Do you feel alone in your relationship?

• Maybe you're busy still sorting through the aftermath of that last argument...​
  
  
• Or perhaps you're trying to brace yourself for the inevitable next argument. You find yourself anxious from walking on eggshells.
  
  
• Maybe you feel down because you don't even feel comfortable being yourself with the person whom you're supposed to be doing life with.
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• ​Perhaps you're questioning "Can this relationship work?" or worse... questioning yourself...

Whatever it is that you're experiencing, you're beginning to notice the impact of it in every area of your life.

Couples counseling can help you:

• Identify your needs, wants and what's in the way of getting those met in your relationship.
  
  
• Identify your communication strengths and opportunities.
  
  
• ​Identify the unhelpful cycles in your relationship.
  
  
• Gain a better understanding of your partner.
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• Learn where you get triggered emotionally and how you can better manage your reactions.
  
  
• Own your role in co-creating your dynamics, and how you can each improve your relationship.
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• Dissipate resentment and find a path forward.

My approach to couples therapy comes from a place of authenticity and hope.

Being miserable in your relationship or being single are not your only options. You can increase intimacy and truly resolve conflicts with your partner with the right guidance.

I'm Smadar Salzman, and I can help you transform painful relationship dynamics into deeper understanding and connection.

Clients come to me looking for a therapist who is authentic and relatable, because therapy should be a place where you feel safe and understood. Sessions with me provide the comfort of conversation with an old friend and the results of working with a trained professional. You can learn how to stop fighting your partner and fight the real problem.

I have specialized training and experience in practical, research-backed couples therapy modalities so you don't have to worry that your therapist will get lost in your dynamics or take sides. I'll help you see the big picture, decrease negative attempts at repair, and start implementing positive tools to fix the relationship from day one. 

I also bring my relational and complex trauma expertise to my work with couples. I understand that if you've been hurt in the past, relationships are harder for you! We'll focus on rebuilding trust and safety in the relationship first.

I can help you break out of disconnection and conflict and find true joy and contentment in your relationship.

More About Me

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It may feel impossible now, but you can hit the reset button.

You can enjoy your relationship again! Couples counseling can help.

Request a Free Consultation

I specialize in working with couples where one or both partners have experienced:

• Developmental or relational trauma including physical abuse, psychological (mental/emotional) abuse, or sexual abuse.
  
  
• Childhood emotional neglect.
  
  
• Mental illness, or were raised by caregivers with mental illness or substance addiction.
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• Chaotic upbringing due to frequent relocation, parental divorce or absence, or other destabilizing factors in childhood.
  
  
• Multi-cultural/cross-cultural relationships.

FAQ about couples therapy and marriage counseling

Do you have online sessions?

Yes, my practice is fully telehealth for the time-being. We'll meet via HIPAA secure video. Both partners must be located in California and preferably at the same location during the therapy sessions.

What are your availability and fees?

My client hours are Monday through Thursday 9am to 3pm. I do not offer weekend or evening sessions. Couples therapy sessions are $385 per 55-minute session.

What couples therapy modalities do you use?

I have advanced formal training and experience working in Sue Johnson's Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy. I rely heavily on John & Julie Gottman's therapeutic framework, as well as Stan Tatkin's Psychobiological approach and Terry Real's Relational Life Model. My approach to couples counseling and marriage therapy is rooted in attachment theory and complex trauma informed. 

Schedule your couples therapy consultation.

I work with a small number of couples at this time. A brief initial consultation with one partner to review logistics and availability followed by a 55-minute session with both partners is the best way for all of us to know if we're a good fit.

If you’re ready to take your relationship to the next level, starting with looking at yourself, I invite you to book a brief consultation with me to get started now.

Schedule Initial Consultation