Farnaz Safaei, LMFT, San Diego, CA

About Farnaz Safaei

Focus areas

Anxiety Disorder

Family Therapy/ Marriage Therapy

Couples Therapy

Infidelity Counseling

Depression

Life Transition

Clientele seen

Teenagers (13-17)

Individuals

Young adults (18-24)

Couples

Adults (25-64)

Treatment approaches

Attachment-based

Gottman Method

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Psychodynamic

Dialectical (DBT)

Identity

Gender

Female

Languages spoken

English, Farsi

Getting to know Farnaz Safaei

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in San Diego, California, and the founder of Novara Counseling. I work with individuals, couples, and families who are navigating relationship challenges, life transitions, anxiety, depression, and emotional stress. My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and grounded in evidence-based practices, including the Gottman Method for couples therapy, as well as psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and skills-based interventions for individuals. I strive to create a supportive and non-judgmental space where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to explore patterns, build insight, and develop healthier ways of relating to themselves and others. Therapy with me is thoughtful, goal-oriented, and tailored to each client’s unique needs and values. I am mindful of the ways culture, identity, immigration experiences, and family dynamics shape emotional wellbeing. As an immigrant myself, I bring cultural sensitivity and awareness to my work, particularly when supporting clients navigating cross-cultural relationships, intergenerational expectations, and major life transitions.

What should a new client know about working with you?

Clients can expect a warm, thoughtful, and structured therapy experience. In our work together, I prioritize emotional safety, collaboration, and clarity around goals. I actively listen while also offering guidance, reflection, and practical tools to support meaningful change. For couples, sessions often focus on improving communication, strengthening emotional connection, and understanding the underlying dynamics that contribute to recurring conflict. For individuals, therapy may include exploring current stressors, patterns from past experiences, and developing skills to manage anxiety, mood, and life transitions. I believe therapy works best when clients feel supported and engaged, and I welcome feedback to ensure our work together feels helpful and aligned.

What is your typical process for working with clients?

Our work typically begins with an initial session focused on understanding your concerns, goals, and what has brought you to therapy. I take time to learn about your current challenges, personal history, and any patterns that may be contributing to distress, while also ensuring the space feels safe, supportive, and collaborative. Ongoing sessions are structured yet flexible, combining open conversation with reflection, insight, and practical tools. For couples, this may include identifying interaction patterns, strengthening emotional connection, and building effective communication skills. For individuals, sessions may focus on increasing self-awareness, managing stress and anxiety, and developing healthier coping strategies. Throughout the process, we periodically revisit goals and adjust our focus as needed. Therapy is paced thoughtfully, with an emphasis on meaningful progress while honoring each client’s readiness and needs.

In-network insurances

Popular visit reasons

Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Couples Therapy

Depression

Hoarding Disorder

New Patient Visit

Pre-Move In Couples Counseling

Psychotherapy

Young Adult Issues

Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Couples Therapy

Depression

Hoarding Disorder

Office location

Novara Counseling

5465 Morehouse Dr, Ste 100, San Diego, CA 92121

Get directions

Education and background

Practice names

Novara Counseling

Education and training

Point Loma Nazarene University, Master's in Clinical Counseling

NPI number

1952172629

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Frequently asked questions

How soon can I make an appointment with Farnaz Safaei?

Generally, Farnaz Safaei has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Farnaz Safaei's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.

Is Farnaz Safaei accepting new patients?

Farnaz Safaei generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Farnaz Safaei's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.

Does Farnaz Safaei accept my insurance?

Choose your insurance plan to verify if Farnaz Safaei is in-network.

Can I make an appointment with Farnaz Safaei online?

Yes, you can make an appointment online with Farnaz Safaei using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.

What practice does Farnaz Safaei work with?

Farnaz Safaei works with Novara Counseling.

Where is Farnaz Safaei's office located?

Farnaz Safaei's office is located at 5465 Morehouse Dr, San Diego, CA 92121.

What are common reasons for patients to see Farnaz Safaei?

Farnaz Safaei frequently sees patients for Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Couples Therapy, Depression, New Patient Visit, and Psychotherapy. You can see other visit reasons for Farnaz Safaei on their profile.