Esther Perel

Author, ‘The State of Affairs: Rethinking Infidelity’

Esther Perel is a psychotherapist and New York Times bestselling author who is recognized as one of today’s most insightful and original voices on modern relationships. Fluent in nine languages, she helms a private therapy practice in New York City and serves as an organizational consultant for Fortune 500 companies around the world. Her celebrated TED talks have garnered nearly 20 million views and her international bestseller Mating in Captivity: Unlocking Erotic Intelligence is a global phenomenon translated into 24 languages. Her newest book is New York Times bestseller The State of Affairs: Rethinking Infidelity (HarperCollins). Esther is also an executive producer and host of the popular Audible original podcast Where Should We Begin?

Everything Videos

Close-up of a person's face with brown eyes and freckles, next to an abstract blue and white pattern resembling tree branches and lightning.

7mins

Perception Box

How our expectations shape what we see, hear, and feel

A neuroscientist, a psychologist, and a psychotherapist discuss how emotions are stories built from old experiences.

Paul Ekman

Unlikely Collaborators

A man and woman standing at a podium in front of an american flag.

10mins

The Big Think Interview

How productive arguments can bring us closer together

Bo Seo, Esther Perel, and Dan Shapiro share their tips for arguing better.

Bo Seo

10mins

The Big Think Interview

How to have better sex

People are having less sex than ever. 3 experts explain the keys to maintaining a passionate relationship.

Esther Perel

5mins

Latest Videos

The communication error we all make, and how it intensifies conflict

Ever had an argument that never ends? There's a reason for that, says psychotherapist Esther Perel.

Esther Perel

7mins

Health

Sex and power: How an old relationship is changing—Anita Hill to Harvey Weinstein

What's changed since Anita Hill took on Clarence Thomas in 1991? The power of the accuser.

Esther Perel

5mins

Health

Why people cheat: The psychology of infidelity

What are the true motivations of people who cheat, and why do even happy spouses do it?

Esther Perel

5mins

Latest Videos

Is Treating Colleagues Like Friends and Family Possible? Actually, It’s Essential.

If you're not doing relational thinking, you're not really thinking, says psychotherapist Esther Perel. Understanding how complementarity between people and partners works is critical to success.

Esther Perel

4mins

Latest Videos

Sexuality, Eroticism and Creativity, with Esther Perel

Esther Perel discusses the very important distinction between sex and eroticism, the latter being exclusive to humans. Perel is recognized as one of the world’s most original and insightful voices […]

Esther Perel