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Exploring Narrative and Iago Therapy

Apr 28, 2025

Week 14 Takeaway Discussion with Lauren Hall

Key Ideas from the Lecture

Narrative Therapy

  • Witnessing in Narrative Therapy

    • Encourages partners to deeply listen and reflect on one another's stories.
    • Promotes understanding and a deeper listening pattern between partners.
  • Documenting Stories

    • Involves taking notes, writing letters, poems, or recording videos.
    • Aims to deepen understanding and knowledge of each partner's feelings and experiences.

Preferences in Therapy Approaches

Narrative Couples Therapy

  • Appreciated for its ability to deepen connections and improve active listening.
    • Facilitates understanding of each other's perspectives and experiences.

Iago (Imago) Relationship Therapy

  • Combines various psychological theories: attachment theories, object relational theory, ego psychology, and CBT approaches.

    • Focuses on addressing developmental hurdles and childhood attachment wounds.
    • Emphasizes the importance of understanding one's childhood attachment to improve adult relationships.
  • Techniques in Iago Therapy

    • Includes calming brain techniques during sessions such as promoting safety and connection.
    • Utilizes empathy-building skills, crucial for struggling couples.

Personal Choice

  • While narrative therapy is appreciated for its depth, Iago therapy is preferred due to its comprehensive approach integrating various psychological theories and techniques.
  • Emphasizes the importance of being attuned to childhood attachment issues and using empathy and connection to restore relationships.