This Isn’t Esther Perel—This is Elke

And they are making a film about her!

This is my friend Elke, a Pink Zones mentor of mine for many years.

She’s captured here at her recent 70th birthday party in Vancouver, marvelling at a book her friends compiled filled with photos of her through the years.

It’s a moment that perfectly encapsulates her: reflective, radiant, and surrounded by love.

Elke Babicki’s story is extraordinary.

So much so, she wrote From Holocaust to Home, chronicling her journey from a childhood in post-war Germany with a complex family heritage, her family’s struggle with PTSD, and their resilience in building a new life. And of course, her finding her own path and home in Canada.

About the book she says:

“The focus is on the impact of trauma on personal identity and how the ripple effect carry on through generations.”

To say this is a timely topic is a big understatement!

Soon, she’ll be heading to Berlin for the Berlinale, as a film based on her life and her book is now in development.

At this milestone celebration, I was delighted to give a speech about what makes Elke truly one of a kind and so special to me.

Though If I had to find her doppelganger, it would be the brilliant Belgian-American psychotherapist, Esther Perel and many know Esther well so let me tell you what they have in common.

Like Esther, Elke is a petite powerhouse.

Both are the children of Polish Holocaust survivors, bringing with them the weight of history but also the wisdom to turn it into something transformative.

And, like Esther, Elke is a brilliant therapist whose work and writing touches and enhances so many people’s lives.

Elke also possesses that refreshingly European directness I love. It’s as if she’s saying,

“Why dilly-dally when the truth is staring us in the face?

— Let’s connect the dots already!”

Elke has an uncanny knack for delivering radically insightful truths with lightning speed.

She speaks with grounded authority, but she also has this magical way of encouraging you to tap into the authority within yourself.

She doesn’t just lead; she empowers.

But what sets Elke apart is her unique ability to see around corners most of us don’t even know exist.

She takes your mission, your concerns or troubles, places them in a larger context, and then, with empathy, warmth, and a generous laugh, puts you completely at ease.

Elke’s presence is a gift—her insight, her humour, and her humanity are infectious.

So, while this isn’t Ester Perel, this is Elke. And truly, the world shines brighter because of her.