Mental Research Institute of Palo Alto

The Mental Research Institute of Palo Alto, located in Palo Alto, California, US, and founded in 1959, has been one of the leading sources of ideas in the area of systems theory and psychotherapy, especially family therapy.

Under its first director, Don Jackson, the MRI became interested in human communication and its effects within the family. Prominent members of staff have included Richard Fisch, Jay Haley, Jules Riskin, Virginia Satir, Paul Watzlawick , John Weakland, and James Coyne].

Jackson, Haley and Weakland collaborated with Gregory Bateson in the development of the theory of the Double Bind.

Later, the MRI developed an innovative model for the comprehensive approach to brief therapy, a model which, in turn, has influenced subsequent brief therapy approaches throughout the world. The MRI established a Brief Therapy Center directed by Fisch and co-directed by Weakland.

Watzlawick continued to work with the MRI until his death in 2007, where he offered workshops on the Therapy of "As-If." and participated in the weekly Brief Therapy Center meetings at the MRI, as well as lecturing around the world.