Imago Foundations - Getting Started With Couples Therapy

What You'll Gain From This Training

A Proven Framework You Can Use Immediately

In just two days, you'll learn the foundational theory and practical clinical skills of Imago Relationship Therapy - a structured, relational approach used successfully by thousands of therapists with couples across the world.

You'll gain:

• Practical interventions you can use from session one
• A roadmap for sessions so you're never wondering "what do I do next?"
• Confidence to say "yes" when couples ask if you can help them

This is hands-on training, not just theory. Each morning you'll learn core concepts, then each afternoon you'll practice the Imago Dialogue process in small groups (triads), giving and receiving feedback in a safe learning environment. You'll also watch videos of real couples in dialogue - not actors, not demonstrations, but actual therapy sessions - so you can see exactly what effective couples work looks like in the room.

By the end of day two, you'll be able to hold a couple in The Imago Dialogue process and feel more confident and competent in your work with couples.

An Intersectional Approach to Couples Work

Not all relationships face the same challenges - and not all therapists bring the same perspectives. This training integrates an intersectional perspective, meaning we explore how multiple aspects of identity - including race, culture, class, gender, sexuality, disability, and neurodiversity - shape couple dynamics, relationship experiences, and crucially, how we show up as therapists and learners.

Your identity matters in this work. The training is designed with awareness that therapists themselves hold multiple intersecting identities that influence how they learn, practice, and relate to couples. We consider the therapist's intersectionality both in how the training is delivered and in developing your understanding of how your identities, experiences, and social positioning shape your therapeutic presence and interventions.

Imago Relationship Therapy is fundamentally about celebrating difference. The core principle is that our differences aren't problems to solve - they're opportunities for growth and deeper connection. This philosophy naturally extends to working with diverse couples across all identities.

Understanding how different neurological profiles, cultural backgrounds, lived experiences of marginalization, and relationship structures affect communication and connection isn't optional - it's central to effective couples work.

You'll learn to:

• Recognize how systemic inequalities and privilege show up in relationships
• Work responsively with couples across diverse identities and experiences
• Understand power dynamics within and outside partnerships
• Appreciate how neurodivergence, culture, and other aspects of identity shape communication patterns
• Use Imago's "difference as gift" framework with all couples
• Avoid one-size-fits-all assumptions about "healthy relationships"

This isn't a separate module - intersectionality is woven throughout the training because it's essential to ethical, effective couples therapy.

Training That Fits Your Life

Choose how you want to learn: This course is available both online and face-to-face, depending on your preference. Some therapists love the convenience of learning from home, while others prefer the energy of being in person with fellow trainees. Either way, you'll get the same quality training, interactive practice, and personal attention.

Training that works for you: We build regular breaks into each day, accommodate sensory and movement needs, and provide all written materials before the training begins so you can prepare in the way that works best for you. The learning environment is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all participants.

Part of a Global Community

Imago Relationship Therapy is used successfully by thousands of therapists working with couples across the world. When you train in Imago, you're not just learning a method - you're joining a supportive global network of practitioners.

In the UK, there's a growing community of Imago therapists who share knowledge, provide consultation, and support each other's professional development. You won't be doing this work alone.

Part of a Complete Professional Pathway

These two days are the first module of the official 12-day Clinical Training in Imago Relationship Therapy. Many therapists who start here discover that working with couples becomes one of the most rewarding aspects of their practice - and want to go deeper.

If this approach resonates with you (and we think it will), you have a clear pathway forward:

• Days 1-2 (this course): Foundation theory and core skills - you'll be able to hold couples in dialogue and begin working with them immediately
• Days 3-12: Clinical Skills training part 1 and 2 lead on from this training - expand your repertoire with sophisticated interventions for stuck couples, affairs, and complex relationship dynamics
• Certification pathway: Become a Certified Imago Relationship Therapist and join the official international network

The beautiful thing about Imago? It works. You'll see it working in the videos. You'll feel it working when you practice. And when you use it with your first couple, you'll experience that moment when conflict transforms into connection right in front of you. That's when most therapists realize they want the full training.

Who This Course Is For

This training is ideal if you:

• Currently work with individuals and want to add couples to your practice
• Have clients asking for relationship support and want to serve them more fully
• Feel curious about couples dynamics but lack formal training
• Want a structured, proven approach (not just "winging it" with two people in the room)
• Value working in ways that honour the full complexity of your clients' identities and experiences

You don't need prior couples therapy experience - just a genuine interest in helping relationships and an existing counselling or therapy qualification.

Course Details

Format: Two-day intensive training (available online)

Learning Approach: Theory in the morning, practice in the afternoon - every day. You'll practice the Imago Dialogue process in triads (small groups of three), giving you multiple opportunities to take the therapist role with supportive feedback. You'll also watch videos of real couples engaged in dialogue - seeing the actual process in action makes everything click.

What You'll Be Able to Do: By the end of the two days, you'll be able to hold a couple in dialogue - the foundational skill of Imago Relationship Therapy that transforms how couples communicate and connect.

What's Covered:

• Core theory of Imago Relationship Therapy
• The Imago Dialogue process - with extensive practice time
• Understanding diverse relationship experiences through an intersectional lens
• Managing the unique dynamics of working with two (or more) clients simultaneously

Part of the Official Training: This is the first module (Days 1-2) of the 12-day Clinical Training in Imago Relationship Therapy. Most participants continue to the advanced training once they experience how effective this approach is with couples.

Investment: £330

Next Available Dates:

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you've been curious about couples work but haven't known where to start, this is your opportunity. You already have the therapeutic skills - this training gives you the specialized framework to apply them to couples.

Reserve Your Spot

Fill in the form below to book onto the course.

Learn More About Imago Relationship Therapy

Curious about what makes Imago such an effective approach? Here are some resources to explore:

For Therapists Considering Training:

• What Makes Imago Relationship Therapy A Great Way Of Working With Couples?
• 3 Reasons Why You Should Be Working With Couples
• Crossing The Bridge: An Interview With Harville Hendrix and Helen LaKelly Hunt (the founders of Imago)

Understanding How Imago Works With Couples:

• How To Improve Your Relationship In Only 4 Minutes A Day
• How To Win The War In Your Relationship
• Working With Neurodiverse Couples As An Imago Relationship Therapist