Ellyn Bader, PhD, is in private practice and is Co-Director of The Couples Institute in Menlo Park, California. Over the past 25 years she has conducted professional training programs in couples therapy and has trained therapists throughout the United States as well as Europe, Asia, South America, and Australia. She is a past president of the International Transactional Analysis Association and a recipient of the Clark Vincent Award for an outstanding literary contribution to the field of marital therapy from the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. Dr. Bader is frequently invited to speak at national and international conferences. She and her husband, Peter Pearson, Ph.D., coauthored the books, “In Quest of the Mythical Mate: A Developmental Approach to Diagnosis and Treatment in Couples Therapy” (Brunner/Mazel) and “Tell Me No Lies: How to Face the Truth and Build an Honest Marriage” (St. Martin’s Press).
Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Ellyn Bader is the director of The Couples Institute and receives compensation as a consultant. She receives royalties as a published author. Ellyn Bader receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Ellyn Bader is a member of the American Psychological Association, the International Transactional Analysis Association, and the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists.
Dr. Alexandra H. Solomon is internationally recognized as one of today’s most trusted voices in the world of relationships, and her framework for Relational Self-Awareness has reached millions of people around the globe. A couple therapist, speaker, author, and professor, Dr. Alexandra is passionate about translating cutting-edge research and clinical wisdom into practical tools people can use to bring awareness, curiosity, and authenticity to their relationships.
She is a clinician educator and a frequent contributor to academic journals, and she translates her academic and therapeutic experience to the public through her popular Instagram page, which has garnered a quarter of a million followers. She is an adjunct professor in the School of Education and Social Policy at Northwestern University, and she is the face of MasterClass In Practice. She is a licensed clinical psychologist, who works with individuals and couples in private practice.
Her hit podcast, Reimagining Love, reaches thousands of listeners across the globe each week and features deep dives into complex relationship dynamics as well as conversations with high-profile guests from the worlds of therapy, academia, and pop culture. She is the award-winning author of three bestselling books: Love Every Day, Loving Bravely, and Taking Sexy Back. Her work has been covered by outlets including NPR, TODAY, New York Times, Scientific American, and the Oprah Winfrey Network.
Financial Disclosures:
Financial: Dr. Alexandra Solomon maintains a private practice and has an employment relationship with Northwestern University. She receives royalties as a published author. Dr. Solomon receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from Psychotherapy Networker and PESI, Inc. She is an instructor for MasterClass. She teaches for the Modern Sex Therapy Institute (MSTI) and the Integrative Sex Therapy Institute (ISTI). She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Dr. Alexandra Solomon is a thought leader for Heleo and an ambassador for The Relationship School. She is an ad hoc for several peer review journals, for a complete list contact PESI, Inc. Dr. Solomon is a member of the American Psychological Association (APA).
George Faller, MS, LMFT, Prior to a career in the field of mental health, George Faller, MS, LMFT spent 20 years as a NYC Firefighter and NYC Police Officer. His experience as a FDNY Peer Counselor, particularly following the events of 9/11, sparked his passion to help those impacted by trauma.
He is a certified trainer/supervisor/therapist in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and founder of the New York Center for Emotionally Focused therapy where he serves as president. He is a supervisor with the American Association for Marriage & Family Therapy (AAMFT) and teaches classes at the Ackerman Institute for the Family in Manhattan. He is a licensed marriage & family therapist currently practicing in Connecticut and New York. George is the director of training at the Greenwich Center for Hope & Renewal in Connecticut and is on board of the Porter Cason Institute at Tulane University in New Orleans.
George brings a unique and varied experience to his practice. Whether he is providing marriage therapy to Wall Street executives, leading a conference for the United States Military or equipping therapists from around the globe, his ability to inspire is far-reaching. George is also committed to bringing EFT to underprivileged populations and pushing the leading edge of effective therapy.
George is the coauthor of the books True Connection, Sacred Stress, and Emotionally Focused Family Therapy and cohost of podcast Foreplay Radio. For more information go to www.georgefaller.com and checkout www.successinvulnerability.com
Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: George Faller is the Director of Training for the Center For Hope & Renewal, and the President of the New York Center for Emotionally Focused Therapy. He is the co-host of the ForePlay Radio Podcast, leader of Success in Vulnerability, and adjunct professor at the Ackerman Institute for the Family. George receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from PESI, Inc. He has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: George Faller has no relevant non-financial relationships.
Janina Fisher, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist and former instructor at The Trauma Center, a research and treatment center founded by Bessel van der Kolk. Known as an expert on the treatment of trauma, Dr. Fisher has also been treating individuals, couples, and families since 1980.
She is past president of the New England Society for the Treatment of Trauma and Dissociation, an EMDR International Association Credit Provider, Assistant Educational Director of the Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Institute, and a former Instructor, at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Fisher lectures and teaches nationally and internationally on topics related to the integration of the neurobiological research and newer trauma treatment paradigms into traditional therapeutic modalities.
She is co-author with Pat Ogden of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy: Interventions for Attachment and Trauma (2015) and author of Healing the Fragmented Selves of Trauma Survivors: Overcoming Internal Self-Alienation (2017) and the forthcoming book, Working with the Neurobiological Legacy of Trauma (in press).
Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Dr. Janina Fisher is an international expert and consultant on Trauma and Dissociation. She is a consultant for Khiron House Clinics and the Massachusetts Department of MH Restraint and Seclusion Initiative. Dr. Fisher receives royalties as a published author. She receives a speaking honorarium, recording royalties and book royalties from Psychotherapy Networker and PESI, Inc. Dr. Fisher has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Dr. Janina Fisher is on the advisory board for the Trauma Research Foundation. She is a patron of the Bowlby Center.
