Farnaz Safaei

Licensed Marriage and Family therapist in San Diego specializing in working with couples and individuals

Hi, I’m Farnaz Safaei, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in San Diego, CA. As a licensed therapist I bring extensive experience in assisting adults, families, and couples across diverse settings, including intensive care, outpatient programs, and private practice. Presently, my clinical focus revolves around supporting couples and adults navigating major life transitions, grappling with self-esteem issues, relationship challenges, depression, and anxiety.

My passion lies in collaborating with couples and individuals seeking to fortify their connections, rebuild trust, enhance intimacy, refine communication skills, and effectively manage conflict within their relationships. I strive to establish a non-judgmental and secure environment where clients feel heard, supported, and empowered to explore their emotions and thoughts comfortably.

Employing a counseling style rooted in empathy, compassion, and guidance, my aim is to assist clients in achieving their life objectives, processing unresolved emotions, and fostering enduring relationships. I firmly believe that fostering a positive relationship with oneself is paramount, and I advocate for cultivating a mindset of curiosity, acceptance, and self-compassion.

As an Iranian immigrant, I intimately understand the complexities of the journey toward self-growth and self-discovery. My aspiration is to provide steadfast support to my clients in nurturing stronger, healthier relationships with themselves and others. As a bilingual therapist, I conduct sessions in English and Farsi, offering culturally responsive care to wide range of clients.

My Philosophy on the Therapeutic Experience and Change

As an individual and couples therapist dedicated to serving a diverse clientele, I prioritize establishing a secure and inclusive environment where we can collaborate effectively, irrespective of age, cultural heritage, sexual orientation, or spiritual beliefs. My approach is characterized by non-judgmental, empathetic, and authentic engagement, mirroring my personal demeanor.

I utilize the Gottman Method with couples, a structured method that teaches effective and simple skills to improve communication and deepen intimate connections. My approach with individual clients is rooted in psychodynamic and attachment work while using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). With my psychoanalytic approach, I gently help you tap into your unconscious mind to recover repressed emotions and will support you to acquire insight into your internal motivators that drive your thoughts and behavior. I will also utilize key interventions from CBT and DBT to help you better manage your thoughts and find better coping strategies to regulate your emotions.

Academic Background & Certification

  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist - LMFT #140876

  • M.A. Clinical Counseling - Point Loma Nazarene University

  • B.A. Psychology - University of California San Diego

  • Gottman Method Level 1 & Level 2 Certification

  • Gottman Method Affair Recovery Training

  • Trauma-Informed Care Training

  • Offering Therapy in English and Farsi