When it comes to Stellar Pro’s certifications and what they all mean, we know it can be confusing. But it’s important to understand what they mean so you can match with a therapist who is perfect for your needs.

Here are 2 of the most common relationship/couples specialties and certifications you’ll see on Stellar Pro: Imago and Gottman.

What is Imago?

Developed by Dr. Harville Hendrix and Dr. Helen LaKelly Hunt in 1980, Imago (the Latin word for image) is a psychotherapy theory and technique that helps couples resolve conflicts and improve their relationships. The theory is based on the idea that all humans have an innate need for connection, and that we use our relationships to meet that need. Imago Relationship Therapy (IRT) is a form of couples therapy that uses the principles of Imago Relationship Theory. IRT has been shown to be effective in helping couples resolve conflicts, improve communication, and build stronger relationships.

One of the biggest takeaways from Imago is that it believes interconnectedness is the essential condition of everything that exists and consciousness is the essential ingredient. Imago sees “giving and receiving as an oscillation between polarities that needs to be kept in balance.” You must give the same love you want to receive.

What is Imago Certification?

Imago Certification is a professional credential that recognizes therapists who have completed specialized training in Imago Therapy. The certification process ensures that therapists possess the necessary knowledge, skills, and understanding to effectively apply the principles of Imago Therapy in their clinical practice. Imago Relationships International (IRI) is the organization responsible for providing certification and maintaining the standards of Imago Therapy.

The Imago Institute offers two levels of certification for Imago Relationship Therapists: the Certified Imago Therapist (CIT) and the Diplomat in Imago Relationship Therapy (DIRT). To qualify for CIT certification, therapists must complete a training program offered by an approved Imago instructor and pass an exam.

If you’re looking for a Certified Imago Relationship Therapist, or if you’re interested in learning more about Imago, Stellar Pro is here to help.

Imago Relationship Therapy is a unique and powerful approach to couples therapy that can help resolve even the most difficult issues. And due to Stellar Pro’s verification process, you can be assured that your Imago Certified therapist has indeed been educated in IRT.

What is Imago Clinical Theory?

Imago clinical theory ultimately forms the interventions used by Imago therapists. “Each Imago Therapy process is constructed to produce the essential ingredients of intimacy” which include:

– Becoming present to your partner. To effectively communicate and interact with your partner, you must first shift into a more present state of mind. This involves recognizing the unique aspects of that person, breaking through our own ego-centric perspective, and moving closer to achieving differentiation – an important developmental milestone.

– Learning a new way to talk. By using dialogue instead of monologue, both parties are given an equal opportunity to speak and build connection. This creates a sense of safety and trust, which can lead to more productive conversations.

– Replacing judgment with curiosity. To create a deeper and more trusting connection with others, we need to replace our judgmental thoughts with curiosity. This will help us avoid anxiety and build trust instead. We can do this by eliminating all negativity—which will stop the signal from being activated that signals danger or insecurity.

– Infusing the relationship with positive feelings. The purpose of positive verbal expressions in a relationship is to create feelings of liking, appreciation, admiration, and acceptance. These types of emotions are among the building blocks for authentic love – something that is seen as essential for fulfilling intimate partnership and being truly happy in a relationship.

Source: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/273754792_Imago_Relationship_Therapy

For Clinicians

Why you should become Imago certified

Therapists who are passionate about helping couples build stronger, more conscious relationships can greatly benefit from pursuing Imago certification. Here are a few compelling reasons to consider becoming Imago certified:

Proven and Effective Approach

Imago Therapy has a solid foundation in theory and research, supported by decades of successful therapeutic outcomes. By becoming certified, therapists gain access to a powerful and evidence-based approach to couples therapy.

Transformative Healing

Imago Therapy offers a unique framework for understanding and addressing the underlying wounds and dynamics that impact relationships. Through Imago interventions, therapists help couples move beyond surface-level conflicts, promoting healing, growth, and the creation of a more conscious and loving partnership.

Advanced Clinical Competence

Imago certification equips therapists with a comprehensive toolkit of techniques and interventions to address a wide range of couples’ challenges. Therapists learn effective communication skills, conflict resolution strategies, and ways to deepen intimacy and connection.

Integration of Attachment and Neuroscience

Imago Therapy draws upon principles of attachment theory and neuroscience, providing therapists with a deeper understanding of the underlying dynamics influencing couples’ behavior. This integrative approach enhances therapists’ ability to support couples in creating secure and fulfilling relationships.

What are the benefits of getting Imago certification?

Obtaining Imago certification brings forth numerous benefits for therapists committed to couples therapy and relationship well-being:

Expertise and Credibility

Imago certification demonstrates a therapist’s expertise in the field of couples therapy, enhancing their professional credibility and reputation. Clients seeking Imago Therapy often seek out certified therapists for their specialized training and knowledge.

