Part 1: Imago Relationship Theory: From the Individual to the Relational and Core Skills with Founders Harville Hendrix and Helen La Kelly Hunt

CPD courses & points for psychologists in South Africa

South Africa psychologists: Learn Imago Relationship Therapy core skills, moving from individual to relational paradigms. Explore Dialogue, Zero Negativity, Empathy, and Affirmation in our courses.

About this course in South Africa

In this course, Imago founders Harville Hendrix and Helen LaKelly Hunt trace the shift from a worldview of separateness to one of connection. Beginning with the individual-centred approach to psychotherapy, it moves to the relational paradigm, where the focus becomes the space between people. Sections cover the individual and relational paradigms, stages of relationships and the Imago practices of Dialogue, Zero Negativity, Empathy and Affirmation that help couples move from reactivity to conscious relating. South African psychologists will also see how childhood needs re-emerge in adult relationships. The course is accredited by the HPCSA for CPD points.

This talk explores the evolution of relational understanding from a worldview of separateness toward one of connection. Beginning with an understanding of the individual-centred approach to psychotherapy, focusing on the Self, the talk concludes by explaining the relational paradigm as the space between individuals.  Imago Relationship Therapy integrates different relational perspectives, and this talk describes the structured Imago practices: Dialogue, Zero Negativity, Empathy, and Affirmation to help couples move from reactivity to intentional, conscious relating. 

Sections

• The Individual Paradigm
• The Relational Paradigm
• Stages of relationships
• Imago practices
• The Imago Dialogue

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this talk, participants will be able to:

• • Explain the historical and scientific shifts from an individualistic model of human experience to a relational paradigm, including contributions from Newtonian physics, Freud, Buber, and quantum theory.
  • Describe the core principles and practices of Imago Relationship Therapy—especially the Dialogue process—and how they cultivate connection, differentiation, and emotional regulation in couples.
  • Identify how childhood experiences and unmet needs re-emerge in adult relationships, and how concepts like the Imago match can be used to support healing and sustained intimacy.

Deepening Change in Imago Relationship Therapy
Structure as a Pathway to Connection: The Imago Dialogue as Relational Practice
Artificial Intelligence, Ethics and Psychotherapy
Relational Ethics: Beyond Autonomy
From Surviving to Co-Creating Love
Curatorship, Administratorship & Capacity: Ethical and Legal Considerations in South African Practice
Navigating Food Fights & Family Feuds: A Guide for Families Supporting Eating Disorder Recovery
Safety, Connection and the Autonomic Nervous System: Attachment Theory and Polyvagal Theory
Understanding ADHD Through an Executive Functioning Lens