Author: Philipa Thornton

Deep Brain Reprocessing (DBR): The New EMDR?

Over the past few decades, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) has become a gold standard in trauma therapy, helping countless individuals heal from distressing experiences. Its effectiveness in addressing PTSD, anxiety, and other trauma-related disorders has made it a cornerstone in many therapists’ toolkits. As a person and clinician who works with many clients impacted by these challenging issues, I am always on the lookout to add to my therapy swag. An EMDR friend introduced me to the latest wellbeing healing approach – Deep Brain Reprocessing (DBR). DBR is emerging as a potential advancement in the field of trauma therapy, and it’s worth exploring whether DBR is the next evolution of EMDR.

Understanding EMDR’s Foundations

Before delving into DBR, it’s essential to understand what makes EMDR so effective as a trauma processing therapy. Developed by Francine Shapiro PhD in the late 1980s, EMDR facilitates the processing of traumatic memories through a structured eight-phase protocol. The most well-known aspect is bilateral stimulation (often in eye movements, sounds, or tapping), which is believed to help desensitize and reprocess disturbing memories. It is working to settle cortisol-soaked immune systems down and into a calmer healing state.

EMDR’s effectiveness lies in its ability to link traumatic memories with more adaptive thoughts and beliefs, ultimately reducing the emotional charge associated with the trauma. Many studies have shown that EMDR can accelerate the brain’s natural healing process, offering profound relief from long-held trauma in a relatively short period of time.

The Emergence of Deep Brain Reprocessing (DBR)

Deep Brain Reprocessing, developed by Dr. Frank Corrigan, builds on some of the fundamental principles of EMDR but takes a more integrative, brain-centred approach.

While EMDR primarily focuses on reprocessing memories tied to trauma, DBR goes deeper into the brain’s subconscious layers. The goal of DBR is to access and work with deeply embedded, often non-verbal memories and emotional responses stored in the brain stem and limbic system.

DBR focuses on reorienting brain structures that have become maladaptive due to trauma. In particular, it aims to help patients reconnect to their core self, free from overwhelm of fragmented parts of the psyche. Having a parts therapy like Resource Therapy is essential also. This process is particularly relevant for individuals who experience dissociation, complex PTSD, or trauma from early childhood, where preverbal and deeply ingrained responses are harder to access and process through traditional therapeutic methods.

The Role of the Brain in Trauma: The Shock Comes First

Trauma responses are not just emotional or cognitive; they are fundamentally brain-based. Before a person becomes consciously aware of a feeling or thought, the brain registers the shock of a traumatic event. This shock activates survival mechanisms deep within the brain, particularly in the brain stem and limbic system, long before any conscious processing occurs. This means that trauma is experienced initially as a biological response, hardwired for survival, which often leads to fight, flight, freeze, or fawn reactions. The brain’s immediate response to threat is so rapid that it bypasses rational thinking and emotional awareness.

DBR taps directly into these deep, automatic brain reactions by targeting the very structures where the initial shock is stored. By accessing these brain regions, DBR allows the brain to reorient itself from its survival-based responses to more adaptive, integrated ways of functioning. This is especially crucial for trauma survivors, and those with attachment wounds as the brain’s rapid, unconscious reactions often become maladaptive over time, leading to symptoms such as hypervigilance, dissociation, and emotional numbing.

DBR vs. EMDR: Key Differences

While both EMDR and DBR aim to help individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences, there are some notable differences:

  1. Depth of Processing: EMDR often works with trauma that can be explicitly recalled and verbally processed. DBR, however, targets much deeper, non-verbal levels of the brain where more primitive and early memories are stored, potentially offering a more profound reprocessing for individuals with complex trauma histories.
  2. Neurobiological Focus: DBR pays particular attention to how trauma affects brain structures such as the brain stem and limbic system. This emphasis on brain reorientation differs from EMDR’s focus on desensitising traumatic memories.
  3. Application to Complex Trauma: DBR may be more effective in treating individuals with dissociative disorders or early developmental trauma, as it aims to integrate fragmented parts of the psyche more thoroughly than EMDR alone.

Is DBR the New EMDR?

