Banu Ibaoglu Vaughn, PhD

Imago International Training Institute Faculty Member and Imago Therapy Supervisor (Primary Faculty Member in Turkey)

Imago International Training Institute Faculty Member and Imago Therapy Supervisor

As co-founder of the Turkish Imago Local Organization, I have shaped my clinical experience of over twenty-two years across both Turkish and American cultural contexts. I hold a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology and a PhD in Psychology (with focus on Consciousness and Society) from the University of West Georgia, and work with individuals and couples navigating cross-cultural and life transitions as well as relational challenges.

My Identity as Trainer

As Faculty Member and Clinical Supervisor at the International Institute for Imago Relationship Therapy (IITI), I provide international therapist training in both online and in-person settings. I play a pioneering role in training Turkish-speaking therapists, contributing to the expansion of Imago work throughout the region.

My Teaching Philosophy: Creating "Portals of Possibility"

My educational approach focuses on creating learning spaces where safety and transformation emerge through authentic relationship rather than rigid protocols. I prioritize the development of the therapist as a whole person, emphasizing dialogical engagement as much as content delivery.

Drawing from my expertise in Focusing-informed bodily awareness, I help therapists develop their felt sense as guidance for navigating therapeutic complexity, cultural nuance, and ethical decision-making processes. I believe that when therapists are supported in their wholeness—including their doubts and growing edges—they can access deeper levels of presence and support meaningful change in their clients' lives.

My Vision

I view Imago not merely as a couples therapy method, but as a philosophy for conscious living and relational transformation. In my trainings, I aim for participants to develop a dialogical way of being in both their professional and personal lives.

Following the 2023 earthquakes in Turkey, while participating in psychosocial recovery efforts, I once again experienced how vital relationships and our connections with one another are in post-disaster periods. This process allowed me to concretely witness the power of deep listening and collaboration in collective healing and solidarity.

As I contribute to the growth of the Imago community in Turkey, I aspire for this understanding to be lived not only in therapy rooms, but also in our families, communities, and processes of societal healing.

International Faculty Members Supporting our Imago Trainings

Wendy Patterson, PhD (IITI Senior Faculty)

John Mortensen, PhD (IITI Senior Faculty)

Sophie Slade, PhD (IITI Senior Faculty)

Ljilljana Bastaic, PhD (IITI Senior Faculty)

Training Support

Bahriye Kıroğlu, MA, Psychologist, Family Counselor, Level 1 Imago Clinical Therapist

Instructors