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A Note From Tim Atkinson: Imago Relationship Therapy: Perspectives on Theory - Volume 1 New Team Formed to Advance IRI’s Social Purpose The ParentCircle The Israeli – Palestinian Imago Project Can you tell me more about that? Past Issues |
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A Note From Tim Atkinson: Some of the most interesting discussions I have had in the Imago community have been around our plans to create low-cost opportunities for people to experience Imago. Our program for churches has caused some concern. Is it competition with our $700 a couple weekend workshops? Shouldn’t we view the church communities as a potential source for profit from our professional activities? These are good questions, which we need to address carefully. We’re in this business to help people, but we need to make a living, too. About 6 million people know about Imago from a $15 book. Many saw the Oprah show on TV. Our roots lie in making our teaching about relationships widely available, and much of the interest in Imago comes from people who read the book, or saw the TV show. How often do you meet people who after a short exposure to Imago say “I wish I had known about this all my adult life!” It’s frustrating for them that Imago wasn’t better known, and it is even more frustrating for us, who know how much it can help people. But in this country of 600 million, perhaps only a few hundred thousand have tried out their first Imago dialogue. It feels like something has to radically change. We’ve had 20 years of growth, and we’ve got a worldwide organization of 800 professional members to show for it. But the divorce rate is still over 50%. Children are still growing up with emotional wounds that restrict their lives and loves. I often see the world as a series of circles. We’ve got this whole big circle which is everybody. Inside that one is this tiny circle which is “couples who go to a therapist.” I’m imagining all the rest of the space becoming filled with circles which might be “People who learn about Imago in their church, synagogue, mosque, or temple”. Another might be “people involved in community led Imago education program.” Gradually the whole circle becomes filled with interlocking circles of people using Imago in their relationships. Then that little circle of “Imago therapy” would grow dramatically, as people recognize the value in seeking out some help. Think of the news people will read about, as Imago becomes part of the essential tools of community agencies seeking to revitalize depressed urban areas, or re-unite communities divided by war. For me personally it’s a difficult challenge. Where do I put my efforts today, when there is so much to be done in the Imago organization? On the one hand there is still a mountain of work to climb until we can feel we are giving the best support to professional therapist members. But making big changes is a bit like planting a tree. It takes a long time for the tree to grow, and that’s why you have to go and plant it as early as you can. Right now we are doing some planting, and putting a little effort out to start creating new programs, and raising funds for them. What little time we take to do this out of supporting our professional members we believe will be rewarded by a world in which Imago is a household word for relationships, and Imago workshop gift vouchers are the wedding present couple’s want most. Tim Atkinson |
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