It was in the fall of 1994 when we gathered, eager and excited to explore ways to support ourselves professionally and personally as Imago therapists. And the Mid-Atlantic Association of Imago Therapists (MAIT) was born and has been alive and thriving ever since! What are we about as a regional Imago community? We seek to promote Imago in our mid-Atlantic area, to provide continuing education and networking opportunities for us as Imago therapists, and to provide programs that enrich and support our personal journeys in relationship. Over the years we have evolved to a vital organization of nearly a hundred members.

We meet bi-monthly and from the beginning we have had an educational program as part of every gathering. During each year we provide several educational events with master and clinical trainers. Our education committee plans the year’s program which may include an all-day training or a two hour workshop. We are quite proud and happy to be having our second three day training retreat with Hedy and Yumi Schleifer this month. Our continuing education events and trainings have been well attended and have enriched our community immeasurably. We also provide a forum for members to present information about how they integrate Imago processes to blend with special interests, for example parenting, sex therapy, childhood sexual trauma, addictions, etc.

In addition to our educational focus, we have a mentoring program where an established, seasoned Imago therapist meets with newly certified people after our bi-monthly meetings. We also help to form or get connected to peer supervision groups.

Four years ago we polled our membership about what programs they would want to pursue with the goal of developing a long term plan for the organization. Many of those goals are similar to the mission of IRI. As part of this plan we are launching Sunday afternoons of Imago basics for couples who have participated in GTLYW workshops or in Imago couples therapy. Continuing to support our couples is another way our regional programs support us professionally because our work with couples continues and grows.

We have a well-organized and dedicated Board who help carry out our regional programs. As a region we have always seen the value of having part-time administrative support and have been willing to pay higher dues to ensure that we have this type of support to assist our professional growth.

We often say we come to the meetings mainly so that we can connect with one another. We begin with coffee, tea, bagels and time to talk and reconnect before we move to the business and educative parts of our meetings. In the summer we have a fun day, just to have time to relax and be together. Probably the most important aspect of MAIT’s support for our professional practice comes through being part of this community.

Maryrita Wieners