While it may be too early to declare DBR the “new EMDR,” it certainly shows promise as a complementary or even more profound tool for trauma therapy. Many therapists are incorporating DBR into their practice, particularly when working with clients who have not fully responded to EMDR or who present with complex, deeply rooted trauma.

For clinicians, DBR offers an exciting frontier in trauma treatment, one that delves deeper into the brain’s healing capacities. Contemporary neuroscientific research is encouraging, Corrigan, et al, 2023. For clients, it provides hope—particularly for those who have long struggled with the effects of early or complex trauma.

Ultimately, both EMDR and DBR offer powerful tools for trauma recovery, and the choice between them depends on the individual needs of the client. DBR, however, may well represent the next leap forward in understanding and healing the brain’s inbuilt response to trauma.

Having trained in DBR, I have witnessed as a therapist the firsthand benefits for my clients. Being an explorer, I had the wonderful opportunity to experience working with the founder Frank Corrigan in a seminar in Melbourne. Over Zoom, I was in front of the class with Frank online. Incredibly, the shock and body tension of being in a car accident several years ago was released from my body in 30 minutes or so. Sold! My jaw and neck tension since that session has evaporated. Yay, huge relief, cheers all round indeed.

As research and clinical experiences grow, it will be fascinating to see how DBR continues to develop and whether it will take its place alongside or even surpass EMDR in the therapeutic landscape. For now, both remain invaluable modalities, each with its strengths in helping individuals reclaim their lives from the effects of trauma.

Are you DBR curious? Please reach out and book a session and experience for yourself the shifts. Imagine going from pain to gain in this powerful, ground-breaking approach. Amazing. Perhaps you have already heard of DBR or had some work, love to hear it, please drop a comment in the box below. Sharing is caring!

Sending Love and light,

Philipa

References

Corrigan, F. M., Hull, A. M., & Turner, R. (2023). A randomized controlled trial of Deep Brain Reorienting: A neuroscientifically guided treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 14(2), 2240691. https://doi.org/10.1080/20008198.2023.2240691

Exploring Sex, Love & Goop – Imago Lens: Increasing Intimacy

As couples navigate the ebb and flow of relationships, sexual intimacy often becomes an area of disconnection and frustration. For many, this is less about physical compatibility and more about the emotional and psychological barriers that prevent deeper connection. As we know in Imago the romantic love stage of relationship inevitable draws to a close and we enter the power struggle.

Gwyneth Paltrow’s Netflix series, Sex, Love & Goop, provides a refreshing approach to addressing these issues, making it a valuable resource for couples seeking to revitalize their sex lives.

From an Imago Therapy perspective, this series resonates deeply because it’s not just about sex—it’s about emotional healing, understanding, and connecting with your partner at a more profound level. Let’s explore how Sex, Love & Goop aligns with the principles of Imago Therapy and why it’s worth watching if you’re looking to enhance intimacy in your relationship.

Understanding Sexual Intimacy as a Path to Healing

Imago Therapy teaches us that relationships are a place for healing childhood hurts and unmet needs. Often, conflicts in a relationship—particularly around sex—are not really about the present moment but are rooted in deeper, unconscious wounds from the past. Sex, Love & Goop echoes this by showing how unresolved emotions and unspoken needs can affect sexual intimacy.

In the series, couples work through their emotional barriers, learning how past experiences influence their present-day sexual relationships. This mirrors Imago’s core belief that by understanding your partner’s wounds—and how your behaviour might trigger them—you can create a more empathetic, healing space. The series encourages couples to view intimacy as a journey of mutual healing, where vulnerability and communication are key.

The Power of Dialogue in Building Connection

One of the pillars of Imago Therapy is the Imago Dialogue, a structured conversation that helps couples communicate in a way that fosters understanding, validation, and empathy. Sex, Love & Goop highlights the importance of open communication around sexual desires and emotional needs, which is essential for creating a satisfying sexual connection.

The couples in the series are guided through discussions that go beyond the surface, encouraging them to share their deepest fears, desires, and insecurities. This process of sharing and truly hearing each other is at the heart of Imago work. Couples who watch the show will likely feel inspired to start their own dialogues about intimacy, which can bring them closer emotionally and physically.

