this area, this course is also a great starting point.

The Imago Foundation course counts as two days of the twelve-day training that you will need if you want to train in couples therapy and become a Certified Imago Relationship Therapist.


About Imago Relationship Therapy

Imago Relationship Therapy is a couples therapy based on a relational paradigm. In simple terms, human beings need connection to others in order to exist joyfully. Moreover, getting stuck in our primary partnerships is normal and is just an indication that growth needs to happen. Imago Relationship Therapy provides a theory of why we get stuck in relationships. It is also a mechanism to help move towards closer connection. This mechanism is called the Imago Dialogue Process. It focuses on transforming conflict into healing and growth through relational connection.

There is often a connection between frustrations in adult relationships and early childhood experiences. Where feelings arising from these experiences repeatedly come up with a partner, they can overshadow communication within a relationship.
Furthermore, through Imago Relationship Therapy, couples can work to understand each other’s feelings. Each partner can understand more empathically about Emotional wounds from childhood. This can, therefore, allow healing within themselves and their relationship.


Who is the course aimed at?

Counsellors and psychotherapists looking to learn the Imago approach.


What does the course cover?

Day 1
What is Imago Relationship Therapy?
The basic principles of Imago Relationship Therapy
The Relational Paradigm. What is it and why it’s important?
Skills practice – The Imago Dialogue Process.

Day 2
The 4 journeys of self
The first session. What do we do when a couple arrives for therapy the first time?
Skills practise – The full Imago Dialogue Process


How is the course delivered?

Getting Started in Couples Therapy is a face to face course. We train at the Mercure Leeds Parkway Hotel in North West Leeds. The hotel has a large car park with free parking. Lunch is provided.


Outcomes for delegates

You will receive a CPD certificate for 12 hours of CPD to use on its own or for further training. By the end of the course you will be able to use the Imago Dialogue Process with couples. You will also have a clear understanding of Imago Relationship Therapy basic metatheory. You will have completed the first 2 days of the 12 day training required to become a Certified Imago Relationship Therapist.


Who will be training me? 

Ian Tomlinson PTSTA (P) is a UKCP registered psychotherapist working with individuals and couples. He is an Advanced Imago Relationship Therapist and workshop presenter. In addition, Ian is an Associate Member of The Imago International Training Institute.

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What can I do after the course?

We offer a range of CPD events to suit all levels. Keep an eye on our Events Diary or sign up for our newsletter to hear more.