What is the theory behind this Imago therapy worksheet?
Imago therapy was developed by a psychologist, Harville Hendrix in the late 1970s. According to Imago therapy, two people form the union of a relationship to fulfill their emotional needs that were not fulfilled in their childhood. If the needs are not fulfilled and an individual finds it unable to share their vulnerability with the significant other, conflict arises.
How will the worksheet help?
This worksheet will help the couples in creating insight into the reasons behind their behaviors and expressions. Furthermore, it will help the clients to communicate in a healthier way with their partners. Thus, therapists can use this worksheet as an aid to foster a deeper understanding about their communication and to communicate effectively.
How to use this worksheet?
In this worksheet, clients are required to state the reason for the things they wanted to say to their partners but are unable to communicate. Then, write an alternative healthier way to share their feelings. Do this exercise in the columns below and then share it with each other. The therapist will act as a moderator in this exercise.
Imago therapy worksheet
| What i wanted to say | I couldn’t say it because | What I can say is |
| (E.g. i want presents on valentine’s day) | (E.g. i don’t want to sound demanding and controlling) | ( E.g. getting flowers from you on valentine’s day, makes me feel loved and appreciated) |
References
Hendrix, H. (1988). Getting the love you want. Harper Perennial.
You can download this worksheet here.