— couples counseling
Helping couples build deeper, more lasting connection
With over 20 years of experience, I work with couples facing relational conflict, communication breakdowns, desire discrepancies, sexual trauma, and infidelity — helping them rebuild trust and intimacy on their own terms.
SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT
— what I work with
Even strong relationships hit hard patches
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.
I work with couples at all stages — from early conflict patterns to long-standing disconnection, from navigating infidelity to rebuilding after years of distance. I specialize in the intersection of relationship and sexual issues, which is where most couples counselors feel less equipped.
— 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. The aim is for both partners to feel like they’re on the same team rather than opposing sides.
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: not reading the feeling underneath what’s being said, or not saying the feeling at all.
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. When both partners feel genuinely heard, the dynamic shifts.
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. It requires consistency, accountability, and a willingness to stay in the discomfort of repair rather than moving past it too fast.
In therapy, we work on what trust actually looks like in practice — not just the absence of dishonesty, but the presence of emotional safety. That means creating an environment where both partners feel secure enough to be honest, vulnerable, and genuinely themselves.
— 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, EFT focuses on the emotional attachment bonds between partners — identifying the negative cycles that pull couples apart and building the secure connection underneath. Research shows 70–75% of couples move from distress to recovery.
Gottman Method
Gottman Couples Therapy
Based on decades of relationship research by Drs. John and Julie Gottman. The method uses structured assessment and specific interventions to improve communication, increase intimacy, and reduce destructive conflict patterns. Particularly effective for high-conflict couples.
CBT
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Addresses the negative thought patterns that drive problematic behavior — helping couples recognize cognitive distortions about each other and build healthier interaction patterns.
Imago
Imago Relationship Therapy
Explores how early experiences shape expectations in adult relationships. Uses structured dialogue — mirroring, validating, empathizing — to help partners move from blame to understanding.
Narrative
Narrative Therapy
Focuses on the stories couples tell about their relationship — externalizing problems so partners can address them together, 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
Not every therapist is equipped for couples work — and not every couples therapist is equipped for sexual issues. Here’s what to look for.
Specifically trained in couples therapy — an MFT degree is a good signal
Experience with relational trauma, not just communication issues
Comfortable addressing sexual issues directly — most couples therapists aren’t
Works with emotional, cognitive, relational, and behavioral dimensions together
Skilled in conflict resolution, not just exploration
Experience with diverse relationships — LGBTQ+, non-monogamous, culturally varied
Therapeutic style that fits your needs — ask before booking
Experience with long-standing issues, not just acute crises
Flexible approach — focused on what works for you, not a rigid model
Personal connection — you should feel genuinely understood, not managed
— online course for couples
The Intimacy Course
For couples experiencing mismatched desire. 24 hours of content, 10 worksheets, fully self-paced — the equivalent of 12 hours of couples therapy, from home.
— other services
Also available
Sex Therapy
Individual or couples work focused on sexual health, desire, function, and intimacy.
Learn more →
Low Sexual Desire
Reignite passion and address the underlying causes of low desire with expert support.
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Performance Anxiety
Overcome anxiety in the bedroom with techniques that build confidence and ease.
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Non-Monogamy
Navigate non-monogamous relationships with clarity, communication, and mutual respect.
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Infidelity & Betrayal
Heal from betrayal, rebuild trust, and restore emotional connection after infidelity.
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Sexual Trauma
A compassionate space for healing from past trauma and reclaiming intimacy.
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— ready to begin?
Let’s work on this
together
Schedule a session and leave your first appointment with a clear picture of what’s happening in your relationship and a path forward that makes sense for both of you.
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