Sarah Nam, AMFT
Registered Associate Marriage & Family Therapist
Registered California Board of Behavioral Sciences Number: AMFT 136181
Supervised by Phuong N. Tang, LCSW 27966
Adult & Couples Therapist
Top 3 Specialties: Relational Issues, Self-Esteem, LGBTQIA+ Affirming Care
Location: Irvine & Manhattan Beach, CA
Language: English
Fee: $185
Sliding Scale: Available
Insurance: Cigna/Evernorth, Aetna, Optum/United Healthcare, & can provide a superbill for PPO plans
Accepting New Clients: Yes
Populations: Adults and Couples exploring identity, relationships, and self-understanding
Specialties: Relational Issues, Self-Esteem, LGBTQIA+ Affirming Care, Depression, Anxiety, Body Image, Multicultural Understanding
Treatment Approaches: Internal Family Systems (IFS), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Attachment Theory, Mindfulness, CBT, Gottman Method for Couples
Hi, I'm Sarah. Let's get curious about who you are, what you value, and the life you want to move toward.
The dream of becoming a therapist came naturally to me. The relief I found in learning about myself and deepening my own relationships was unlike anything I had experienced before, and I wanted to help others find that same sense of clarity. I have had the honor of being a client's sounding board, accountability checkpoint, and fellow curious explorer as they reach for their goals. In many ways, I grow alongside my clients, both as a clinician and as a person, through the work we do together.
I draw on Internal Family Systems (IFS), DBT, and Attachment Theory, along with mindfulness, CBT, and Gottman Method training for my work with couples. I firmly believe therapy is collaborative and never one-size-fits-all. You can expect to be an active participant in the direction of our work, choosing the changes you feel ready to make and the decisions that most closely align with your goals.
Working With Me
I love working with people who are eager to learn more about themselves, their relationships, and their values. Understanding those things can offer real insight into how you want to navigate your current circumstances and move toward a more fulfilling life. When our work together comes to a close, my hope is that you leave with a renewed sense of clarity, empowered to continue your journey with bravery and hope.
Relationships and Connection
So much of who we are takes shape within our relationships, and healing often happens there too. Using attachment-informed and IFS-based approaches, I help individuals and couples understand the patterns that keep them stuck and find more open, honest ways of reaching one another. With couples, I draw on the Gottman Method to strengthen communication and rebuild closeness. When one person begins to heal and relate differently, the ripple effects are felt throughout their relationships and their whole family system. Every family deserves a safe place to grow, connect, and belong together.
Identity, Culture, and Belonging
I have a particular passion for working with people who identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community, the Asian American diaspora, and eldest daughters, because these are all experiences I can personally understand. Each of these identities holds a wide spectrum of experiences, and I have found that a shared sense of understanding can deepen and enrich the work between me and my clients. I offer a space where you do not have to explain or defend the fullness of who you are.
A Collaborative, Growth-Focused Space
I believe meaningful change begins with genuine connection. I work alongside my clients rather than above them, pairing an authentic relationship with practical tools and strategies that support real growth. My hope is that you leave our work feeling more grounded in yourself and more confident in your ability to navigate whatever comes next.
Education & Training
Sarah received her Master's in Counseling Psychology from the University of San Francisco and has built experience across several modalities, particularly IFS, mindfulness, and CBT. She is also trained in the Gottman Method for her work with couples.
Quote
"The dream to become a therapist was one that came naturally to me, as the relief that came from learning about myself and deepening my personal relationships was unlike anything I'd experienced before. I've had the honor and privilege of being a client's sounding board, accountability checkpoint, and curious explorer as they reach their goals."
Fun Facts
Outside of work, Sarah loves attending music festivals and concerts, playing her electric bass, and exploring new restaurants and cafés.