Couples & Marriage Therapy with Gabriel Trees, MA
Build a Relationship That Lasts
Your relationship can be your greatest source of joy, safety, and comfort. Yet, when you are stuck in a cycle of exhausting, repetitive arguments, that same connection can feel incredibly painful.
You never thought you would find yourself in a place where communication feels this difficult.
If you are both feeling frustrated, drained, or constantly on edge, please know this: you can break this cycle, and there is a way forward.
I help couples turn frustrating conflicts into moments of deeper connection, trust, and lasting intimacy
Couples therapy provides a dedicated, compassionate environment to look clearly at your patterns, heal old wounds, and actively rebuild your bond from the ground up. In this space, neither partner is the enemy; instead, we work as a team to tackle the negative cycles that keep you apart
You do not have to stay trapped in daily friction.
You deserve a relationship that feels like a safe harbor, not a source of stress. Change is entirely possible, and your journey toward a stronger, more resilient partnership can begin today.
Relationships aren’t easy. You don’t have to do this alone.
Relationships are a journey, and you don’t have to navigate the rough patches alone. In our sessions, we won't just analyze your arguments—we will actively transform how you communicate during them. Together, we work to:
De-escalate conflict: Learn to stop the spiral of blame, withdrawal, and defensiveness before it takes over.
Heal attachment wounds: Uncover the deeper fears and unmet needs driving your relationship patterns.
Rebuild emotional intimacy:: Dissolve resentment to cultivate genuine trust, fondness, and friendship.
Create shared meaning: Align your values to face life’s stressors as a unified, cohesive team.
As a Level-3 Gottman Therapist, I specialize in a wide range of evidence-based approaches including Emotionally-Focused Couples Therapy, and Attachment Theory.
Reaching out for support is a courageous first step, and it means you are ready to stop settling for the status quo.
In our work together, you can expect straightforward dialogue, deep clinical expertise, and a compassionate path forward
We will look beneath the surface of your daily friction to target the real issues.
Together we will shift disruptive patterns into balance, clarity, and fulfillment
The internet is full of overwhelming, contradictory advice that often leaves you feeling more confused than when you started. As a dedicated relationship specialist, I will help you filter out that noise and map a direct, structured path forward.
We will combine the data-driven toolkits of the Gottman Method with the deep emotional bonding of EFT to create a strategy tailored specifically to your unique dynamic.
We’ll work together to listen and support you with meaningful guidance that will have a real and lasting impact.
Take the next step today
You do not have to stay trapped in an exhausting cycle of miscommunication. Let’s dare to dream about what is truly possible for your relationship, and then build the practical skills to make it your reality.
Get Started with a Free Consultation
The best way to find out if we are a fit and to see how Couples & Marriage Therapy can help you is by booking a free consultation with me.
Couple & Marriage Therapy Can Help With:
Bridging Communication Gaps: Speak your mind clearly without starting a new argument.
Breaking Negative Cycles: Stop the endless loop of blame and withdrawal.
Rebuilding Broken Trust: Heal from emotional distance, secrets, or infidelity.
Deepening Emotional Connection: Move past surface chatter to share true feelings
Navigating Major Transitions: Manage shifts like parenthood, career moves, or retirement.
Processing Extended Family Stress: Set healthy boundaries with in-laws, relatives, and outside family dynamics.
Healing Past Relationship Trauma: Address old emotional issues that are triggering current conflicts.
Neurodivergence & Identity: Honoring your unique backgrounds, thinking styles, and lived experiences
Rediscovering Shared Purpose: Create a unified, aligned vision for your future.
Meet Gabriel
Hello, I’m Gabriel Trees, Relationship Therapist.
Portland, OR has been my home for 25 years, following formative years in New England and Georgia.
Living across these regions shaped my approach to couples therapy—blending East Coast straightforwardness, Southern conscientiousness, and Pacific Northwest openness. In our sessions, this translates into direct, practical feedback wrapped in deep respect and flexibility.
Beyond my clinical training, my perspective is grounded in real-life dynamics. I am a husband, parent, friend, and experienced caregiver. Human relationships have always held my curiosity, and working as a Marriage and Family Therapist is an ever-inspiring focus of my life.
My path to this work wasn't linear. Having spent years in the workforce before higher education—navigating everything from entry-level positions to owning a small business—I understand the real-world pressures of financial stress and career grinds.
I help couples navigate exactly how these outside forces impact their partnership.
When I’m not working, I love sharing a laugh with my spouse, family, and friends. Humor is an essential ingredient for healing—even when tackling tough relationship issues.
Music is my lifelong companion and teacher. Writing and performing taught me that relationship health is all about rhythm and harmony—learning when to listen, when to step in, and how to find your groove together. I look forward to helping you find yours."
For me, everything is a matter of rhythm and harmony, and the therapy room is no exception
Benefits You Can Get from Couples Therapy
Build Trust
Healing from a broken trust is hard, especially if past painful experiences get triggered along the way. Couples therapy offers a safe space to figure out what is blocking you both from moving forward. We will look at these deeper barriers together so you can start rebuilding a secure, trusting foundation.
