Dr. Sarah Straus

Licensed Professional Counselor, NCC

Dr. Sarah Straus

Licensed Professional Counselor, NCC

Verified by Psychology Today Verified by Psychology Today

4 Endorsed

16870 W Bernardo Drive, The Bluffs, Suite 400, San Diego, CA 92127

(858) 808-2537

Let's Connect (858) 808-2537

I specialize in couples therapy and relational work. Over time, many relationships settle into roles that create distance—over-functioning, conflict avoidance, gridlock, keeping score, walking on eggshells, or shutting down to cope. I support couples navigating parenting transitions, neurodivergence (ADHD/autism), military life, addiction recovery, and betrayal, with a focus on rebuilding communication, trust, and closeness. I also work with individuals facing relationship stress, trauma, burnout, and identity shifts.

I use the Gottman Method with a structured start: assessment, feedback, and a clear roadmap. Sessions are practical and skills-based, with guided practice in-session and tailored homework to support progress between sessions. My style is warm, direct, and collaborative.

I’m a therapist, mom, adjunct professor, and private practice owner. I’ve been married over 25 years and raised children across international moves as a military family. If you’d like to learn more about working together, call or email for a free 15-minute consultation.

Call or Email Dr. Sarah Straus now for a free 15 minute consultation - (858) 808-2537

My Practice at a Glance

Available both in-person and online

Straus Therapy

16870 W Bernardo Drive

The Bluffs, Suite 400

San Diego, CA 92127 map

(858) 808-2537

In-person therapy offered in a warm, inviting office in Rancho Bernardo - San Diego. Telehealth available throughout California.

$180 Per Session

I see individuals and couples

Let's Connect (858) 808-2537

My Practice at a Glance

Available both in-person and online

Straus Therapy

16870 W Bernardo Drive

The Bluffs, Suite 400

San Diego, CA 92127 map

(858) 808-2537

In-person therapy offered in a warm, inviting office in Rancho Bernardo - San Diego. Telehealth available throughout California.

$180 Per Session

I see individuals and couples

Finances

Fees

Individual Sessions $180
Couple Sessions $200

Payment Methods

American Express, Mastercard, Visa

You might be able to get reimbursed for out-of-network therapy! Check here: mentaya.co/b/straustherapy

Dr. Sarah Straus

Licensed Professional Counselor, NCC

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (858) 808-2537

You might be able to get reimbursed for out-of-network therapy! Check here: mentaya.co/b/straustherapy

Dr. Sarah Straus

Licensed Professional Counselor, NCC

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (858) 808-2537

Qualifications

Verified by Psychology Today Licensed by State of California / LPCC 13975 Sarah Straus

Education and Years In Practice

Attended The Chicago School, PsyD Applied Clinical Psychology, Graduated 2025

Additional Credentials

Degree/Diploma from CSU Northridge M.S. Counseling / 2005

Degree/Diploma from Humboldt State University Studio Art / 1997

Trained in the Gottman Method, with advanced specialty training in couples trauma, addiction recovery, parenting transitions, and betrayal repair.

Dr. Sarah Straus

Licensed Professional Counselor, NCC

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (858) 808-2537

Trained in the Gottman Method, with advanced specialty training in couples trauma, addiction recovery, parenting transitions, and betrayal repair.

Dr. Sarah Straus

Licensed Professional Counselor, NCC

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (858) 808-2537

Specialties and Expertise

Expertise

Addiction
Anxiety
Asperger's Syndrome
Autism
Bisexual
Codependency
Depression
Developmental Disorders
Divorce
Family Conflict
Grief
Lesbian
LGBTQ+
Life Transitions
Marital and Premarital
Mood Disorders
Open Relationships Non-Monogamy
Relationship Issues
Trauma and PTSD
Veterans

Parenting transitions are a key focus of my couples work, alongside neurodivergence (ADHD/autism), military life, addiction recovery, and betrayal or other breaches of trust. Using the Gottman Method, sessions provide structure and practical tools to shift conflict and shutdown patterns, rebuild trust, and reconnect.

Dr. Sarah Straus

Licensed Professional Counselor, NCC

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (858) 808-2537

Dr. Sarah Straus

Licensed Professional Counselor, NCC

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (858) 808-2537

4 Endorsements

Camille Cooke

Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW

Sarah Straus is a passionate, empathetic and insightful therapist who makes you feel at ease, cared for and safe to unpack your experiences to grow and ultimately heal. Whether seeing her for couples or individual therapy she can help you find yourself.

Farnaz Safaei

Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT

Sarah is a thoughtful, grounded, and genuinely compassionate clinician . Her steady presence helps clients feel understood and supported, and she bring a clear, insightful approach to the relational work she does.

Katie Flanigan

Counselor, LPCC

Sarah is a kind and compassionate therapist with a wealth of clinical knowledge. She is able to connect with her clients to create lasting change.

Georgina Anaya

Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT

Dr. Sarah is an esteemed colleague who is a highly skilled couples therapist who offers clients a compassionate, grounded, and insightful therapeutic space.

Client Focus

Age

Adults ,

Elders (65+)

Participants

Individuals ,

Couples

Communities

Bisexual Allied ,

Gay Allied ,

Lesbian Allied ,

Queer Allied ,

Racial Justice Allied ,

Transgender Allied

Age

Adults ,

Elders (65+)

Participants

Individuals ,

Couples

Communities

Bisexual Allied ,

Gay Allied ,

Lesbian Allied ,

Queer Allied ,

Racial Justice Allied ,

Transgender Allied

Treatment Approach

Types of Therapy

Culturally Sensitive
Emotionally Focused
Existential
Expressive Arts
Family / Marital
Gestalt
Gottman Method
Humanistic
Person-Centered
Psychodynamic
Trauma Focused

Couples therapy using the Gottman Method emphasizes understanding, empathy and communication. In our first sessions we'll assess your relationship history, individual narratives, and address concerns using research-backed techniques. We'll identify strengths and challenges, set goals and work to boost intimacy and trust. Together, we'll navigate conflict and fortify your relationship's foundation.

Dr. Sarah Straus

Licensed Professional Counselor, NCC

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (858) 808-2537

Dr. Sarah Straus

Licensed Professional Counselor, NCC

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (858) 808-2537

Location

Primary Location

Straus Therapy

16870 W Bernardo Drive

The Bluffs, Suite 400

San Diego, CA 92127

(858) 808-2537

Email me

My website

Nearby Areas

Cities

Counties

San Diego

Zips

Neighborhoods

Rancho Bernardo

In-person therapy offered in a warm, inviting office in Rancho Bernardo - San Diego. Telehealth available throughout California.

Dr. Sarah Straus

Licensed Professional Counselor, NCC

Call for a free consultation now - (858) 808-2537

In-person therapy offered in a warm, inviting office in Rancho Bernardo - San Diego. Telehealth available throughout California.

Dr. Sarah Straus

Licensed Professional Counselor, NCC

Call for a free consultation now - (858) 808-2537

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