Portfolio Sample · paulatienza.dev

Couples & Relationship Therapy · Austin, TX

Your relationship
deserves room
to breathe.

I help couples and individuals untangle the patterns that keep them stuck — and build something that feels genuinely close, not just functional. Gottman-trained, warm, and deeply practical.

Schedule a Free Call → Meet Dr. Novak →

Current Availability

Accepting new couples & individuals

3 openings this month
10+ Years in Practice
Gottman Level 2 Trained
EFT Emotionally Focused
LMFT Licensed, Texas #202841
$185 Per Session
10+ Years experience

About Dr. Novak

Therapy that honors
the whole relationship

I became a couples therapist because I believe relationships are worth the hard work — but that work should feel purposeful, not punishing.

My practice is warm, structured, and rooted in evidence. I draw primarily from the Gottman Method and Emotionally Focused Therapy — two of the most rigorously researched approaches for couples — while always adapting to what you actually need in the room.

I work with couples navigating communication breakdowns, infidelity recovery, life transitions, premarital preparation, and the quiet drift that happens when life gets loud.

LMFT — Texas Gottman Level 2 EFT Trained M.A. — UT Austin LGBTQ+ Affirming Neurodivergent Friendly

How I can help

Services for every kind of relationship

Couples Therapy

Weekly or biweekly sessions for partners at any stage — newlyweds, long-term couples, or those navigating a crisis point. Gottman-based, practical, and honest.

$185 / 50 min · $265 / 80 min

Individual Therapy

For individuals working through relationship patterns, attachment wounds, or the aftermath of a breakup or divorce. Get clear on what you want and why.

$160 / 50 min

Premarital Counseling

A structured 6-session program using the Gottman Relationship Checkup to give you both a clear picture of your strengths and what to work on before saying yes.

$950 / 6-session package

What to expect

The path to feeling better

1

Free 20-min Call

We talk about what's going on, answer your questions, and see if we're a good fit.

2

First Session

We explore the full picture — your history, what you hope for, and what gets in the way.

3

Ongoing Work

Weekly or biweekly sessions with clear goals, honest feedback, and real tools you can use.

4

Lasting Change

Not just feeling better in session — but a relationship that holds up when life gets hard.

What clients say

Real words from real couples

"We came in barely speaking. After six months with Dr. Novak we actually like each other again. She's warm, direct, and never lets you hide."
— Couple, together 8 years
"The premarital program was the best investment we made before our wedding. We came out knowing so much more about how we work — and how to repair when we don't."
— Engaged couple, 2024
"I came for individual therapy after a painful breakup. What I got was a completely new understanding of the patterns I kept repeating. Life-changing, honestly."
— Individual client, 2023

Let's talk

The first step is
just a conversation.

The free 20-minute call is no-pressure — it's a chance to see if working together feels right. I'll answer your questions honestly and we'll go from there.

Schedule Free Call →
Location Austin, TX + Telehealth
Insurance Aetna · BCBS · Private Pay
Telehealth Texas, Colorado & Florida
Response time Within 24 hours