I use the Gottman Method to help couples build stronger communication, deepen emotional connection, and navigate conflict more effectively. Available in person (San Diego) or via telehealth in California.
With the Beginner Bundle, couples receive a complete Gottman-informed start: the full relationship assessment with interpretation, a clear roadmap, Gottman digital tools for support between sessions, and guided practice with targeted interventions that build momentum week to week. Designed for meaningful change over time, this bundle offers the consistency and structure needed for new patterns of communication, connection, and repair to take hold. See details below.
A supportive way to stay consistent in couples therapy, with a reduced per-session rate when paid up front.
Ideal for ongoing support or maintenance. These weekly or biweekly sessions provide steady progress and focused attention on one or two key areas per visit.
A deeper dive for couples wanting more space to unpack complex issues, process conflict, or accelerate progress.
A deep-dive session for couples navigating crisis, preparing for major transitions, traveling in from out of town, or wanting a structured "State of the Union" meeting to shift recurring patterns. Offered Thursdays & Saturdays.
A space for personal growth, clarity, and emotional support. Available in person or via telehealth for California residents.
For clients with out-of-network benefits, a detailed receipt (a “superbill”) can be provided for submission to insurance for possible reimbursement. I also partner with Mentaya, a service that helps streamline the out-of-network process by checking your benefits and guiding claim submission, so you can spend less time navigating insurance paperwork and more time focused on your care. If you’d like to use Mentaya, please schedule an intake and ask me about it.
A standard 60-minute therapy appointment consists of 50 minutes of session time.
Ten sessions, including the intake and feedback sessions, is often the point where couples begin to see meaningful change in communication, connection, and conflict patterns, based on research behind the Gottman Method.
Session 1: The extended 90-minute joint intake session gives us space to understand your relationship history, goals, and patterns—and begin laying the groundwork for meaningful change.
Sessions 2 & 3: Each partner also meets individually to share their personal perspective, history, and hopes for therapy—helping ensure both voices are heard from the very start.
Partners will take the Gottman Relationship Checkup—an online, research-based assessment that highlights strengths and challenges across key areas like communication, conflict, and intimacy, helping us tailor your therapy to address your needs and goals.
Session 4: In the feedback session, we’ll review the results of your Relationship Checkup and intake, identify key themes, and outline a therapy plan that supports your goals as a couple.
The Gottman Relationship Builder is a digital tool designed to strengthen your relationship between and beyond sessions. It includes research-based videos, exercises, and activities tailored to the challenges you’re working on in therapy—helping you integrate skills like communication, emotional connection, and conflict repair into daily life. As your therapist, I’ll guide you in selecting and applying the modules that best support your goals.
Session 5-9: Ongoing sessions focus on building and practicing Gottman Method skills in real time. You’ll learn how to apply tools like effective communication and conflict repair to your relationship’s specific challenges, with guided support that helps you develop confidence using these strategies outside of therapy.
Session 10: We’ll revisit the Gottman Relationship Checkup to assess progress, adjust goals, and ensure your work together is moving in a meaningful direction.
Copyright © 2025 Straus Therapy - All Rights Reserved.
Sarah Straus, PsyD, LPCC #13975
16870 W. Bernardo Drive, San Diego, CA 92127
The Bluffs @ Rancho Bernardo, Suite 400
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