The Turtle–Tiger Dance
By Dr. Janet Greenwood, PhD, RN – Certified Imago Therapist
It starts so simply.
One of you – the Tiger – reaches out. Wants to talk. To feel close again. Because when something feels off, connection is how you find your way back.
The other – the Turtle – feels the pressure rising. Not because they don't care, but because it's too much, too fast, and they don't know how to respond in that moment. So they go quiet.
Now the Tiger feels alone … and tries harder.
The Turtle feels overwhelmed … and pulls in further.
The more the Tiger reaches, the more the Turtle retreats. And somehow, in the same room, you both end up feeling completely alone.
This is not about one of you being "too much" or the other being "not enough."
It's a deeply human pattern – two nervous systems trying to find safety in opposite ways.
And the good news is: this dance can change.
With the right support, you can learn how to:
You don't have to keep repeating this pattern. There is another way. Imago teaches a new way to love – one that helps you stay connected, even in your differences.
Curious which one you are? Take the Turtle–Tiger Quiz – eight short questions to identify whether you tend to withdraw or pursue under stress.
A personal invitation from Dr. Janet
Change the Dance Together
Ready for meaningful change – without years of therapy?
The Two-Day Imago Couples Intensive is the most focused way to work through this pattern with Dr. Greenwood – 12 hours over two days, online from anywhere in the country.