a type of therapy for relationship problems based on the theory that people carry unconscious composite images (see imago) of the character traits and behaviors of their primary childhood caretakers that impel them to select certain partners and to behave in ways that are meant to heal earlier emotional wounds but that actually create relationship problems. Structured exercises, either in groups or in couples therapy, reveal the imago and help individuals learn to become less defensive and more compassionate toward partners as well as themselves.