Our Story

The Couples Institute®, founded by thought-leaders Dr. Ellyn Bader and Dr. Peter Pearson, offers exceptional, in-depth training to psychotherapists who work with couples and individuals with relationship problems. The duo is recognized as being among the founders of couples therapy, inventing “The Developmental Model,” a revolutionary approach that is highly adaptable to the complex needs of two people growing, changing, and staying connected in a relationship. The model has deeply influenced the therapeutic world since its introduction in 1984 and is currently used by therapists in over 60 countries. It is taught in many graduate programs worldwide, using Bader and Pearson’s award-winning textbook In Quest of the Mythical Mate, which has been reprinted over 20 times.

After spending decades doing intensive couples workshops and working with couples including entrepreneurs, celebrities, professional athletes, and C-suite executives, Ellyn and Pete co-authored Tell Me No Lies (2001), and have been a frequently trusted resource by TV, radio, podcast and print publications, appearing on Nightline, CBS This Morning, Today Show, Good Morning America, The Oprah Magazine, Cosmopolitan, several NPR programs, and over 70 others.

Ellyn and Pete continue to evolve the field of couples therapy through their informal research and practical experience, as well as in their world-class training of thousands of therapists on “The Developmental Model” across the globe. Their friendly energy fosters a lively and engaging atmosphere that participants love.