Paisley Jen Burrell (she/her)

Couples Counseling

I'm an expert in couples counseling, holding an M.S. in Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling from Portland State University (2017) with honors. I customize my approach to suit clients' needs. I specialize in Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). Additionally, I'm certified in The Gottman Method, Motivational Interviewing (MI), and hold expertise in tailoring interventions for diverse needs within couples counseling.

Internal Family Systems (IFS)

I am trained in Internal Family Systems (IFS), a therapeutic approach that explores the dynamics within your mind. In our sessions, we'll work together to understand and navigate the various parts of yourself, addressing concerns such as anxiety, protection mechanisms, and inner conflicts. IFS provides a supportive journey to help you achieve balance, self-awareness, and healing. If you're seeking a personalized and empowering therapeutic experience, I am here to assist you on your journey.

Emotionally Focused

Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) in counseling centers on understanding and addressing emotions as a key to personal growth and relationship improvement. We will explore and validate your feelings, aiming to identify underlying patterns and unmet needs. EFT helps transform negative emotional cycles, fostering healthier ways of expressing and managing emotions. The goal is to create a more secure emotional connection with oneself and others, promoting lasting change and improved relationships.

Experiential

Experiential therapy in couples counseling focuses on present emotions and experiences rather than just talking. Through activities and exercises, couples engage directly with feelings, improving understanding and communication, and fostering deeper connections.

Attachment Theory

Attachment theory in counseling explores how early relationships shape current emotional well-being and interpersonal dynamics. In sessions, we examine your attachment history to identify patterns impacting your relationships. The goal is to foster healthier attachments, improve communication, and create a secure emotional foundation for more satisfying connections. Attachment-informed counseling helps navigate human connections, fostering personal growth and fulfilling relationships.

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.