Farnaz Safaei‍ ‍

Farnaz Safaei LMFT, San Diego therapist specializing in couples therapy, individual therapy and the Gottman Method.

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. I offer in-person sessions in San Diego, as well as telehealth therapy for clients in California and Florida.

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.

As a Gottman-trained couples therapist in San Diego, I utilize the Gottman Method in couples therapy, a structured method that teaches effective and simple skills to improve communication and deepen intimate connections. My approach in individual therapy is rooted in psychodynamic and attachment work while using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). As a therapist who uses CBT and DBT, I help clients better understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors while developing practical coping strategies for anxiety, depression, emotional overwhelm, and relationship concerns. My psychodynamic approach also explores deeper emotional patterns, past experiences, and unconscious processes that may be influencing how you think, feel, and relate to others. Together, we work toward greater insight, emotional regulation, and more intentional ways of responding to challenges.

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

  • Out-of-state Telehealth Provider in Florida - TLHT Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist #TPMF2112

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