Photo of Zoe Gillispie, Psychologist in 94025, CA
Zoe Gillispie
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Menlo Park, CA 94025
I also have advanced training in Imago Relationship Therapy, an effective form of couples therapy.
Hello and Welcome! I am a licensed psychologist in private practice in Redwood City, CA. I have been practicing as a therapist for children, couples, adults, and families since 2002. As a therapist, my goal is to help you focus on your unique strengths in a warm, interactive, and collaborative setting. I can help children and adults, individuals or couples, and/or families address parenting concerns, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and medical problems.
I also have advanced training in Imago Relationship Therapy, an effective form of couples therapy.
Hello and Welcome! I am a licensed psychologist in private practice in Redwood City, CA. I have been practicing as a therapist for children, couples, adults, and families since 2002. As a therapist, my goal is to help you focus on your unique strengths in a warm, interactive, and collaborative setting. I can help children and adults, individuals or couples, and/or families address parenting concerns, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and medical problems.
(650) 581-9040 View (650) 581-9040
Photo of Paul Kramer, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94025, CA
Paul Kramer
Marriage & Family Therapist, EdD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Menlo Park, CA 94025
With couples I often use Emotionally Focused Therapy, The Gottman Method, and Imago Relationship Therapy.
At some point we all struggle to adjustment to life's changes; it's normal to feel stuck and I believe people have what it takes to adjust. For the past 20 years, I have been working with children and teens who are struggling to balance the demands of school and their social life. I integrate parents in my work as much as possible. I also work with adults and Couples often come to me for help in distress and are confused about how or why their relationship has derailed. I am dedicated to helping people build stronger; more intimate relationships and I use several modalities when attempting to help couples in distress.
With couples I often use Emotionally Focused Therapy, The Gottman Method, and Imago Relationship Therapy.
At some point we all struggle to adjustment to life's changes; it's normal to feel stuck and I believe people have what it takes to adjust. For the past 20 years, I have been working with children and teens who are struggling to balance the demands of school and their social life. I integrate parents in my work as much as possible. I also work with adults and Couples often come to me for help in distress and are confused about how or why their relationship has derailed. I am dedicated to helping people build stronger; more intimate relationships and I use several modalities when attempting to help couples in distress.
(650) 668-0376 View (650) 668-0376
Photo of Ann Langley, PhD, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94025, CA
Ann Langley, PhD
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD
Verified Verified
Menlo Park, CA 94025
Are you unhappy in your primary relationship? Have you suffered the loss of a love? Are addictions (yours or your partners) hurting you and the people you love? Would you like to have a more fulfilling sexual relationship with your partner? I have been helping couples increase emotional and physical intimacy for over 20 years. I take a directive approach to helping couples communicate more effectively. Often they find this results in more frequent supportive and loving interactions. Therapy can help you become more empowered in all your relationships. This often results in being more productive at work as well.
Are you unhappy in your primary relationship? Have you suffered the loss of a love? Are addictions (yours or your partners) hurting you and the people you love? Would you like to have a more fulfilling sexual relationship with your partner? I have been helping couples increase emotional and physical intimacy for over 20 years. I take a directive approach to helping couples communicate more effectively. Often they find this results in more frequent supportive and loving interactions. Therapy can help you become more empowered in all your relationships. This often results in being more productive at work as well.
(650) 209-7978 View (650) 209-7978
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.