Farnaz Safaei, LMFT

I believe that healing and growth happen in the context of safety, connection, and understanding. My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in evidence-based methods that help clients create lasting change. I specialize in working with couples to strengthen communication, rebuild trust, and deepen intimacy using the Gottman Method. With individuals, I draw from psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) approaches to help uncover patterns, build insight, and develop practical tools for managing anxiety, depression, self-esteem challenges, and life transitions. Whether you are navigating conflict in your relationship or struggling to feel like yourself again, I\'ll meet you with compassion, honesty, and a focus on helping you feel more grounded and empowered in your life.

I\'m the founder of Novara Counseling, a practice that offers a thoughtful supportive space where couples, teens, and adults can explore difficult emotions, strengthen relationships, and create meaningful change. I work with individuals and couples who feel stuck in painful patterns, communication breakdowns, anxiety, or relationship distress. Our approach at Novara Counseling is collaborative, evidence-based, and tailored to each client’s unique needs. I specialize in couples therapy, using the Gottman Method, with a strong focus on improving communication, rebuilding trust, navigating conflict, and helping partners feel more emotionally connected. I also support teens and adults working through anxiety, depression, life transitions, self-esteem, and relationship challenges. At Novara Counseling, sessions are paced at your comfort level and grounded in practical tools you can use outside of therapy. I offer both in-person sessions in San Diego and secure Telehealth sessions throughout California for clients who prefer virtual support or need scheduling flexibility.

Therapy offers a supportive space to understand patterns, communicate more clearly, and heal emotional wounds. For couples, psychotherapy helps rebuild trust, deepen connection, and reduce conflict using evidence-based tools from the Gottman Method. For individuals, therapy provides relief from anxiety, depression, and stress by helping you make sense of your experiences, build insight, and develop practical skills for emotional balance. Whether you are navigating a difficult relationship, a life transition, or personal challenges, therapy can help you feel more grounded, confident, and connected.