Photo of Elizabeth McGinnis, Counselor in 94025, CA
Elizabeth McGinnis
Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Menlo Park, CA 94025
You're too old to not have relationships figured out. But lately, you've started to wonder if it's just normal to feel invisible, if it's even possible for you to have a relationship that makes you want to smile. When you show up as yourself the way the latest article tells you to, all you hear is that you're too much and nothing changes. Now you just find yourself shutting down, keeping as out of the way as possible. You’re tired of feeling scared that your partner will leave. Or even worse, that she'll stay and you’ll be stuck feeling this way forever. Breathing deeply and stretching into your skin feels impossible.
You're too old to not have relationships figured out. But lately, you've started to wonder if it's just normal to feel invisible, if it's even possible for you to have a relationship that makes you want to smile. When you show up as yourself the way the latest article tells you to, all you hear is that you're too much and nothing changes. Now you just find yourself shutting down, keeping as out of the way as possible. You’re tired of feeling scared that your partner will leave. Or even worse, that she'll stay and you’ll be stuck feeling this way forever. Breathing deeply and stretching into your skin feels impossible.
(408) 351-1321 View (408) 351-1321
Photo of Lirio Ohlson, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94025, CA
Lirio Ohlson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
Menlo Park, CA 94025
I am passionate about helping couples craft deeply nourishing and caring relationships. In our meetings we learn the skills required for loving another person well: good communication, problem solving and repair. We explore what it means for each person to feel loved and cared for and work toward a dance that honors each members unique preferences. I also help couples have important conversations about crafting a mutually satisfying shared vision of what a meaningful life is as romantic partners, parents and community members. We work on healing from painful past ruptures such as infidelity, substance use and frequent fighting.
I am passionate about helping couples craft deeply nourishing and caring relationships. In our meetings we learn the skills required for loving another person well: good communication, problem solving and repair. We explore what it means for each person to feel loved and cared for and work toward a dance that honors each members unique preferences. I also help couples have important conversations about crafting a mutually satisfying shared vision of what a meaningful life is as romantic partners, parents and community members. We work on healing from painful past ruptures such as infidelity, substance use and frequent fighting.
(650) 665-5970 View (650) 665-5970
Photo of Edia Tzadikario, Psychologist in 94025, CA
Edia Tzadikario
Psychologist, PhD, MA, CGP
Verified Verified
Menlo Park, CA 94025  (Online Only)
As a seasoned licensed psychologist focusing on relationship issues, I work online with couples, individuals and families of adult children who want to improve their intimate relationships at home as well as their relational skills at work. I believe therapy is most effective when it provides both a safe space for reflection as well as a challenge. Additionally, I think good therapy calls for collaboration, sensitivity, honesty, and most of all having your best interests at heart.
As a seasoned licensed psychologist focusing on relationship issues, I work online with couples, individuals and families of adult children who want to improve their intimate relationships at home as well as their relational skills at work. I believe therapy is most effective when it provides both a safe space for reflection as well as a challenge. Additionally, I think good therapy calls for collaboration, sensitivity, honesty, and most of all having your best interests at heart.
(650) 441-9173 View (650) 441-9173
Imago Therapists

How does Imago therapy work?

Imago relationship therapy is a form of couples counseling meant to help partners address conflict, communication problems, and related issues. Imago sessions typically involve couples sitting facing each other and participating in guided conversations. Therapy will also involve exercises such as re-imagining one’s partner as a wounded child; re-romanticizing a relationship through appreciation, surprises, and even gift-giving and restructuring frustrations by transforming complaints into requests. The ultimate goal is to re-envision the relationship as a source of safety and happiness.

What is the Imago method?

A core technique of Imago therapy is the Imago dialogue, in which partners learn to avoid hurtful statements and establish ways to interact based on each having equal space and power. In the dialogue, partners take turns as the “sender,” who shares their thoughts, and the “receiver.” The receiver is asked to “mirror,” or paraphrase, what their partner has said, without response or rebuttal, and then validate their statements, acknowledging understanding even if they do not personally agree with it. Finally, the receiver displays empathy by stating what they imagine the other is feeling, and showing appreciation for it.

How long does Imago therapy take?

As with most forms of talk therapy, there is no set duration or end point for Imago therapy. After becoming comfortable with a therapist and the core techniques of Imago coaching, some couples quickly make progress, but most should expect sessions to extend for months, encompassing at least 12 to 20 sessions, along with extensive “homework” from their therapist.

Does Imago therapy work?

There is limited empirical evidence to support the benefits of Imago therapy, but some smaller studies suggest that it does help couples, at least in the short-term. A 2017 study found that marital satisfaction increased significantly after couples completed 12 sessions of Imago therapy, and remained higher for some time after that, but did not always result in “complete recovery.” Other studies found greater empathy and fewer feelings of relationship burnout in couples after therapy. Some research suggests that Imago therapy can aid individuals as well as couples; people with ADHD in particular may benefit from the development of communication, self-control, and listening skills that form the basis of the technique.