Access to Imago Community

Imago certification connects therapists to a supportive community of like-minded professionals who share a commitment to Imago Therapy. This network provides ongoing opportunities for collaboration, peer support, and continuous learning.

Personal and Professional Growth

Pursuing Imago certification fosters personal and professional growth, deepening therapists’ understanding of relational dynamics and their ability to facilitate transformative change in couples’ lives. It allows therapists to continually refine their therapeutic approach and expand their knowledge base.

Enhanced Career Opportunities

Imago certification opens doors to a wider range of career opportunities, such as private practice, specialized clinics, and teaching and training positions within the field of couples therapy. It also increases visibility within the therapeutic community and potential referrals from other professionals.

How do I get Imago certification?

Becoming certified in Imago Therapy involves a structured process that typically includes the following steps:

Foundational Training

Therapists begin by attending the Imago Clinical Training, which provides a comprehensive understanding of the theory, principles, and techniques of Imago Therapy. This foundational training often consists of workshops, seminars, and supervised clinical practice.

Clinical Supervision

To gain practical experience and refine their skills, therapists engage in clinical supervision. This involves working with couples under the guidance of experienced Imago supervisors who provide feedback, support, and guidance.

Case Study Presentation

As part of the certification process, therapists are required to present a detailed case study demonstrating their application of Imago Therapy principles. This presentation showcases their ability to effectively utilize Imago techniques and interventions with couples.

Certification Maintenance

Once certified, therapists are expected to maintain their certification through ongoing professional development, participation in advanced training, and adherence to ethical guidelines set by IRI.

For Clients

What is Imago in Clinical Practice?

Wondering what to expect from an Imago certified clinician? In practice, Imago “focuses on helping couples change the structure of and content of their conversation from parallel monologue to intentional dialogue.” Imago creates a space that promotes equality and safety, partners find they can relax their defenses. This produces authentic, transformative conversations.

There are 5 steps you will go through: “re-commitment, re-imaging, removing all negativity from the relationship, re-romanticizing, and re-visioning.” We won’t describe all of these steps in detail as you will work through them with your therapist.

Imago takes more than one session. Some couples only need a few sessions while others need 9+. It’s okay if you need a lot of sessions and if you find some sessions difficult. That is part of the process.

Learn More About Imago

Imago Therapy offers a powerful and effective approach to couples therapy, enabling partners to heal past wounds, improve communication, and build conscious, loving relationships. Pursuing certification in Imago Therapy equips therapists with the necessary skills, knowledge, and credibility to effectively apply the principles of Imago Therapy in their clinical practice. By becoming Imago certified, therapists enhance their clinical competence, expand their professional network, and contribute to the well-being and happiness of the couples they serve.

Want to learn more about Imago?

• https://www.imagotraining.info/
• https://imagorelationships.org/
• https://harvilleandhelen.com/initiatives/what-is-imago/

What is Gottman?

“Gottman Method is an approach to couples therapy that includes a thorough assessment of the couple’s relationship, and integrates research-based interventions based on the Sound Relationship House Theory.” It is grounded in the groundbreaking research of Drs. John and Julie Gottman, who have spent decades studying couples and identifying the key components of successful relationships. The therapy focuses on improving couples’ friendship, enhancing communication, managing conflict constructively, and fostering shared goals and meaning. The goals of Gottman are to “disarm conflicting verbal communication; increase intimacy, respect, and affection; remove barriers that create a feeling of stagnancy; and create a heightened sense of empathy and understanding within the context of the relationship.” Gottman certification comes in 3 levels: 1, 2, and 3. Each level builds upon the previous.

Level 1

During Level 1 you will be educated about effective ways to address relationship conflict by uncovering the underlying dreams, history, and goals of each partner; in addition to unlocking the techniques, skills, and tools parents and children can use to intensify meaningful connection across generations. You will learn tools to help partners analyze fights by discovering where their thoughts, emotions, values, and positions currently line up.

Level 2

Level 2 Gottman training builds upon what you learned in the Level 1 training. You will learn how to assess various couple’s profiles: Friendship, Conflict, and Shared Meaning. To expand your tool kit you will be provided with intervention methods and how to assist couples in creating dialogue surrounding gridlocked conflicts.

Level 3

The final level of Gottman is Level 3. Expanding upon your knowledge from Level 1 and Level 2, you will learn how to master the Oral History Interview during a couple’s assessment. You will learn how to explain a couple’s strengths and challenges.

If you’d like to learn more about the Gottman Levels we recommend checking out the official website.

What is Gottman Certification?

Gottman Certification is a prestigious credential that recognizes therapists who have completed specialized training in the Gottman Method. This certification ensures that therapists possess the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively implement the principles and techniques of Gottman Therapy in their clinical practice. The Gottman Institute is the organization responsible for providing certification and maintaining the standards of the Gottman Method.