Michelle Frank, PsyD, is a neuroaffirming clinical psychologist specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and empowerment of individuals and couples impacted by ADHD, with a particular focus on women. She practices at Enrich Relationship Center of Colorado in the Denver metro area, where she provides individual therapy and Gottman Method Couples Therapy to those with ADHD. Dr. Frank is co-author, with Sari Solden, MS, of A Radical Guide for Women with ADHD: Embrace Neurodiversity, Live Boldly, and Break Through Barriers, and an expert contributor to Understood.org. She speaks and consults nationally on ADHD and neurodiversity, presenting at leading conferences, providing continuing education for mental health professionals, and supporting local ADHD communities. Dr. Frank is a former Vice President and current advisor of ADDA, the only international nonprofit solely dedicated to helping adults with ADHD. Her work has been featured in ADDitude Magazine, WebMD, Shape, Health Magazine, Women's World Magazine, Shondaland, and Quartz, and on podcasts including the ADHD Experts Podcast, Taking Control: The ADHD Podcast, and Sorry I Missed This: An Everything Guide to ADHD & Relationships. She holds degrees from Marquette University and the Chicago School of Professional Psychology.
Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Michelle Dougher Frank has an employment relationship with Enrich Relationship Center of Colorado and is a professional expert contributor with Understood.org. She receives royalties as a published author. Michelle Dougher Frank receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from Psychotherapy Networker and PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Michelle Dougher Frank is a member of the Attention Deficit Disorder Association, the Children and Adults with ADHD, and the American Professional Society of ADHD & Related Disorders.
Wayne Baker, LPC, is a psychotherapist with over 20 years of experience specializing in infidelity recovery and betrayal trauma. He integrates Internal Family Systems, and trauma-informed care to help both betrayed and unfaithful partners heal, restore relational safety, and create authentic connections. Wayne is a sought-after speaker and course developer known for blending clinical expertise with compassion and clarity. His work emphasizes the five pillars of betrayal trauma recovery – Disclosure, Empathy, Grieving, Forgiveness, and Co-creation – and he is committed to training clinicians in IFS-informed approaches to relational healing.
Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Wayne Baker maintains a private practice. He receives a speaking honorarium from PESI, Inc. He has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Wayne Baker is a member of the EMDR International Association, American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, and American Psychological Association.
Tammy Nelson, PhD, is an internationally acclaimed psychotherapist, Board Certified Sexologist, Certified Sex Therapist, and Certified Imago Relationship Therapist. She has been a therapist for almost 30 years and is the executive director of the Integrative Sex Therapy Institute. She started the institute to develop courses for psychotherapists as the need grew for certified, integrated postgraduate sex and couple’s therapists in a growing field of mental health consumers who need more complex interventions for their relationship needs.
Dr. Tammy is a TEDx speaker, Psychotherapy Networker Symposium speaker and the author of several books, including Getting the Sex You Want: Shed Your Inhibitions and Reach New Heights of Passion Together (Quiver, 2008) and the best-selling The New Monogamy: Redefining Your Relationship After Infidelity (New Harbinger, 2013), as well as When You’re the One Who Cheats: Ten Things You Need to Know (RL Publishing Corp., 2019) and the upcoming Integrative Sex and Couples Therapy (PESI, 2020).
She has been a featured expert in New York Times Magazine, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, CNN, Rolling Stone Magazine, TIME Magazine, Redbook, Glamour, The Sun, and The London Times. She is the host of a popular podcast on iTunes, "The Trouble with Sex", and writes for the Huffington Post, YourTango, ThriveGlobal, and medium.com. Dr. Tammy can be followed on her blog, www.drtammynelson.com/blog.
Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Dr. Tammy Nelson maintains a private practice and is executive director and primary faculty at Integrated Sex Therapy Training Institute (ISTI) and has an employment relationship with Daybreak University. She receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from PESI, Inc., and she additionally receives royalties from New Harbinger and Sounds True. She is a paid consultant for Evergreen Certifications. Dr. Nelson has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Dr. Tammy Nelson serves on the board of advisors for the World Association of Sex Coaches. She is a member of the American Art Therapy Association, American Association of Sex Educators, Sex Counselors, and Sex Therapists (AASECT), American Comprehensive Energy Psychology Association (ACEP), American Counseling Association, American Family Therapy Academy, American Family Therapy Association (AFTA), American Psychological, Association (APA), Connecticut Counselors, Imago Relationships International Association of Professional and Certified Therapists, International Board of Sexologists, International Institute for Sexuality and Human Development, Nonfiction Authors Association, Society Scientific Study Sexuality (SSSS), and the Society for Sex Therapy and Research (SSTAR).
Dr. Fiona E. O’Farrell, PhD, LMFT, CST-S (they/she) is a systemic therapist, clinical sexologist and educator with over 15 years of experience in relational therapy. Fiona clinical practice supports couples in intimacy enhancement, boundaries and consent, shame reduction, relationship growth, and queer-affirmative care. Additionally, Fiona is passionate about training emerging therapists to explore the intersection of self-development, relational work, and consent through training retreats.
The 2026 Couples Therapy Conference is taking place at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco SOMA. We have discounted rooms available on a first-come, first-serve basis!
In SoMa, San Francisco’s arts district, the city’s cutting-edge creative scene is alive and well. Here, California’s contemporary art museums sit shoulder to shoulder with the renowned Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, SF Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA), fine dining restaurants and artisanal coffee shops. Located on the south of Market Street, Hyatt Regency San Francisco Downtown SoMa is a sophisticated destination hotel close to Salesforce Tower, the Moscone Center and some of the city’s most innovative and stimulating sights.
Reserve your room now at the exclusive conference hotel before they sell out!