We will find the practical steps needed to guide you from this painful spot back to a place of trust."
Understand Relationship Expectations
Whether we align with them or defy them, we have all absorbed messages about what we should and shouldn’t be. These “rules” are often so ingrained we aren’t even conscious of them.
Let’s look closely at what you expect from yourself and your partner, and decide what you wish to keep or discard.
Envision Goals and Potential Futures
It is easy to get so caught up in daily stress that you settle for less than you both need. Couples therapy creates a safe space to dream about what is possible for you as individuals and as partners. Let’s work together to build the fulfilling relationship you both truly want.
Let’s envision and realize the relationship that you and your partner always dreamed of!
Improve Communication
All communication operates on multiple levels, known as meta-communication. Couples therapy supports you both in identifying the elusive messages you send and receive about how you truly feel.
Together, we will bridge the gap between what is said and what is heard to cultivate a deeper mutual understanding
Navigate Conflicts with Greater Ease
Ever feel stuck repeating the same fights without knowing how they started? Couples therapy helps you smoothly navigate these challenges.
Let’s map out simple, concrete steps for you and your partner to break these patterns and restore peace.
Gain Emotional Clarity & Intimacy
Emotions show us how we are truly doing, but expressing and understanding them takes practice. Couples therapy helps you both safely explore, identify, and share your deepest feelings.
We will work to identify, understand, and communicate how you both truly feel."
Relationship Therapy for Couples
Fighting too much?
Couple and Marriage Therapy can help. Your relationship does not have to stay trapped in this painful cycle. Whether you are newlyweds navigating early bumps or long-time partners trying to save your marriage, you can rebuild what was lost. Let’s work together to bring joy, closeness, and intimacy back to your partnership by making changes that have a real, lasting impact. Reach out today to start building a stronger bond.
Premarital Therapy
Getting Married Soon?
Premarital Therapy is a beautiful way to celebrate your love while intentionally preparing for a lifetime together. Let’s focus on the joy of your connection and map out a positive path forward, protecting your relationship from future conflict and communication gaps. Reach out today to gain the tools to thrive and start your marriage on the strongest, happiest foundation possible. Investing in your future together is the best wedding gift you can give yourselves
Discernment Counseling
On the brink of divorce? Discernment Counseling offers a clear path for couples deciding whether to fix their marriage or end it. This short-term process helps you gain clarity and confidence about your next steps without the pressure to immediately start couples therapy. By understanding your options, you can make the healthiest choice for your future. Reach out today to find a path forward with peace of mind.
My Approach and Influence
Gottman Therapy
As a Level 3 Gottman Therapist, I use an approach backed by over 40 years of research to help couples thrive. This method gives you both a clear path forward to break down relationship barriers and grow your respect, empathy, and intimacy. Let’s strengthen your bond using simple, practical tools designed for your everyday success
Emotionally-Focused
Couples Therapy
Research shows that emotions are not just random reactions—they are the core foundation of our daily lives. When you both fully explore and understand your entire emotional range, your relationship can truly thrive. Let’s dive in together to protect, support, and grow your emotional well-being as a couple.
Attachment Theory
The attachment styles you both developed early in life deeply shape how you connect as adults. Simply becoming aware of these styles helps you understand yourself and each other on a whole new level. Let’s work together to heal old patterns and build a more secure, loving bond between you.
Strength-Centered
Therapy
Even the toughest relationship challenges can get better. Together, we will find the areas where things are already working and build on those strengths. Like any meaningful journey, small and consistent steps forward are what create significant, long-lasting change for you both.
Credentials
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Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple, and Family Therapy from Lewis & Clark College School of Education.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Portland State University Honors College.
Undergraduate Thesis: “Music Education as a Potential Mediator for Social Decline”
Marriage and Family Therapy Associate with the Oregon Board of Licenced Professional Counselors and Therapists.
Graduate Internship with Lewis & Clark College Counseling Clinic
Graduate Externship with William Temple House Counseling Clinic
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Gottman Method Level 3 Certification
Apprenticeship with the Oregon Prison Project
Mentorship with Rose City Nonviolent Communication
Speciality training in Acceptance & Commitment Therapy at Lewis & Clark College
Speciality training in Engaging Boys & Men at Lewis & Clark College
Speciality training in Play and Family Therapy at Lewis & Clark College
Speciality training in Death & Loss at Lewis & Clark College
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Graduated summa cum laude
President’s List for academic excellence
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The National Society of Collegiate Scholars: NSCS
American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
Psychology Today
Good Therapy
Portland Therapy Center
Portland Therapy Den
"Love is a friendship set to music."
― Joseph Campbell
Frequently Asked Questions
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We accept Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and can provide a receipt for out-of-network reimbursement. However, we do not bill insurance companies directly, and are not currently in-network.
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Relationship Therapy is $195 per 60-minute session.
Individual Therapy is $175 per 50-minute session. -
I offer both In-person visits at our SE Belmont office- or Telehealth sessions