Relationship & Trauma Therapy – Irena Shwartzman, LMFT
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When life feels hard and complicated, we work through it together

Understanding the patterns behind conflict, stress, pain, and disconnection so you can move forward.

I help my clients untangle the complicated parts of life — making the confusing feel clearer and the heavy feel lighter.

Free consult My approach
Illustrated couple in therapy — relationship and trauma therapy in Los Altos, CA

  • Private Pay

    Superbill provided for out-of-network reimbursement.

  • Free 15 Min Consult

    No commitment — just a direct conversation about fit.

  • In-Person · Los Altos

    Telehealth Appointments across California.

  • Trauma-Informed Care

    Safety and trust come first — we never rush the hard parts.

How My Approach Is Different

I take a structured, insight-focused approach to therapy that helps you understand what's happening beneath the surface. We identify patterns, make them visible, and connect them to past experiences—so you can begin making meaningful changes sooner rather than staying stuck in the same cycles. I work with adults experiencing trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and relationship-related patterns. I also use simple visual explanations and psychoeducation to make sense of emotional reactions, communication breakdowns, and recurring dynamics.

Where are you starting from?

Find the area that fits your situation most closely.

We love each other but we can't stop fighting

Couples Therapy →

I keep ending up in the same situations and patterns

Individual Therapy →

We're trying to recover after an affair

Infidelity Recovery →

I want to process trauma and finally move past it

EMDR Therapy →

What I specialize in

Couples Therapy

Structured sessions to address disconnection, recurring conflict, and relationship repair — including co-parenting and LGBTQ+ couples.

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Individual Therapy

Insight-focused individual work for adults navigating anxiety, relationship patterns, trauma history, and life transitions.

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Infidelity Recovery

Phased, structured support for rebuilding trust after an affair — helping both partners navigate decisions about the relationship's future.

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EMDR Therapy

Evidence-based trauma processing for PTSD, trauma, and experiences that continue to drive emotional reactivity, triggers, and relationship patterns.

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Intensive Therapy

Longer or more frequent sessions over a shorter period — to build momentum and make meaningful progress sooner. For couples in crisis and individuals working through trauma, anxiety, or stress.

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Relationship Trauma

Therapy for attachment wounds, repeating emotional patterns, and trauma that originates in or shapes close relationships.

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Who this is a good fit for

Good fit

  • Couples navigating disconnection, chronic conflict, or relationship crisis
  • Individuals or partners working through infidelity or breach of trust
  • Trauma survivors — especially those with childhood, attachment, or relationship-based wounds
  • High-functioning adults who are analytically inclined and stuck in patterns they can see but can't change
  • People who've tried therapy before and want something more structured and focused

Likely not the right fit

  • Active severe mental illness requiring medication management or intensive support
  • Crisis-only needs — I'm not an on-call or crisis service
  • Clients whose primary goal is insurance billing rather than the work itself

If you're unsure whether we're a fit, the free consultation is the place to find out.

Irena Shwartzman, LMFT

About Irena

Irena Shwartzman, LMFT

I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT #145911) based in Los Altos, CA. My efficient, proactive approach may be a better fit if you want a therapist who engages actively with what you're working through — not one who mostly reflects and waits.

I work in-person in Los Altos and via telehealth throughout California. English, Hebrew, Russian, and Ukrainian.

Meet Irena

Frequently asked questions

Do you offer a free consultation?

Yes — I offer a free 15–20 minute phone or video consultation before we begin working together. It's a chance to talk about what you're hoping to address, ask me anything about my approach, and get a sense of fit. You can book online or call 650.564.7006.

What is your cancellation policy?

I ask for at least 48 hours notice to cancel or reschedule. Late cancellations and no-shows are charged the full session fee, as that time is held specifically for you.

How long does therapy typically last?

It depends on what you're working on. Some clients work with me intensively for a few months to address a specific issue; others prefer longer-term ongoing work. Most people start weekly and decrease frequency as they progress. We check in regularly so the pace stays useful.

Do you work with individuals or only couples?

Both. I work with individuals dealing with trauma, relationship issues, anxiety, and life transitions — as well as couples at various stages, from early distress to rebuilding after a crisis.

What is EMDR and how is it different from talk therapy?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based treatment for trauma that works differently than traditional talk therapy. Rather than processing memories through narrative, EMDR uses bilateral stimulation to help the brain reprocess traumatic experiences — reducing their emotional charge. It's one of the most well-researched trauma treatments available.

How do I know if we're a good fit?

The free consultation is designed to answer exactly that. Good therapy depends significantly on the relationship, so it's worth being honest about whether the fit feels right — for you and for me. I'll tell you directly if I think someone else might serve you better.

More questions? See the full Fees & FAQ page.

Ready to start?

Request a free 15 min consultation online. Available 24/7 — Irena confirms within one business day.

Request appointment ↗ Call 650.564.7006

881 Fremont Ave, Suite B5 · Los Altos, CA · In-person & telehealth