Presented by Rabbi Shlomo Slatkin, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor & Certified Imago Therapist
Jewish couples today face unique challenges balancing tradition, family expectations, and the pressures of modern life. Many couples long for deeper connection but struggle with communication, unresolved conflicts, and emotional disconnection.
Imago Relationship Therapy (IRT) offers a structured, research-based approach that aligns beautifully with Jewish values of shalom bayit (peace in the home). Through intentional dialogue and empathy, couples learn to transform conflict into connection, building a marriage rooted in respect, safety, and mutual growth.
Why Imago Therapy Matters for Jewish Couples
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Shared values & traditions: Therapy that honors Jewish perspectives on family, marriage, and community.
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Safe communication: Learn how to listen without judgment and validate each other’s experiences.
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Breaking generational patterns: End cycles of misunderstanding and conflict that can pass from one generation to the next.
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Stronger marriages = stronger families: A Jewish home thrives when the couple’s bond is strong.
Watch Rabbi Shlomo Slatkin’s ELItalks Presentation
“Imago Therapy for Jewish Couples” was featured on ELItalks — a platform showcasing Jewish ideas inspired by TED-style talks. In this presentation, Rabbi Slatkin explains how Imago techniques combined with Jewish wisdom can restore marriages and prevent divorce in our communities.
More inspiration on living in a marriage that is based on Biblical Principles:
- Biblical Marriage Counseling- what is the divine purpose of marriage?
- Principles for a happy marriage
- What does the Bible say about marriage?
Have Rabbi Slatkin, the co-author and editor, present this course in your community!
What is Imago therapy for Jewish Couples about? Couplehood as a Spiritual Path is a course designed for religious communities; and is a text based program highlighted with beautiful Bible Verses on Marriage.
Committed partnership can be one of the most accessible ways of experiencing G-d’s love, but it doesn’t always feel that way. No matter how hard couples try, it’s not always easy to “will” love unconditionally.
Achieving and sustaining this kind of love requires an investment of time and energy and a willingness to transcend our usual patterns.
Couplehood as a Spiritual Path takes an in-depth look at the psychological and spiritual workings of intimate relationships by exploring the origins of attraction and conflict and includes Bible versus on marriage.
- Learn a new way to talk and a new way to listen so that communication problems disappear
- Co-create a relationship vision so that you can embark on a new future together that is in line with your personal goals and dreams
- Acquire the skills to manifest this vision together so that you both are on the same page and can make your dreams of a spiritual, growth oriented future achievable
- Discover the “otherness” of one’s partner so that you can stop butting heads
- Uncover the opportunities for emotional healing and spiritual growth for a more fulfilling life
How Imago Therapy Works
Imago Relationship Therapy helps partners:
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Move from blame to understanding
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Develop empathy through structured dialogue
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Rebuild safety and trust after conflict
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Experience deeper intimacy — emotionally and physically
These principles are especially powerful for Jewish couples who want to create a home environment that reflects not only love, but also the Jewish commitment to shalom bayit.
About Rabbi Shlomo Slatkin
Rabbi Shlomo Slatkin, MS, LCPC, is both an ordained Rabbi and a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. With over two decades of experience, he has guided thousands of couples toward healing and reconnection through the Marriage Restoration Project, a practice dedicated to intensive retreats and marriage counseling rooted in Imago principles.
He is a certified Imago therapist and workshop presenter, recognized internationally for his work in preventing divorce and strengthening marriages in Jewish communities worldwide.
FAQs About Imago Therapy for Jewish Couples
Q: Is this religious counseling?
No. While Rabbi Slatkin brings a Jewish perspective, Imago Therapy is a psychological, research-based approach that can serve both observant and non-observant Jewish couples.
Q: Do we both need to be Jewish?
Not at all. Many interfaith couples find this approach helpful when navigating cultural differences.
Q: How does this differ from traditional couples therapy?
Imago Therapy emphasizes empathy, structured dialogue, and mutual validation — helping couples break out of cycles of blame and criticism.
Next Steps
👉 Ready to learn more about how Imago Therapy can help Jewish couples thrive?
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Explore our Marriage Retreats
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Subscribe to the Marriage Restoration Project podcast
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Download our free guide: 5 Steps to a Happier Marriage
What are people saying about Imago Therapy for Jewish Couples?
from Rabbi Slatkin’s 2 day retreat in Melbourne, Australia:
“This is a very practical workshop/method which teaches both members of a couple how to listen and communicate and show love, care, and appreciation. I would recommend it to all couples. It is like preventative medicine for a marriage because it gave us a way to talk without reacting and speak about each other’s good points.”
Bringing Imago Therapy for Jewish couples to synagogues and schools can be an inspiring way to work together to fix the longevity and success of the Jewish home and is a comfortable way to experience Jewish marriage counseling.
Sources
Harville Hendrix & Helen LaKelly Hunt, Getting the Love You Want: A Guide for Couples (Owl Books, 2019).
Gottman, J. & Silver, N., The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work (Harmony Books, 1999).
EliTalks.org — Rabbi Shlomo Slatkin, “Imago Therapy for Jewish Couples” (video presentation).