Reconnecting Through Safety and Vulnerability

Imago Therapy emphasizes the importance of creating safety in relationships, particularly when it comes to vulnerability. In Sex, Love & Goop, couples explore how fear, shame, or past trauma might be preventing them from experiencing deeper intimacy. The series teaches that sexual satisfaction is closely linked to emotional safety—when partners feel safe with each other, they can be more vulnerable, and that vulnerability leads to greater intimacy.

This mirrors the Imago belief that healing comes from being vulnerable with your partner and knowing they will respond with empathy and love. The show encourages couples to see their relationship as a safe space for exploration, both sexually and emotionally. This is a powerful lesson for any couple, as it reinforces that intimacy is not just about physical pleasure—it’s about emotional closeness.

Exercises to Strengthen the Connection

One of the most practical aspects of Sex, Love & Goop is the inclusion of exercises that couples can try at home. These exercises, like guided touch and body mapping, are designed to foster connection, communication, and trust. From an Imago perspective, these exercises can be seen as tools for creating attunement between partners.

In Imago, we focus on helping couples become more attuned to each other’s emotional and physical needs. The series offers couples the opportunity to practice this attunement through exercises that deepen their understanding of each other’s bodies and boundaries. Whether you’ve been together for years or are just starting out, these practices encourage a mindset of curiosity and mutual discovery, which is essential for long-term sexual satisfaction.

Take the Step Toward Greater Intimacy

If you and your partner are struggling with intimacy or looking for ways to deepen your connection, Sex, Love & Goop offers a compassionate and enlightening look at what it takes to build a satisfying sex life. From an Imago Therapy perspective, this series provides valuable insights into how unresolved emotional wounds and poor communication can impact sexual intimacy—and how healing these wounds can bring you closer.

For those ready to take their intimacy journey even further, my friend Sophie Slade, an Imago Master therapist, is offering a transformative live workshop in Sydney Nov 2024. Sophie, along with her partner, runs this workshop and openly shares their own story of rediscovering their sexual selves as a mature, loving couple. Through their journey, they have found a new, exciting way to connect both emotionally and physically, and they invite other couples to do the same.

This workshop is perfect for couples who are ready to break through barriers to intimacy, reignite their passion, and deepen their emotional connection.

You’ll learn how to create the safety and vulnerability necessary for authentic sexual expression, guided by two people who have walked this path themselves. Sophie’s warmth, wisdom, and expertise make this an unmissable opportunity for any couple looking to take their relationship to the next level.

Don’t miss this chance to experience the profound changes that come with reconnecting to your partner—and yourselves—in a way you may never have thought possible.

Secure your spot now, and let Sophie and her partner guide you toward a more passionate, fulfilling, and intimate relationship.

Click the link here for Increasing Intimacy Weekend Program with Sophie and David. Please say Hi!

Dealing with Infidelity: Healing – Whats Helpful, or Harmful.

Infidelity is a topic that often evokes strong emotions and raises many questions about trust, loyalty, and love in relationships. Being interviewed recently by Sydney Morning Herald journalist Frances Howe about a high-profile case—David Grohl’s affair—brought these issues into sharp focus. While celebrity affairs capture headlines, infidelity is something many couples, whether in the spotlight or not, might face.

So, what do you do when you’re faced with betrayal in your relationship? How do you heal and move forward? Infidelity doesn’t have to mean the end of a relationship, but it does require careful navigation, open communication, and an understanding of why it happened.

The Emotional Toll

The first thing to acknowledge is the emotional devastation that comes with discovering an affair. Infidelity shakes the foundation of trust, often leading to feelings of betrayal, anger, confusion, and sadness. For the betrayed partner, it can feel like their world has turned upside down, making it difficult to imagine ever trusting their partner again.

The unfaithful partner may also experience a range of emotions, including guilt, shame, and regret. Both partners are likely to feel uncertain about the future of the relationship.

Why Infidelity Happens

Understanding why infidelity occurs can be complex. While every situation is unique, common reasons for cheating include unmet emotional needs, a lack of intimacy, or personal dissatisfaction in the relationship. Sometimes, external stressors like work pressures, midlife crises, or a desire for novelty can play a role.

It’s important to recognize that infidelity is often a symptom of deeper issues in the relationship. When couples seek to rebuild after an affair, uncovering these underlying factors can be key to moving forward. However, infidelity is not always about dissatisfaction with the relationship itself—it can also be about individual struggles or emotional conflicts within the person who cheated.

