Farnaz Safaei, LMFT

I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Founder of Novara Counseling in San Diego, specializing in couples therapy, marriage counseling, anxiety, and relationship challenges. I help individuals and couples improve communication, rebuild trust, and develop healthier, more fulfilling relationships through a compassionate, personalized approach.

'm Farnaz Safaei, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and the Founder and Clinical Director of Novara Counseling in San Diego. I specialize in helping individuals and couples navigate relationship challenges, anxiety, emotional distress, and difficult life transitions.

I understand how overwhelming it can feel when you're struggling to communicate with your partner, feeling disconnected in your relationship, or experiencing patterns of anxiety and self-doubt. My goal is to provide a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where you feel comfortable exploring your experiences and working toward meaningful change.

My Approach to Therapy

My therapeutic approach is collaborative, compassionate, and tailored to your individual needs. I incorporate evidence-based approaches, including the Gottman Method, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), psychodynamic therapy, attachment-based approaches, and solution-focused techniques.

For couples, I primarily use the Gottman Method to help partners improve communication, navigate recurring conflicts, rebuild trust, and strengthen emotional intimacy. Whether you're experiencing frequent arguments, recovering from infidelity, or feeling emotionally disconnected, I work with you to identify unhealthy relationship patterns and develop tools for building a stronger connection.

For individuals, I integrate CBT, DBT, and psychodynamic approaches to help you better understand your thoughts, manage difficult emotions, recognize recurring patterns, and develop healthier coping strategies.

Who I Work With

I support clients navigating a variety of concerns, including:

Couples therapy and marriage counseling

Relationship conflict and communication difficulties

Infidelity, betrayal, and rebuilding trust

Anxiety, stress, and emotional overwhelm

Self-esteem and personal growth

Life transitions and relationship changes

Emotional disconnection and intimacy concerns

Begin Therapy at Novara Counseling

I believe meaningful change begins with feeling heard, understood, and supported. Whether you're seeking couples counseling to strengthen your relationship or individual therapy to better understand yourself, I'm here to help you navigate the process with compassion and practical guidance.

At Novara Counseling, I offer in-person counseling in San Diego, conveniently located in Sorrento Valley, as well as online therapy throughout California and telehealth services for clients in Florida.

I also offer therapy in English and Farsi.

If you're ready to take the next step, I welcome you to reach out and schedule a consultation. I look forward to helping you work toward greater clarity, connection, and emotional well-being.