Esther Perel

About

Belgian psychologist famous for her work in teaching the public about intimacy, sexuality, relationship health, and cultural transitioning. In her book Mating in Captivity: Unlocking Erotic Intelligence, she explores sexual relationships, anxiety, and tensions. Her path to writing a book was sparked by an article she wrote in response to society's response to the Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky scandal. She hosts two podcasts, Where Should We Begin and How's Work. 

Before Fame

She earned a B.A. in educational psychology from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. She went on to receive a Master's Degree from Lesley University.

Trivia

She taught at New York University for 13 years. Her initial work in psychology was centered on helping couples go through cultural transition. She acted in the 2017 film Newness.

Family Life

She married Jack Saul, a professor at Columbia University. They have two sons, Adam and Noan. Her parents, Sala Ferlegier and Icek Perel, were Nazi concentration camp survivors. Their experience of going through extreme trauma and getting back to a place where they were healthy mentally and emotionally inspired her to pursue psychology. 

Associated With

She was listed in Oprah Winfrey's Supersoul 100 list of influential leaders in 2016.