Steps to Rebuilding Trust

Rebuilding trust after an affair is challenging, but not impossible. For couples willing to do the work, it’s essential to have honest conversations and seek professional help if needed. Therapy can offer a safe space to explore emotions, understand what went wrong, and develop strategies for healing.

  1. Open Communication: Both partners must be willing to engage in open, non-judgmental conversations about what happened. Avoiding blame and focusing on understanding each other’s feelings is key.
  2. Commitment to Healing: The unfaithful partner must be willing to take responsibility for their actions and demonstrate a commitment to earning back trust. This often includes complete transparency going forward.
  3. Forgiveness and Understanding: Healing requires forgiveness from the betrayed partner, though this takes time. It’s important to process the hurt before offering forgiveness.

Moving Forward

The decision to stay or leave a relationship after infidelity is deeply personal. For some, the affair signals the end, while for others, it opens the door to rebuilding a stronger, more honest connection. Either way, healing takes time and a commitment to personal growth.

Infidelity, while painful, doesn’t have to define your relationship’s future. With open communication, professional support, and a willingness to explore deeper issues, many couples find a path to healing—sometimes emerging stronger than before.

If you or someone you know is struggling with the aftermath of infidelity, seeking professional help can make all the difference. Working with a qualified therapist can provide the tools and emotional support needed to navigate this challenging experience. Don’t go through it alone—call us today and take the first step toward healing and recovery.

Now or Never for 2024

Hello, beautiful committed couples – super excited to be sharing Imago Relationship’s premier program for partnerships. Your last chance to save as the early bird rate ends this Friday 6th Sept and I don’t want you to miss out.

Open to all pairings, LGBTQIA + supportive as the tools are so practical. Jump in now and gift you and your loved one this unique and special opportunity. We joke (however, it’s true) that this two-day program is the equivalent of 10-12 therapy sessions. Like who has the time, anyone? Imagine fast-tracking your connection within a weekend. Plus, the bonus is both of you each get the workshop manual to use moving forward.

Email me today or call me.

Unlock the Love You Deserve: Join Us for the ‘Getting the Love You Want’ Workshop on November 16/17

Last updated on September 10th, 2024 at 06:32 pm

Are you ready to transform your relationship and reconnect with your partner in a way that feels truly fulfilling? The ‘Getting the Love You Want’ workshop is designed to do just that! Set aside November 16/17 2024 for a weekend that could change everything.

This workshop is a unique opportunity for couples to dive deep into the core of their relationship, learn how to communicate effectively, heal past wounds, and build a future filled with love, respect, and joy. Whether you’re facing challenges or just want to strengthen your bond, this experience is for you.

Why Now?

Here’s the exciting part: If you register before September 30, you’ll benefit from our early bird special! This offer is a fantastic way to secure your spot and save a little extra, all while investing in the health and happiness of your relationship.

Imagine how relieved you’ll feel, knowing you’ve taken this step toward a brighter future together.

But don’t wait—spots are limited, so you can experience this in a small group working only with your partner., We wouldn’t want you to miss out on this life-changing experience.

You and your partner can live the dream loving in your way .. learn how at our Imago Getting the Love You Want Workshop

Take action today and email us to secure your place. Your relationship deserves this time and attention, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Join Philipa and her expert team in Sydney this November for a weekend that promises to rekindle your romance and leave you with tools that will last a lifetime.

Here’s a quick peek behind the scenes – on the first day you will go on a journey, landing in the afternoon with a sense of re-connection and romance. This optimism and positivity flow into the second day when we learn practical tools, not just “dealing with” but changing your day-to-day difficulties in a relationship and moving beyond them.

Hurry we offer an intimate space with small numbers so you can feel comfortable, and at ease with your partner. One price per couple. Please email me to secure your future today!

Please email me to secure your future today!

Understanding the Imago Relationship Therapy Model for Partnerships

Why Choose Imago as a Brief Relationship Coaching Model?

Our childhood, particularly our relationships with our parents and significant others, profoundly shapes our personalities and relationships in adulthood.

