Ellyn, Ph.D., always knew she wanted to make a mark on this world. In college, her strong desire for social change led to a decision between politics and therapy, both of which she loved. But she found magic she never expected when she combined both and became a pioneer in the couples therapy niche in spite of several naysayers. Having literally “wrote the book” on the subject of couples therapy (her textbook is still used in many Master’s programs today), you would think that success came easy, but Ellyn shares how it was persistence and the value of relationships, even those formed before she graduated, that helped to grow her business. Desiring to continue to improve the world around her, Ellyn chose to move her work beyond the couch and train other therapists to work with couples. She shares how she and her husband juggled hours, travel, training, and babies to build their dream practice The Couple’s Institute in Menlo Park, California.