For Clinicians

Why you should become Gottman certified

Therapists who are passionate about couples therapy and dedicated to helping couples thrive can greatly benefit from pursuing Gottman certification. Here are a few compelling reasons to consider becoming Gottman certified:

Evidence-Based Approach

Gottman Therapy is backed by extensive research and has been proven effective in helping couples build stronger relationships. By becoming Gottman certified, therapists gain access to a research-based approach that has demonstrated positive outcomes for countless couples.

Comprehensive Framework

The Gottman Method offers a comprehensive framework for assessing and addressing various aspects of relationships, including friendship, conflict management, and shared meaning. It provides therapists with practical tools and interventions that can be applied across different stages and challenges in a relationship.

Enhanced Therapeutic Skills

Gottman certification equips therapists with a wide range of skills and techniques to effectively support couples in their journey. These include effective communication strategies, conflict resolution techniques, and interventions to promote emotional connection and intimacy.

Credibility and Professional Recognition

Gottman certification carries a strong reputation in the field of couples therapy. It enhances therapists’ professional credibility and distinguishes them as experts in their field. Certified therapists often attract a broader client base and receive referrals from other professionals seeking specialized couples therapy services.

Along with this added credibility and professional recognition, clinicians who are Gottman certified can charge more per clinical hour for their expertise.

What are the benefits of getting Gottman certification?

Obtaining Gottman certification brings forth numerous benefits for therapists committed to couples therapy and relationship well-being:

Expertise and Mastery

Gottman certification demonstrates a therapist’s expertise in the Gottman Method and their commitment to ongoing professional development. It signifies a high level of competence and mastery in helping couples navigate relationship challenges and strengthen their bond.

Access to Gottman Community

Gottman certification connects therapists to a vibrant community of fellow professionals who share a passion for couples therapy. This network provides opportunities for collaboration, peer support, and ongoing learning through conferences, workshops, and online forums.

Advanced Clinical Competence

Gottman certification enhances therapists’ clinical skills by providing them with a comprehensive set of interventions and strategies. It enables therapists to address complex relationship dynamics, effectively manage conflict, and guide couples towards lasting change and satisfaction.

Professional Growth and Visibility

Becoming Gottman certified can open doors to new career opportunities, such as private practice, consulting, teaching, and training positions within the field of couples therapy. It increases therapists’ visibility within the therapeutic community and fosters professional growth.

How do I get Gottman certification?

Becoming certified in Gottman Therapy requires a commitment to professional growth and a dedication to learning and mastering the Gottman Method. The process typically involves the following steps:

Core Training

Therapists begin by completing the Gottman Method Level 1 and Level 2 trainings. You can find more information about these above. These trainings provide a comprehensive understanding of the theoretical foundations, research findings, and clinical techniques of Gottman Therapy. They involve didactic presentations, role-plays, case examples, and interactive exercises.

Clinical Consultation

After completing the core training, therapists engage in clinical consultation to apply the Gottman Method in their practice. They receive feedback, guidance, and support from certified Gottman Consultants or Master Trainers who help them deepen their understanding and refine their clinical skills.

Written and Video Case Presentations

As part of the certification process, therapists are required to submit written and video case presentations that demonstrate their application of the Gottman Method with couples. These case presentations showcase their ability to assess relationship dynamics, develop treatment plans, and implement Gottman interventions effectively.

Certification Maintenance

Once certified, therapists are expected to maintain their certification through ongoing professional development, adherence to ethical guidelines, and participation in advanced training opportunities provided by the Gottman Institute.

For Clients

What is Gottman in Clinical Practice?

In clinical practice, therapists who are Gottman certified integrate the principles of the Gottman Method into their work with couples. They conduct thorough assessments of relationship dynamics, help couples identify areas of strength and growth, and collaboratively develop treatment plans. Therapists utilize various Gottman interventions, such as the Love Map exercise, the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, and the Sound Relationship House, to address specific challenges and promote healthier interactions between partners.

Learn More About Gottman

Gottman Therapy stands as a powerful approach to couples therapy, offering evidence-based techniques and interventions that help couples build lasting and fulfilling relationships. Pursuing certification in Gottman Therapy equips therapists with specialized knowledge, skills, and credibility in this renowned method. The rigorous training and ongoing professional development associated with Gottman certification enable therapists to navigate complex relationship dynamics, promote effective communication, and support couples in creating a solid foundation of love and intimacy. By becoming Gottman certified, therapists have the opportunity to make a profound and positive impact on the lives of the couples they serve.

Want to learn more about Gottman?

• https://www.gottman.com/
• “The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work” by John M. Gottman and Nan Silver
• https://www.gottman.com/blog