Dr Sheck is trained in Imago Relationship Therapy, created by Harville Hendrix, author of "Getting The Love You Want," and "Keeping The Love You Find." Dr. Sheck is currently President of the Southern California Association of Imago Relationship Therapists.

Imago Relationship Therapy (IRT) is based on a comprehensive theory integrating insight and behavioral therapies with spiritual discipline

The "Imago" is a composite image in the unconscious consisting of significant character traits and behaviors of childhood primary caretakers (usually Mom and Dad). Unconsciously we are drawn to our "Imago match," who is like these caretakers in emotionally significant ways.

The stronger the Imago match, the stronger the initial chemistry between the couple. From there, we often recreate our childhood psychological dynamics in an effort to heal our basic childhood wounds.

The process of Imago Therapy is aimed at using this context to transform relationships into a therapeutic encounter and fuel for each partner's psychological and spiritual growth and healing.

Imago Relationship Therapy utilizes a variety of clinical procedures to teach couples (as well as singles desiring an intimate union), to identify their defenses against intimacy and to understand the unconscious forces that influence partner selection and stressors in committed relationships.

The goal of the therapy is to create a "conscious," mature, loving relationship. This involves identifying couple frustrations rooted in early childhood issues and partner idealization, as well as perceiving one's partner realistically without these unconscious "projections."

The Imago process involves learning new skills and changing hurtful behavior, as partners consciously aim to meet one another's needs and thereby restore the lost and denied parts of themselves.

A core skill is a three-part dialogue that breaks couples out of defensive, reactive interactions, and promotes understanding and compassion for the other. The need for continuing therapy is eventually reduced, as each partner becomes a skilled advocate and "container" for the other's growth process. The Imago process, when consistently applied in any relationship, has the potential to be a transformative journey toward mutual healing and maturation.

QUESTION? CLICK HERE TO ASK DR. SHECK!

CLICK HERE FOR LINKS TO OTHER IMAGO SITES