A case study on a couple who overcame a crisis of divorce - Focused on the experience of IMAGO relationship therapy -

이혼 위기를 극복한 부부의 사례연구 - 이마고 부부관계치료 경험을 중심으로 -

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to investigate and confirm the main factors of IMAGO relationship therapy(IRT) which influences overcoming a crisis of divorce, the role of the Imago relationship therapist and the changes made by the couple themselves in the process of the therapy. Method: This case study was based on the interviews with a couple who had participated in ten sessions of IRT. The couple who had been in the middle of a divorce lawsuit withdrew their suit after the therapy. The Interviews were conducted twice on the couple. The data from the interviews were analyzed by using constant comparative analysis, open coding method and Miles & Huberman's network display. Results: The findings of the study were as follows. Firstly, the factors influencing overcoming a crisis of divorce included preparation for the Imago dialogue and the structure of the Imago dialogue. Secondly, the role of the therapist was providing safety and confidence, deepening couple's conversations, and building the connectedness of the couple. Thirdly, the changes evident after the therapy included awareness of the influence of the original family, new image formation for each spouse, intimacy restoration and a changed perspective. Conclusions: Based on the findings, the study can contribute to healthy relational progress of married couples in conflict by developing the conditions to effectively apply the IRT. In addition, this study can be used to equip therapists with necessary tools and abilities for the therapy.