Specialist Training in Working with Couples

Presenter: Brenda Rawlings

Couples work can be dynamic, stimulating and highly effective using the structured processes inherent in Imago. Experience the depth and beauty of this work in creating connection between couples. At the same time enable increased passion, greater differentiation, and freedom from painful attachment cycles. 

This professional training in Imago Relationship Therapy, enables therapists to work effectively with couples. Health professionals will leave this training skilled in holding couples safely and constructively, able to listen to each other empathically, move out of their negative cyclic interactional patterns and rediscover joy. 

This training gives an overview of Imago theory and clinical practice. It offers an indepth understanding of relational dynamics from both an attachment and developmental perspective, incorporating developments from both clinical research and neuroscience. This module introduces therapists to the Relational Paradigm, and what it means to view couple dynamics through this lens. Students will be introduced to the practice of the Imago Dialogue through both clinical and experiential work and receive an introduction to the impact of neuro-biological functioning on couple relationships, the need to integrate the positive (including the Appreciation Dialogue), and clear steps for relationship repair which promote safety and connection. 

This is a 2 day training (Days 1&2) and can be taken independently without proceeding further with the additional 10 days of training (Days 3-7 and Days 8-12). 

Brenda Rawlings MNZAC, has been specialising in working with couples since 1998 and she presents Imago Clinical Training for Counsellors, Psychologists and Psychotherapists in both New Zealand and Australia. Her trainings have also been well received internationally. She was Dean of the Imago International Institute (USA) from 2012 to 2017 and recipient of the Harville Hendrix Award for Clinical Excellence. She has also participated in trainings in most major couples modalities and brings this expertise into this dynamic two day training.