Viewing Couples Therapy Through A Developmental Lens

Viewing Couples Therapy Through A Developmental Lens

A 2-hour online workshop for Imago therapists exploring couple dynamics through the lens of Imago Developmental Theory.

Learn how unmet developmental needs, childhood adaptations, and protective strategies show up in intimate partnerships — and how this framework can help therapists work with greater clarity, empathy, and ease.

About the presenter
Jesica Matthews Eames, LCSW, JD, is a Certified Advanced Imago Clinician, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Clinical Instructor/Faculty member with the Imago International Training Institute, and Certified Imago Workshop Presenter. She specializes in helping couples and individuals strengthen their relationships through Imago Relationship Therapy.

As a faculty member and clinical instructor, Jesica teaches and trains therapists and professionals in Imago Relationship Theory throughout the United States and internationally. Her work is grounded in the belief that human beings thrive in connection, often suffer in isolation, and naturally move toward health and growth. She describes her work as caring, collaborative, and “a phenomenal privilege.”

Before joining Imago Georgia, Jesica worked as a Senior Litigation Associate with King & Spalding, clerked for a U.S. Senior District Court Judge, and served as Assistant Dean of Admission at Emory University. She also brings Imago principles into organizational consulting with businesses, legal partnerships, family businesses, and other professional settings.

$25.00

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DATE

Monday, June 1, 2026
TIME

9am to 11am Eastern Time
LOCATIONZoom
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An Introduction to Imago Developmental Theory with Jesica Eames

Join Imago therapist and Faculty member Jesica Eames for an introductory discussion about Imago Developmental Theory, also known as The Psychological Journey, and its applications within couple’s therapy.

When we view Imago through a developmental lens, we gain a deeper understanding of how unmet needs, childhood adaptations, and coping strategies may manifest in communication patterns, relational conflict, and attachment dynamics in intimate partnerships.

In this 2-hour discussion, we will take a look at the first four developmental stages — Connection, Exploration, Identity, and Competence — and discuss how viewing conflict in relationships through the developmental framework can support relational healing, differentiation, and growth.

What You’ll Learn 

  • How to see couple conflict not just as “communication problems,” but as old protective strategies coming alive in the relationship
  • How unmet childhood needs can shape the ways partners reach, protest, withdraw, defend, or disconnect
  • How the first four developmental stages — Connection, Exploration, Identity, and Competence — offer a meaningful map for understanding intimate partnership
  • How to recognize the longing underneath reactivity, deepen empathy, and reduce blame in the couple
  • How a developmental lens can help you feel more confident, competent, and at ease as a therapist by giving you a clearer map for what may be unfolding in the room
   
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Join Imago International Faculty member Jesica Eames as she shares at the Imago Center DC’s monthly staff meeting!

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