Business Details
42 Years
experience
Expert Couples and Individual Therapy Services in Menlo Park, CA
Founded in 1984 by Dr. Ellyn Bader and Dr. Peter Pearson, Couples Institute Counseling Services has established itself as a leader in couples and individual therapy. Our team of highly trained specialists utilizes the Developmental Model of Couples Therapy, a proven framework for resolving relationship challenges and fostering personal growth. With over 35 years of collective experience, we provide tailored counseling services, workshops, and educational resources designed to address anxiety, depression, trauma, communication issues, and more.Our therapists maintain rigorous professional standards through ongoing training and collaboration, ensuring clients receive cutting-edge care. We offer both in-person and virtual sessions across California, supported by a comprehensive library of self-help materials. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our track record of helping thousands of clients achieve lasting improvements in their relationships and mental well-being.
Services
Couples Therapy
Virtual Sessions
Individual Therapy
Workshops
Communication Workshops
Marriage Preparation
Infidelity Counseling
Trauma Therapy
Parenting Support
Online Counseling
Details
- Year established: 1984
Highlights and features
- We offer over 30 years of experience in couples therapy training and practice
- Our therapists utilize the patented Developmental Model of Couples Therapy
- We provide free access to exclusive educational resources for clients
- Our team includes specialists trained by the original founders of our methodology
- We offer flexible virtual therapy sessions for California residents
What people say
Saved our marriage
Knowledgeable and fair
Incredible growth opportunities
Practical tools provided
Highly recommend
Services
Couples Therapy
Our couples therapy program addresses communication breakdowns, infidelity, intimacy issues, and relationship transitions using the Developmental Model of Couples Therapy. We help partners build stronger connections through structured sessions that identify destructive patterns and develop healthier interaction strategies. Clients learn practical tools to resolve conflicts and enhance emotional intimacy while working with specialists trained in this evidence-based methodology.
Virtual Sessions
We offer HIPAA-compliant virtual therapy sessions for California residents through secure video conferencing platforms. This service provides flexible access to our licensed therapists for couples and individuals facing scheduling challenges or geographic limitations. Virtual sessions maintain the same therapeutic quality as in-person meetings while offering greater convenience and accessibility for clients throughout the state.
Individual Therapy
Our individual therapy program focuses on personal growth, mental health challenges, and relationship preparation through one-on-one sessions with licensed specialists. We address anxiety, depression, life transitions, and family relationship issues while helping clients develop self-awareness and emotional resilience. This service complements couples therapy or serves as a standalone solution for personal development and mental wellness.
Communication Workshops
These specialized workshops teach proven communication techniques to resolve conflicts and improve relationship dynamics through structured learning environments. Participants learn to break negative interaction cycles and develop constructive dialogue patterns under the guidance of experienced therapists. The workshops combine theoretical instruction with practical exercises to create lasting improvements in interpersonal communication skills.
Marriage Preparation
Our 10-hour Marriage Prep 101 workshop helps engaged couples build strong foundations for lasting relationships using research-based methodologies. The program covers conflict resolution, expectation setting, and intimacy development while addressing potential challenges in family dynamics and financial planning. Led by experienced therapists, this comprehensive preparation course equips couples with essential relationship skills for long-term success.
People
Stacy Lee
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Specializes in couples therapy with focus on infidelity and communication issues, combining clinical expertise with business management skills since 2012.
Ellyn Bader
Co-Founder
Co-developer of the Developmental Model of Couples Therapy with 35+ years experience in training therapists and improving relationship outcomes.
Peter Pearson
Co-Founder
Clinical psychologist and co-creator of the Developmental Model, specializing in coaching entrepreneurial couples after 30 years of therapy practice.
Michelle Joy
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
15-year institute veteran with expertise in communication workshops and marriage preparation programs, combining clinical and communication studies backgrounds.
Robert Solley
Psychologist
Experienced therapist and training facilitator who emphasizes collaborative learning environments and professional skill development within the institute's team structure.
Questions
What types of therapy do you offer?
We provide couples therapy, individual therapy, virtual sessions, and specialized workshops for relationship development and communication skills.
Do you offer online therapy options?
Yes, we provide HIPAA-compliant virtual therapy sessions for California residents through secure video conferencing platforms.
How are your therapists trained?
All therapists receive specialized training in the Developmental Model of Couples Therapy and maintain ongoing professional development.
What areas do you serve?
Our main office serves Menlo Park with therapists located throughout the Bay Area and virtual sessions available statewide.
What is the Developmental Model?
It's our evidence-based framework identifying relationship stages and challenges, developed by our founders over 30 years of clinical practice.
Do you have payment assistance options?
We don't offer sliding scales but occasionally have interns with reduced fees and provide free educational resources for self-guided growth.