Imago Relationship Therapy, a holistic and structured therapeutic approach, uses this concept to support couple growth and connection. Designed to help couples reduce conflicts and improve their relationships, the Imago Model delves into early influences of our personality parts and how we can adapt for a new, healthier partnership with good tools and guidance.

What Is Imago Therapy?

Dr. Harville Hendrix and Dr. Helen LaKelly Hunt developed Imago Therapy in the 1980s. The term “Imago” is Latin for ‘image,’ reflecting the idea that people are attracted to partners who mirror both the positive and negative traits of their childhood caregivers. As you can see we are drawn to seek and improve ourselves.

The theory acknowledges that early life experiences shape our understanding of love and safety. As adults, we unconsciously seek partners who resemble our parents, hoping to fulfil the unconscious image of love formed in our childhood.

Imago Therapy aims to help individuals address unresolved childhood issues and needs, making partners aware of how these experiences influence their current relationship dynamics. So when our partner is running late and hasn’t called us, our adult part can support us rather than our child part feeling abandoned. Or we can know our partners needs for reassurance come from their parents inability to tune into our unique aspects of ourselves. This is supremely freeing for both parties as you can imagine.

The therapist is your coach and guide, having completed many years of training. An Imago certified relationship psychologist will be using Imago both professionally and personally. Chris and I as a husband and wife team found this got us out of the hole we were stuck in. It’s a tried and true psychological method of relationship transformation for us. This is why we are so passionate sharing Imago with you!

The Core Principles of Imago Therapy

The Imago Therapy model is built on five fundamental principles:

  • Reimagining Your Partner as holding hurt from the past: Understanding your partner’s vulnerabilities rooted in their childhood experiences.
  • Rekindling Romance: Engaging in activities like giving gifts, surprising your partner, and appreciating each other to revive the romance in your relationship.
  • Transforming Disappointments and Frustrations: Converting complaints into constructive requests.
  • Managing Intense Emotions: Seeking solutions together to manage feelings. Learning to self-care and reset your nervous system from fight/flight/freeze responses and reactivity. Towards a calm and composed way of being, allowing us to reconnect with our rational thinking brain.
  • Re-envisioning Your Relationship: Viewing your relationship as a source of Joy, satisfaction, and safety.

Techniques in Imago Therapy

Imago Therapy employs various structured techniques to help couples reduce conflict and reconnect:

  • The Imago Dialogue: This structured process helps partners understand each other’s perspective better. During sessions, one partner shares their thoughts and feelings while the other listens without interruption, fostering a calm safe space for open and non-judgmental communication.
  • Mirroring: One partner reflects the words and emotional tone of the other without adding interpretation or judgment. This technique enhances understanding and allows for clarity. Offering you and your partner the opportunity to feel deeply heard and seen.
  • Empathy and Validation: These are crucial components of Imago Therapy. Through guided exercises, couples learn to empathise with each other’s experiences, validate their feelings, and respond with compassion rather than defensiveness, deepening their emotional connection. This is revitalising, as we are acknowledged and attuned to with care and kindness by our loved ones.
  • The Parent-Child Dialogue: Partners discuss their childhood experiences and feelings towards their parents or caregivers, leading to a better understanding of each other’s behaviours and needs. This offers a distance from past hurts and potential healing in the present.
  • Behaviour Change Requests: Partners take turns expressing what they would like their partner to improve, framed in a kind, and empathetic manner rather than the usual arguments with frustration or anger. Promoting conflict resolution in a safe environment.

Is Imago Therapy an Effective Short-Term Approach?

While research is limited, existing studies suggest that Imago Relationship Therapy is an effective approach for couples. A randomised control study the gold standard of research conducted by Gehlert, Schmidt, Giegerich, Luquet (2017) found that 12 weeks of Imago therapy for couples in distress seeking marital treatment was linked to improvements in relationship satisfaction. Their results demonstrated that individuals receiving Imago Relationship therapy showed statistically significant increases in marital satisfaction. Couples in the control group remained at the same level of distress.A qualitative study of meaningful data exploring 12 people of African and American heritage’s experience after completing Imago education/ Their data analysis saw improved communication between partners, increased understanding of self and partner, and their childhood experiences impact the relationship.

You and your partner sharing from your heart

We all deserve love and connection.

Why Choose Imago?

