Outreach and Education in Imago Communities

In March 2005, IRI’s Executive Director, Tim Atkinson, on behalf of the Board Development Committee, sent out a survey to the global membership to collect information about ongoing outreach, education and research programs. In addition, the survey asked respondents to identify a “wish list” of programmatic support that would increase Imago capacity in their communities. Of particular interest to the development committee have been Imago-related programs that are designed to reach broader communities and underserved populations.

Current Programs
Imago theory and processes are being taught to therapists, offered to couples and singles, and presented to faith-based organizations in diverse communities across the US. The vast majority of Imago therapists who responded to the survey are doing their work in church settings, often as part of premarital training. In addition, Imago members are holding workshops in marriage education and enrichment programs for adults at synagogues, community centers, high schools and colleges. A few Imago therapists offer their own scholarship and/or payment programs for lower income clients. Others conduct short courses for free.

One “couples communication” program in Sarasota, Florida is run by Jon and Beverly Myerson. Their workshops start with Getting the Love You Want and are based upon Imago processes for listening, mirroring, and facing childhood. The workshops are part of adult education classes funded in part by the county government. The Myersons hope to bring communication workshops to teens in the area high schools.

A number of Imago therapists are targeting specific couples and family members: young couples (premarital and married), newly married, low-income couples, young parents and parents of young children with disabilities, gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender (GLBT) couples, empty nesters, dads, grandparents and families of recovering substance addicts. Those respondents who work mainly with individuals cater to singles who are young, GLBT, substance addicts and recovering addicts, incarcerated residents, the homeless and those with mental health conditions.

Wish-Lists for Support
The most frequently mentioned areas for which the therapist community would seek support from IRI include: marketing, workshop and educational materials; and market and evaluation research. With this support, the respondents believe they could increase their capacity to reach specific populations and expand their business base. In addition, many respondents cited the need to increase Imago’s visibility and credibility. Many members were interested in learning about other Imago-based programs and especially those which are similar to their own. Should anyone wish to contact a therapist who is doing work in a particular area, they can refer to the “respondent list” on another page in this issue.