Case Study
Natalia and her husband Chris, a housewife and military husband seek counseling because they are struggling on different parenting styles. Both have children from previous marriages and have been a blended family for 3 years. The wife’s two children and the husband’s child (all ranging from the ages of 5-12) all live together. It was Natalia’s idea to seek counseling because she is concerned her husband is too harsh and demanding with her 12 year old son.
Natalia grew up in a very strict home with a verbally and emotionally abusive father. After 3 years of marriage, Natalia reveals that Chris’ scolding at her son triggers her emotional distress. She is also worried that her children will be negatively impacted and develop the same resentment towards their step father as she did with her father.
Chris grew up in a very gender role defined household and is resistant to the idea of therapy. He joined the military at a young age and believes that a stern parenting style is healthy for development and builds character. After all, he turned out just fine.

Technique:
Re-imaging your mate as a wounded child
By using Mirroring, Expressing and Understanding, and Empathy
The essence of Imago therapy is that you end up imaging in your adult relationship what you most need to heal from, whether physical or emotional wounds, received in childhood at the hands of your parents or caregivers.
1. Re-Imaging
Re-imaging is the second phase.
The point is for partners to imagine each other as both wounded and still magnificent.
Understanding childhood wounds means being able to stop personalizing complaints the other is voicing
Understanding what part has to do with us and what part has to do with an unmet childhood