Paisley Jen Burrell (she/her)

Couples Counseling

I specialize in couples counseling and relationship therapy, grounded in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), attachment theory, and Internal Family Systems (IFS). I help couples slow down reactive patterns, understand what’s happening beneath conflict or withdrawal, and rebuild emotional safety. Rather than focusing only on communication skills, we work to change the cycle that keeps you stuck so connection can grow again.

Emotionally Focused

I use Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) to help couples make sense of patterns of conflict or distance that often began as ways of coping or staying safe earlier in life. By slowing things down and exploring underlying emotions and needs, we work toward creating a felt sense of emotional security, helping partners respond to one another with greater openness, trust, and connection.

Attachment Theory

I apply attachment theory by helping couples notice how needs for connection, reassurance, and emotional safety show up in their interactions. In session, we gently explore how protective patterns developed over time as ways of coping or staying safe, and how they affect closeness today. Together, we practice more responsive ways of reaching for one another so partners can experience greater trust, connection, and a felt sense of emotional security.

Internal Family Systems (IFS)

I integrate Internal Family Systems (IFS) into couples therapy to help partners understand the protective parts of themselves that emerge in relationship. When conflict activates fear, defensiveness, withdrawal, or reactivity, IFS can help us approach those responses with curiosity rather than blame. This work can help partners better understand themselves and one another, soften protective patterns, and respond from a more grounded and connected place.

Experiential

Experiential therapy focuses on what’s happening in the moment rather than only talking about the past. I help clients slow down and tune into their immediate emotional and relational experience, offering guidance as new insights emerge. Together, we try out new ways of relating in session, allowing couples to learn through experience what feels more connecting and supportive.

Relationship / Marriage Issues

When relationships feel strained, it’s often not a lack of love but a loss of emotional safety. I work with couples using Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) to slow things down, understand patterns of conflict or distance, and restore connection. Together, we focus on de-escalating reactive cycles, strengthening communication, and helping partners feel more understood, supported, and secure with one another.

Premarital Counseling

Premarital counseling offers couples a chance to build a strong emotional foundation before marriage. I help partners explore communication styles, conflict patterns, values, family backgrounds, and expectations around intimacy and commitment. The goal is not perfection, but developing the ability to stay connected, repair ruptures, and face future challenges together with clarity and care.

Polyamorous and Open Relationships

Polyamorous and open relationships can bring both richness and complexity. I work with partners to explore communication, boundaries, jealousy, and trust in a thoughtful and nonjudgmental way. Therapy offers a space to slow down, clarify agreements, and understand emotional needs so relationships can feel more secure, honest, and supportive for everyone involved.

Codependency

Codependent patterns often develop as ways of staying connected or safe, but over time they can leave partners feeling resentful, overwhelmed, or disconnected from themselves. In therapy, we explore how these patterns formed and support each partner in building clearer boundaries, stronger self-awareness, and more balanced, mutual connection.