The Imago Model is a structured therapeutic approach designed to improve relationships by addressing the significant impact of early childhood experiences. It employs various techniques, such as the Imago Dialogue, behaviour change requests, and parent-child dialogue, to facilitate communication and connection among partners. Research supports its effectiveness in enhancing communication and relationship satisfaction.

At Marriage Works, we are committed to helping couples navigate the complexities of their relationships with tools like Imago Therapy. By understanding and addressing the roots of relationship dynamics, we aim to foster deeper connections and lasting satisfaction in partnerships.

Thanks so much for taking the time to read this,

With love and light Philipa and Chris.

References
  1. Harville and Helen. What is Imago?
  2. Martin TL, Bielawski DM. What is the African American’s experience following Imago education?. J Humanist Psychology. 2011;51(2):216-228. doi:10.1177/0022167809352379
  3. Gehlert NC, Schmidt CD, Giegerich V, Luquet W. Randomized controlled trial of Imago relationship therapy: Exploring statistical and clinical significance. J Couple Relationship Therapy. 2017;16(3):188-209. doi:10.1080/15332691.2016.1253518
Additional Resources

Heal Your Relationship: Imago Relationship Couples Intensive In Sydney!

Are you and your partner looking to deepen your connection, improve communication, and reignite the spark in your relationship? At Marriage Works, we’re thrilled to announce our upcoming Imago Relationship Couples Intensive Program, is taking place in beautiful Sydney on November 16th and 17th.

Join the thousands of happy partners who have found the secret to success with this globally respected, tried, and true course – Getting the Love You Want weekend workshop.

This transformative experience is designed to help couples like you build stronger, more fulfilling relationships. Applying real-world practical skills, you will be able to use immediately.

What Is the Imago Relationship Couples Intensive?

Our Imago Relationship Couples Intensive is a two-day immersive program that combines the best of relationship psychology with practical, hands-on exercises. Whether you’re newlyweds or have been together for decades, this program offers valuable insights and tools to help you navigate the complexities of your relationship with greater ease and understanding.

This is you in your future - happy, connected and passionate for each other!

Led by Philipa Thornton, a highly respected Relationship Psychologist and certified Imago Psychotherapist, you’ll benefit from her unique blend of professional expertise and personal experience. As a partner and wife herself, Philipa understands the real-life challenges couples face and is passionate about helping you overcome them.

Why You Should Attend

  1. Expert Guidance: Philipa Thornton brings years of experience and a deep understanding of relationship dynamics. Her warm, approachable style makes learning enjoyable and effective.
  2. Interactive Sessions: Our program is not just about listening; it’s about doing. You’ll participate in practical exercises and meaningful dialogues designed to bring you closer to your partner.
  3. Safe and Supportive Environment: We create a confidential, nurturing space where you can feel safe to share, heal, and grow together.
  4. Proven Techniques: Learn effective tools and strategies from the Imago Therapy framework, a proven approach to enhancing relationships.

Don’t Miss Out – Register Now!

We understand how busy life can get, but investing time in your relationship is one of the best decisions you can make. Our early bird rates are currently available, so don’t wait to secure your spot. These special rates are limited, and our programs tend to fill up quickly.

Join Us in Sydney!

Picture this: a weekend in Sydney dedicated to just you and your partner. A time to step away from the daily grind and focus on what truly matters – your relationship. Imagine leaving the event feeling closer, more connected, and equipped with new tools to keep your relationship thriving.

Don’t let this opportunity pass you by. Early bird rates won’t last long, and spots are filling up quickly. Take the first step towards a more loving and fulfilling relationship today.

For more details and to secure your spot, visit our website or call us. We can’t wait to welcome you and support your journey to a stronger, happier partnership!

Warm regards,
Philipa Thornton and the Marriage Works Team

Take Action Today

Please drop a comment below and let us know your hopes for joining us.

Registration is now open! To apply for your ticket to Loving Connection, simply click this link to Call Philipa or send me an email.

It will be amazing, and I can’t wait to meet you all!

Celebrating All Mums: A Tribute to You, This Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is a special time to honour the incredible women who have shaped our lives in countless ways. At Marriage Works, we believe that motherhood comes in many forms, and each deserves recognition and celebration.

