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Imago Clinical Training

presented by Imago International Training Institute (IITI) Faculty

Carla Trusty-Smith, PhD, LMHC, CAC

The Imago Clinical Training program offers a unique opportunity to master the art of creating profound emotional connections and fostering lasting change in your clients' relationships.

Dive deep into the Imago Dialogue technique, a revolutionary approach that turns conflict into a catalyst for growth and healing. You'll experience firsthand the impact of this powerful intervention, gaining invaluable insights into the "space between" in couple dynamics.

Join a community of forward-thinking therapists and counselors dedicated to transforming lives through the science of connection and empower yourself to create more safety, harmony, and compassion in all your clients' relationships. 

Learning Objectives & Agenda

Imago Clinical Trining - Module 1

Course Content Level: Intermediate

Lesson 1

  1. View, conceptualize and discuss their clients and couples through the lens of the relational paradigm.
  2. Explain why an increase in positive exchanges between committed partners is important.
  3. Identify needs that underlie a partner's current frustrations with one another.
  4. Facilitate partner’s understanding of how the past influences the present.

Lesson 2

  1. Discuss the specific steps of the Imago Dialogue and explain the rationale for structuring a couples’ interpersonal dialogue process.
  2. Facilitate a dialogical process between partners.
  3. Define and discuss the role of healthy differentiation in a committed, intimate partnership.
  4. Describe and explain how the rupture and repair of the emotional bond between partners strengthens resilience.

Lesson 3

  1. Manage the challenges that arise when couples resist a structured listening process.
  2. Use sentence stems to maintain an atmosphere of safety during the dialogue process.
  3. Distinguish between the reptilian brain, the limbic system and the prefrontal cortex and be able to describe the role the brain plays in emotional co-regulation between partners.
  4. Discuss the role of mindfulness in conscious, intimate and committed partnerships.

Lesson 4

  1. Describe the importance of intentional romantic behavior and pleasurable activities in marital outcomes.
  2. Describe the necessity of right brain, non-verbal communication in adult love relationships
  3. Explain the role of human touch in a securely attached marital relationship.
  4. Explain and discuss the role of playfulness and spontaneous play behavior in restoring safe, emotional bonds.

Lesson 5

  1. Assess a couple through a developmental lens, identifying each partners’ core wound and adaptive style.
  2. Identify how developmental wounds and childhood adaptations impact marital dynamics.
  3. Describe how a corrective emotional experience between partners helps marital/individual health and satisfaction.
  4. Explain why the dialogue process is a corrective emotional experience.

Lesson 6

  1. Name two ways that children are wounded in childhood.
  2. Describe how the socialization process in childhood influences adaptation and mate selection.
  3. Explain why partners’ unmet needs provide clues to a blueprint for growth.
  4. Discuss and illustrate how to transform marital power struggles.

Lesson 7

  1. Define and explain re-imaging and why it is an initial task in couples’ therapy.
  2. Describe and direct a process of revisioning the relationship.
  3. Name 7 tasks of a conscious love relationship.
  4. Explain why commitment between partners may be essential to marital improvement and happiness.

Lesson 8

  1. Explain why frustration between partners is an important effect to address between partners.
  2. Demonstrate how couples can translate their frustrations into small, specific requests for change.
  3. Give an illustration of “stretching” and how stretching facilitates a sense of greater wholeness and aliveness.
  4. Describe how and why change happens in small, specific and behavioral actions.

Sample agenda for each 4-hour lesson:

0:00 - 0:50 lecture of the day

0:50 - 1:00 Q & A

1:00 - 2:00 small groups of 3 to 4 in break out rooms

2:00 - 3:00 reading and viewing video

3:00 - 4:00 taking a quiz, answering discussion questions and journaling.

 

Continuing Education

CUE Management Solutions, LLC is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. CUE Management Solutions, LLC maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

CUE Management Solutions, LLC is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed. psychologists #PSY-0242.

Participants can earn 32 CE credits upon successful completion of Module 1 of the training. Full attendance is required; no partial credits will be offered for partial attendance.

Please note: While APA CE credits are widely accepted, participants should verify with their specific state licensing board to ensure these credits meet their continuing education requirements.

Pricing

 $1000 for each of 3 Modules*

*See the Training Overview page (Financial Details) for more detail about the total cost of training and certification.


$50 fee due at registration to reserve your spot in the training.

The balance of the training feel will be payable to the instructor directly. Instructions for payment will be provided after registration. Payment plans are available.


Continuing Education (CE) Credits - $60 for 32 credits for Module 1 (only).
*See Continuing Education section below for details.

 

About Carla Trusty-Smith

Carla Trusty-Smith, PhD, LMHC, CAC has been an Imago Therapist for 30 years remaining most passionate in her work with couples in her private practice in Indianapolis, IN. She and Brian, her husband of 40 years, delight in presenting Getting The Love You Want workshops together in their home. Many of their closest friendships were established in the Imago community. Carla considers Imago fundamental to her spiritual path, and she thrives in an environment where she can teach, embody and facilitate its compassionate theoretical and practical principles, promoting healing, growth and meaningful connection.

Carla is a member of the Imago International Training Institute Faculty (IITI), Imago Relationships North America (IRNA), Imago Therapists of Indiana (ITI) and on the faculty of the International Psychotherapy Institute in Bethesda Maryland (IPI).

Cancellation & Disclosures

Registration cancellations made up to 30 days prior to the start of the course (the date of the first live class) will be refunded in full (less transaction fees). Cancellations made between 30 days and 1 week prior to the start of the course will be refunded minus a $50 administrative fee. Cancellations made less than one week prior to the start of the course will be refunded minus a $100 administrative fee. No refunds will be given for cancellations after the first live class. All cancellations, questions, and concerns can be submitted to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..


IRNA strives for full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), by being committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodations for participants with disabilities.

Prior to the beginning of the program, any known conflict of interest or commercial support will be disclosed. In the case where there is no known conflict of interest or commercial support, this will be made evident also. Information concerning conflicts of interest and commercial support is also disclosed via promotional materials that are made available to any potential participants prior to registration for the course.

Upcoming Training

Imago Clinical Training
In Person - Indianapolis, IN
10am - 6pm Eastern each day
Module 1 eligible for 32 CEs

Module 1 - Nov 14-17, 2025
Module 2
- Jan 9-12, 2026
Module 3
- Feb 27 - Mar 2, 2026

Register for Imago Clinical Training with Carla Trusty-Smith

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