Esther Perel is a Belgian psychotherapist and author widely regarded as one of the most influential voices in modern relationship therapy. Born in Antwerp, Belgium, to parents who survived the Holocaust, she rose to international acclaim with books including Mating in Captivity and The State of Affairs, works that continue to be studied for their fresh perspective on desire, intimacy, and infidelity within long-term relationships. A sought-after speaker fluent in nine languages, her widely viewed TED talks have brought nuanced conversations about love, sex, and modern relationships to a global audience, while her podcast Where Should We Begin? offered listeners an intimate window into real couples therapy sessions. Her work draws on her background growing up among survivors to explore how people navigate the tension between security and freedom, tradition and transgression, in their most intimate relationships. Known for her incisive insight and unflinching exploration of desire, betrayal, and human connection, Perel's work continues to shape modern relationship therapy and inspire readers across the world.