Dr. Westberg
— couples counseling in portland, oregon
Couples counseling in Portland, Oregon
Dr. Westberg has been practicing couples counseling in Portland for over 20 years — working with couples on relational conflict, communication issues, desire discrepancies, infidelity, and sexual concerns. She previously led the Sex Therapy Track at Lewis and Clark College, training the next generation of therapists in Portland.
1220 SW Morrison St, Suite 935, Portland, OR 97205 · (971) 263-6264
BOOK APPOINTMENT
— what I work with
Helping Portland couples navigate what’s hard
Couples counseling isn’t a last resort. It’s what you do when you want to address something before it becomes something bigger — or when you’re already in it and need someone who knows how to help you through.
Portland has a forward-thinking approach to relationships and sexuality — and I specialize in the full range, including alternative relationship structures, non-monogamy, and LGBTQ+ couples. Available in person at my Morrison Street office and via telehealth throughout Oregon.
— what we work on
The core of the work
01
Conflict resolution
The goal isn’t to stop having arguments — it’s to stop having the same argument in the same way. Conflict is inevitable in any close relationship. How you handle it is what determines whether it erodes the connection or deepens it.
In therapy, we work on active listening, finding common ground, and learning to take breaks before conversations escalate past the point where anything useful can happen.
02
Communication
Communication isn’t just about saying more — it’s about being heard. Many couples talk a great deal and still feel profoundly misunderstood. What usually gets in the way isn’t a lack of words but a lack of emotional attunement.
We work on expressing needs clearly without blame, managing emotions well enough to stay present in difficult conversations, and learning to check assumptions rather than react to them.
03
Trust
Trust is built slowly and damaged quickly — and when it’s been broken by infidelity, betrayal, or years of small disappointments, rebuilding it requires more than good intentions.
In therapy, we work on what trust actually looks like in practice — not just the absence of dishonesty, but the presence of emotional safety where both partners feel secure enough to be honest and vulnerable.
— therapeutic approaches
Evidence-based methods I draw from
I don’t use a single model. Every couple is different, and the approach that works is the one that fits your specific dynamic, history, and goals.
EFT
Emotionally Focused Therapy
Developed by Dr. Sue Johnson. Focuses on emotional attachment bonds — identifying negative cycles and building secure connection. Research shows 70–75% of couples move from distress to recovery.
Gottman Method
Gottman Couples Therapy
Based on decades of research by Drs. John and Julie Gottman. Structured assessment and interventions to improve communication, increase intimacy, and reduce destructive conflict.
CBT
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Addresses negative thought patterns that drive problematic behavior — helping couples recognize cognitive distortions and build healthier interaction patterns.
Imago
Imago Relationship Therapy
Explores how early experiences shape adult relationships. Structured dialogue — mirroring, validating, empathizing — helps partners move from blame to understanding.
Narrative
Narrative Therapy
Focuses on the stories couples tell about their relationship — externalizing problems and creating new narratives that support growth rather than blame.
Client Reviews
What Clients Say
"She was able to validate my feelings but also help me work on areas in my life where I could use improvement. I felt confident through the whole process that even though I was struggling, if I worked with her she would help me reach a resolution. I believe my husband felt very comfortable with her as well. Her option to meet on Zoom made it that much more convenient — I could make an appointment at any time during the day. I appreciate all she did for my husband and I."
Alicia N.
Verified Google Review · August 2024
"Marisol is one of the best therapists my wife or I have ever had the pleasure of working with. She takes the time to get to know each individual, takes notes, and really focuses on getting what each person needs to help make a relationship work. The care and steps she provides to work through issues 100% WORK and I cannot thank her enough."
Paul B.
Verified Google Review · August 2024
"Marisol has been immensely helpful to me, as both a personal and couples counselor. She is both a phenomenal listener and guide — leading my partner and I to see our issues from new angles, gain insights into ourselves and one another, and get past abstract ideas into concrete goal setting for growth."
Ginger D.
Verified Google Review · August 2024
"Dr. Westberg is an outstanding therapist with incredible insights. Her non-judgmental, real, and candid approach sets her apart. She has a deep understanding of relationship dynamics that makes her guidance impactful and transformative. Having worked with many therapists, I can confidently say she is in a league of her own."
Thomas B.
Verified Google Review · September 2024
"Dr. Westberg was really helpful to me during a difficult time. Finding a therapist that is a good match can be difficult and I've been through many of them — she is one of the best."
Ben G.
Verified Google Review · September 2024
"Marisol is a dedicated professional, prepared and attentive during every session. She is an excellent listener."
Matt H.
Verified Google Review · October 2024
★★★★★ 5.0 on Google
All reviews verified on Google Business Profile
— how to choose
How to choose a couples therapist in Portland
Portland has many therapists who are affirming and progressive. Here’s what to look for specifically when choosing someone to work with on relationship and sexual issues.
Specifically trained in couples therapy — an MFT degree is a strong signal
Experience with relational trauma, not just communication issues
Comfortable addressing sexual issues and desire discrepancies directly
Works with emotional, cognitive, relational, and behavioral dimensions together
Skilled in conflict resolution techniques, not just exploration
Experience with LGBTQ+, polyamorous, and alternative relationship structures
Therapeutic style that fits your needs — ask before booking
Experience with long-standing issues, not just acute crises
Personal connection — you should feel genuinely understood, not managed
— also available
Prefer to start
at home?
My intensive online course for couples covers the same core principles as the coaching process — 10 modules, 24 hours of content, and practical exercises to work through together. A more affordable starting point, from the comfort of home.
Explore the course10 modules covering desire, pressure, communication, and emotional regulation
24 hours of audio content plus 10 worksheets and exercises to do together
Equivalent to over 12 hours of couples therapy — at a fraction of the cost
Self-paced — work through it together on your own schedule
— invest in connection
Unique date ideas in Portland
Therapy builds the foundation — but connection also lives in the experiences you share outside the office.
— Portland office
Dr. Westberg
1220 SW Morrison St, Suite 935
Portland, OR 97205
— ready to begin?
Let’s work on this
together
Schedule a session at the Morrison Street office or via telehealth anywhere in Oregon.
BOOK APPOINTMENT— Portland couples counseling
Whatever brought you here —
there’s a path forward
In person at 1220 SW Morrison St, Suite 935, Portland — or via telehealth throughout Oregon. Schedule below and I’ll be in touch within one business day.
BOOK APPOINTMENT