Ellyn Bader

Ellyn Bader

Ellyn Bader, PhD, is a psychologist, co-director of The Couples Institute in Menlo Park, California, and co-creator of The Developmental Model of Couples Therapy. She’s one of the early founders of “couples therapy,” as well as a recognized thought leader and trailblazer in relationship therapy. She co-authored an award-winning textbook, In Quest of the Mythical Mate, and the popular book Tell Me No Lies: How to Face the Truth and Build a Loving Marriage along with her husband Dr. Peter Pearson. The two have appeared on Nightline, Good Morning America, O Magazine, Cosmopolitan, several NPR programs, and over 70 others.

4 Results
A female therapist sits in session listening closely to her clients, a couple

The Art of Confrontation in Therapy

6 Ways to Gain Traction with Couples

In couples therapy, using confrontation isn’t conflict—it’s more like holding up a mirror to a system that’s malfunctioning. Read more

A couple floats and falls through space, reaching for each other

The Case of the Angry Couple

Two Therapists, Two Different Approaches to Reconnection

Couples therapy pioneer Ellyn Bader and relationship expert Alexandra Solomon reveal how they’d work with a couple derailed by conflicts and chronic pain. Read more

A rows of doors side by side, all in white except for one that is bright yellow

"I Just Want Your Advice!"

Four Top Responses to a Common Client Plea

Do your therapy clients ask you for advice? We asked 5 top therapists what they do when clients say, “Just tell me what to do!” Read more

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Is the Soul of Therapy For Sale?

When Private Equity Infiltrates Our Practice

Big business and private investment firms have turned their attention to our field, and they’re not above poaching clients, underpaying clinicians, and... Read more