From those nurturing children and pets to those remembering mothers no longer with us, today is a day to acknowledge the diverse experiences of all mothers.

Motherhood is not confined to biological relationships. It extends to adoptive mothers, stepmothers, grandmothers, and even mentors who have played a pivotal role in guiding and nurturing others. Each mother, regardless of the path she has taken, shares a common thread of love, sacrifice, and dedication that binds her to those she cares for.

For many, this day is filled with joyous celebrations, breakfasts in bed, handmade cards, and family gatherings. We cherish the laughter and the warm embraces, the stories retold, and the memories made. These moments are precious, reflecting the deep bonds and affection that define motherhood.

However, Mother’s Day can also evoke a range of emotions for those whose mothers are no longer physically present. The day may carry a bittersweet mix of nostalgia and loss. Be kind to yourself. At Marriage Works, we encourage everyone to find a meaningful way to connect with the memory of their mothers, or the mother you wished you had had. Journalling on this can be a powerful healing tool acknowledging your feelings and yearnings with respect. Whether it’s visiting a cherished place, looking through old photos, or simply sharing stories, these acts can bring comfort and a sense of closeness.

This Mother’s Day marks my second without my mum. Our relationship, like many, had its complexities; yet, it was the longest and most significant of my life. Being there as she brought me into this world and then being with her as she left was a sacred moment that has profoundly shaped me. I learnt a lot through the parts work journey of Resource Therapy. This offered me a new level of awareness in our relationship. It taught me about the cyclical nature of care and the deep, enduring bonds of motherhood, even amidst difficulties.

Pet mothers also hold a special place in our celebrations. The care and love they extend to their animal companions demonstrate a form of motherhood that is both unique and profound. Pets often become integral members of our families, and the bonds they form with their caregivers are as real and as significant as any other.

As we honour all mothers, we also acknowledge the challenges and triumphs that come with motherhood. It is a journey of immense responsibility, often demanding a delicate balance of strength and gentleness, wisdom and warmth. To all mothers, we extend our deepest gratitude for the countless ways you make the world a better place.

This Mother’s Day, let’s embrace the wide spectrum of motherhood. Let’s celebrate the traditional, unconventional, present, and absent. Each story of motherhood is unique, each journey deserving of recognition.

At Marriage Works, Chris and I are here to support and honour every mother, understanding that motherhood is not defined by a single narrative but by countless stories of love, sacrifice, and resilience.

So, to all mothers—past, present, and those with furry children—happy Mother’s Day. Thank you for your endless love and the profound impact you make every day. Your strength and love shape not just the lives you touch directly but also the broader fabric of our society. Today, we celebrate you all, with all our hearts.

Unlock the Secrets to a Deeper Connection at Our “Getting the Love You Want” Weekend for Couples

Last updated on September 4th, 2024 at 09:57 am

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Are you and your partner looking for a transformative experience that will take your relationship to new heights? Join us for an enriching two-day journey at our “Getting the Love You Want” Imago couples program, where we dedicate ourselves to mentoring your partnership toward deeper understanding, connection, and love.

The Power of Understanding and Connection

In every relationship, communication, and understanding are the bedrock of intimacy and growth. However, amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, these critical aspects can take a backseat, leading to feelings of disconnect and unfulfillment. This is where our program steps in, offering a sanctuary for couples to explore, understand, and reconnect with each other on a profound level.

What to Expect

Throughout this immersive weekend, you and your partner will embark on a guided exploration of your relationship, working together only facilitated by experts in couples therapy. Through a blend of interactive sessions, reflective exercises, and open , you’ll uncover the patterns that have shaped your partnership and learn practical tools to build a stronger, more resilient bond.

  1. Interactive Sessions: Engage in dynamic activities designed to foster open communication and deepen emotional intimacy.
  2. Reflective Exercises: Gain insights into your relationship dynamics and individual contributions, paving the way for meaningful change.
  3. Open Discussions: Share experiences in a supportive environment, learning from other couples while reinforcing your journey.

Why “Getting the Love You Want”?

Our program is based on decades of psychological research and clinical experience, distilled into a powerful weekend that’s both enlightening and practical. Whether you’re navigating challenges or simply seeking to enhance your relationship, “Getting the Love You Want” provides a clear path forward. It’s more than a program; it’s an investment in the future of your partnership.

