Business Details
42 Years
experience
Trusted Counseling Services for Couples and Individuals
Founded in 1984 by Dr. Ellyn Bader and Dr. Peter Pearson, our institute has dedicated over four decades to transforming relationships through specialized counseling services. We pioneered the Developmental Model of Couples Therapy, a framework that equips therapists to diagnose and resolve relationship challenges effectively. Our team of licensed professionals offers tailored solutions for couples and individuals, addressing issues ranging from communication breakdowns to trauma recovery. With a commitment to continuous education, our therapists maintain expertise in both the Developmental Model and complementary therapeutic approaches.We serve the San Francisco Bay Area through in-person and virtual sessions, providing accessible care for diverse client needs. Our services extend beyond individual sessions to include workshops and educational resources designed to empower lasting personal and relational growth. We prioritize client confidentiality, flexible scheduling, and evidence-based practices to ensure meaningful outcomes. Our leadership transition in 2019 to Stacy Lee, LMFT, reflects our ongoing commitment to innovation while maintaining the foundational principles established by our founders.
Services
Couples Therapy
Virtual Sessions
Individual Therapy
Workshops
Communication Workshop
Marriage Prep 101
Online Counseling
Therapist Training
Resource Library
Phone Consultation
Details
- Year established: 1984
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of experience in couples therapy training and practice
- Our therapists specialize in the Developmental Model of Couples Therapy
- We provide both in-person and HIPAA-compliant virtual therapy sessions
- We offer free educational resources and workshops for relationship development
- Our team maintains ongoing professional education in multiple therapeutic modalities
What people say
Knowledgeable specialists
Life-changing workshops
Effective communication tools
Professional expertise
Transformative experience
Services
Couples Therapy
Our specialized couples therapy addresses communication breakdowns, infidelity recovery, and relationship pattern disruptions. We help partners develop conflict resolution skills and rebuild intimacy through evidence-based methodologies. Our therapists work with couples at all relationship stages, from premarital counseling to long-term partnership revitalization.
Virtual Sessions
HIPAA-compliant virtual sessions provide accessible counseling through secure video and phone platforms. This service accommodates busy schedules and geographic limitations while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness. Our therapists utilize specialized telehealth tools to facilitate meaningful connection and progress in both couples and individual therapy contexts.
Individual Therapy
Individual therapy focuses on personal growth, anxiety management, and relationship pattern analysis. We help clients develop self-awareness and emotional regulation skills that positively impact their interpersonal relationships. Our therapists address specific concerns like depression, trauma recovery, and life transition challenges.
Communication Workshop
This specialized workshop teaches proven communication techniques to resolve relationship conflicts and prevent negative cycles. Participants learn practical tools for difficult conversations and emotional regulation. The program helps couples transform destructive communication patterns into constructive dialogue frameworks.
Marriage Prep 101
Our comprehensive premarital workshop builds relationship foundations through research-based skill development. Couples learn conflict resolution strategies, intimacy-building techniques, and expectation alignment methods. The program incorporates developmental relationship stages to prepare couples for long-term partnership success.
People
Stacy Lee
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Specializing in couples therapy with focus on infidelity and communication issues, Stacy combines clinical expertise with business acumen. She has led the institute since 2019, continuing its legacy of relationship transformation.
Ellyn Bader
Co-Founder
Co-founder of the Developmental Model of Couples Therapy, Dr. Bader has shaped couples therapy training for over 35 years. She continues to influence the field through educational programs and professional development initiatives.
Michelle Joy
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
With 15+ years at the institute, Michelle specializes in communication workshops and premarital counseling. She co-leads marriage preparation programs with her husband, combining professional expertise and personal relationship experience.
Robert Solley
Psychologist
A senior therapist with decades of experience, Robert emphasizes collaborative learning and professional growth among institute therapists. He contributes to ongoing training programs and clinical supervision.
Peter Klein
Psychologist
With 25+ years at the institute, Peter highlights the value of professional community in developing clinical skills. He continues to refine his practice through the institute's collaborative learning environment.
Questions
What are your therapy session fees?
Sessions range from $170 to $350 per 50-60 minute session based on therapist experience.
Do you offer sliding scale fees?
We don't have a formal sliding scale, but may have interns available at reduced rates.
Can I use insurance for therapy sessions?
We provide reimbursement statements but don't accept direct insurance payments. Check with your provider for out-of-network coverage details.
Are virtual therapy sessions available?
Yes, we offer secure HIPAA-compliant video and phone sessions for both couples and individual therapy.
What locations do you serve?
Our main office is in Menlo Park with therapists throughout the Bay Area and virtual services statewide.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Complete our online request form or call 650-289-8603 to connect with a therapist directly.
