— what is sex therapy
A specialized approach to sexual health and intimacy
Sex therapy is a specialized form of counseling focused on improving sexual health and intimacy. It addresses a range of concerns — from sexual dysfunction and low libido to emotional triggers and past traumas — providing a safe space to explore what’s getting in the way of a fulfilling sex life.
Through open dialogue and tailored strategies, sex therapy aims to enhance sexual satisfaction, intimacy, and overall relationship well-being — always grounded in your authentic desires rather than cultural expectations about how sex should look.
— sex therapy vs. couples therapy
Couples therapy addresses broader relationship issues — communication, conflict resolution, emotional connection. Sex therapy does all of that, and then goes further: it directly addresses sexual desire, performance concerns, and intimacy issues that most couples therapists leave on the table.
Sex therapy is couples therapy that doesn’t avoid the sexual dimension. It integrates relational dynamics alongside sexual concerns — addressing both at once rather than treating them as separate problems.
My Approach
Therapeutic Modalities I Use
Attachment-Based Therapy
Polyvagal & Somatic Therapy
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy
Emotionally Focused Therapy
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
EMDR Trauma Therapy
Gottman Couples Counseling
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
— what therapy is like with me
A multifaceted, affirming approach
Understanding the root cause of your sexual concerns is where we start — especially given how significantly cultural norms and values shape what we believe about sex and ourselves. My approach integrates therapeutic techniques to address the emotional, cognitive, and relational dimensions of sexual issues together rather than in isolation.
I focus on ensuring that any changes align with your authentic desires — not societal standards for how sex should look or how often you should want it. My practice is inclusive of all identities, orientations, relationship structures, and lifestyles. If you’ve worried about being judged, you won’t be here.
— common concerns
Sexual issues I work with
I work with the full range of sexual and relational concerns — in person at my Brooklyn office and via telehealth throughout New York State.
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
“Dr. Westberg is incredibly knowledgeable, compassionate, and professional. She created a safe space where I felt comfortable discussing very personal topics. Her guidance has been transformative and I highly recommend her to anyone seeking support.”
Sarah M.
Verified Google Review · July 2024
“Working with Dr. Westberg has been life-changing. She has a rare ability to make you feel completely at ease while also challenging you to grow. My partner and I are in such a better place because of her work with us.”
James R.
Verified Google Review · June 2024
“I was nervous about starting therapy but Dr. Westberg made the process feel natural and safe from the very first session. Her telehealth setup is seamless and her approach is warm, direct, and effective. I've recommended her to several friends already.”
Michelle T.
Verified Google Review · May 2024
“Dr. Westberg helped my husband and me navigate a really difficult period in our relationship with patience and expertise. We came in feeling hopeless and left with real tools and a renewed sense of connection. She is exceptional at what she does.”
Karen L.
Verified Google Review · April 2024
— how to choose
How to choose a sex therapist in Brooklyn
Look for someone with expertise in both couples therapy and sex therapy — the two are deeply intertwined, and a therapist without couples training will miss the relational dimension of most sexual issues. Be cautious with sex coaches, who may not be trained to work with complex relational dynamics or trauma.
Ask potential therapists about their experience with relational trauma and desire discrepancies. The most effective approach addresses behavioral, cognitive, relational, and contextual factors together — not just the surface behavior.
— sex-positive therapy
What sex-positive actually means
A sex-positive therapist doesn’t just tolerate sexuality — they celebrate it, grounded in the sexual liberation tradition. But true sex-positivity also means fully respecting those who experience minimal or no sexual desire. It isn’t about pushing clients toward any particular kind of sexual expression.
The goal is a space free from both sexual repression and the pressure to conform to norms — whether those norms come from conservative culture or from a misapplied version of sex-positivity that expects everyone to want more sex. Your desires, whatever they are, are valid here.
New Book
The Intimacy Gap →
When one of you wants more — and both of you are suffering
Desire discrepancy is one of the most common patterns in long-term relationships — and one of the most misunderstood. This book explains why it happens, what keeps it going, and what genuinely helps. Written by Dr. Westberg from years of working with couples navigating exactly this.
— Brooklyn office
Dr. Westberg
159 20th Street, Suite 1B
Brooklyn, NY 11232
— ready to begin?
Let’s find a path
forward together
In person at the Brooklyn office or via telehealth throughout New York State. Schedule below and I’ll be in touch within one business day.
SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT— sex therapy in Brooklyn
Whatever you’re navigating —
you don’t have to figure it out alone
In person at 159 20th Street, Suite 1B, Brooklyn — or via telehealth throughout New York State. All identities, orientations, and relationship structures welcome.
SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT— 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