Your Mentors

Led by Philipa Thornton, a renowned psychologist specializing in couples therapy and Resource Therapy, and her team of expert therapists, you’re in compassionate and capable hands. With a rich background in EMDR, Imago Relationship Therapy, and a passion for fostering strong, healthy relationships, Philipa and her team offer a wealth of knowledge and support, guiding couples towards lasting love and understanding.

Join Us

Don’t miss this opportunity to transform your relationship and discover the love you’ve always wanted. Spaces are limited to ensure a personalized and intimate experience, so secure your spot today and embark on a journey of love, growth, and connection.

For more information and to register, visit our website. Let’s unlock the full potential of your partnership together.

Here’s a YouTube preview video from America’s Imago Relationship Therapy’s founders – Helen LaKelly-Hunt and Harville Hendrix. As a spouse, they live and love the Imago way. With Imago dialogues, a relationship vision and warm connection in their marriage.

Imago Relationship Therapists and married couple. Harville and Helen.

Unlock the Secrets to a Lasting Relationship with “Getting the Love You Want”

Last updated on August 15th, 2024 at 09:28 am

In the heart of every couple lies a deep yearning to understand and be understood, to connect and be connected, to love and be loved. If you’ve found yourself seeking a deeper, more fulfilling bond with your partner, the Imago Relationship Therapy’s “Getting the Love You Want” two-day couples program is your gateway to transforming your relationship into the partnership you’ve always dreamed of.

Why “Getting the Love You Want”?

Developed by leading experts in marital stability and satisfaction, this program is more than just a retreat; it’s a journey toward the heart of what truly matters in a relationship.

Professor Harville Hendrix Ph.D. and wife Helen La Kelly-Hunt Ph.D., Oprah’s favourite couples therapists, have developed a tried and true two-day inspirational couple journey.

Your presenter Philipa Thornton and husband Chris Paulin offer a lived experience as partners and psychologists. We know it can be tough but with the right help, change is not only possible but inevitable. This was the workshop that energized and strengthened us. We want to offer you the same support and practical skills you can use immediately in your home.

This workshop packs a punch. No more hours of therapy sessions. Get it done in a weekend intensive retreat.

Through a series of interactive sessions, you’ll explore the complexities of love, communication, and connection, unravelling the mysteries that have kept you from achieving the intimacy you crave.

Join the husband and wife team Chris & Philipa relationship psychologists for real world relationship satisfaction and resolution in our latest Sydney Getting the Love You Want Program, a two day workshop for couples.
Exclusive Couples Retreat two-day intensive Program Sydney with Imago Psychologist Philipa Thornton.

What You Will Discover

Over two transformative days, you and your partner will dive into the science and soul of love. You’ll learn:

  • The Art of Communication: Unlock the secrets to expressing your needs and desires without conflict.
  • Deepening Connection: Discover how to forge an unbreakable bond with your partner, even in the face of adversity.
  • Resolving Conflict: Learn strategies to turn conflicts into opportunities for growth and deeper understanding.
  • Revitalising Your Relationship: Rekindle the passion and joy that brought you together in the first place.

Why Now?

The “Getting the Love You Want” program is not just an event; it’s a turning point for your relationship.

With registration now open, this is your moment to choose love, understanding, and connection. Spaces are limited, as we believe in creating a close, intimate setting where every couple receives personalized attention.

Who Should Attend?

This program is designed for couples at any stage of their relationship, whether you’re in the blissful honeymoon phase, navigating challenges, or anywhere in between. It’s for those who believe in love’s potential to grow and enrich our lives in unimaginable ways.

Join Us and Transform Your Relationship

If you’re ready to embark on this journey, reach out to register for the “Getting the Love You Want” program – in person in Sydney Eastern Suburbs on November 16/17.

Don’t let another day pass wishing your relationship could be different. Take the step today towards the love you’ve always wanted, and the relationship you and your partner deserve.

Act Now: Secure Your Spot

Registration is now open, but spaces fill up quickly. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to transform your relationship and your life. Sign up now and start your journey to getting the love you want.

Register Here

Remember, love isn’t just about finding the right person. It’s about becoming the right partners for each other. Let us guide you there.