Imago therapy was created by Harville Hendrix and Helen LaKelly Hunt. They developed this form of therapy in the 1980s, drawing inspiration from attachment theory and Gestalt therapy.
Hendrix and Hunt believed that we choose partners who resemble our primary caregivers, often subconsciously seeking to "heal" childhood wounds. They coined the term "imago" to refer to this internalized image of our ideal partner, which is shaped by our early experiences.
Imago therapy aims to help couples understand their relationship patterns, identify the "imago" in their partner, and work towards healing past wounds. It emphasizes communication, empathy, and forgiveness.
