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RICK NIZZARDINI, LCSW
  • Psychotherapy
    • Individual
    • Relationship / Couples
  • About
  • Blog
  • Connect

Relationship / Couples
​Therapy

In my relationship / couples’ work, I help partners see where they come from, what beliefs are impacting their relationship, how they might be acting out past traumas or vulnerabilities with partners, and how to develop a new and different capacity for relating with each other. 

We often go step by step to slow down the relationship dynamic and unpack things moment by moment so we can better see the vulnerabilities of the relational dynamic and build empathy, compassion, and a creative dynamic relationship.
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​Intimate relationships carry so much meaning for us in our lives.  Couples, and all forms of relationships, can face challenges that feel threatening individually and for the relationship system.  These can be challenges rooted in:
  • Communication
  • Sexual intimacy
  • Jealousy
  • Betrayal
  • Power dynamics
  • Differences in culture, parenting styles, expectations of partners
  • Substance use
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​In addition, as a clinician specializing in sex, sexuality, and gender, I have a comprehensive understanding of the complex social, familial, cultural, and environmental challenges that often lead to unsatisfying and disempowering intimate sexual experiences.

I work with partners in relationships to uncover the underlying obstacles that are preventing them from building intimacy and guiding them in overcoming them together.

​These barriers can include attachment styles, family dynamics, limiting beliefs, past trauma, unprocessed shame, and deep fears and insecurities. 

I draw on my extensive training in Internal Family Systems (IFS), Emotion-Focused Therapy, and psychodynamic work in exploring the range of issues that impact sex and intimacy to support and guide clients as they explore and learn to authentically feel and express themselves.

IFS can be a helpful tool in our relationship therapy work.

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Rate

Please call me to discuss my fees for therapy, as they vary based on a number of circumstances, including whether it’s group, individual or couples / relationship therapy. 

​Generally, therapy fees are an expense covered out of pocket and sometimes can be reimbursed by your insurance company.  In those instances, I am more than happy to provide you with a bill for fees paid so that you can forward that to your insurer for reimbursement, or work to bill your insurance company if I am on their panel of providers. 
533A Castro Street
San Francisco, California 94114
[email protected]
(415) 706-5716

​Copyright © 2026 Rick Nizzardini
Please note:  A therapeutic relationship is not established by use of this site.
This site does not offer medical advice or online therapy services.
  • Psychotherapy
    • Individual
    • Relationship / Couples
  • About
  • Blog
  • Connect