Meet the Team at Clarity Counseling Seattle

Justin Pere, LMHC-S, CST, CGT

Founder, Clinical Director & Lead Therapist

(he/him pronouns)

Please note: Therapy sessions with Justin are available via telehealth or in person in Seattle, Washington.

I’m a Certified Sex Therapist and relationship counselor in Seattle, helping couples, individuals, and polycules reconnect emotionally and sexually.

Many of the people I work with feel stuck — struggling to reconnect emotionally, talk about intimacy, or understand why desire feels so out of sync. For more than 22 years, I’ve supported individuals, couples, and polycules of all genders and identities in building emotional connection, sexual confidence, and healthier relationships.

My approach is affirming, direct, and non-shaming, with a strong focus on sex therapy, therapy for men, and helping people create meaningful, lasting relational change.

I was recently quoted in a The New York Times article exploring unconventional ways couples can cultivate sexual desire, sharing how initiative and agency can sometimes help desire re-emerge in long-term relationships.

I’ve also contributed to AARP on emotional closeness in midlife, including how online friendships impact connection and well-being. If you’re curious about these themes, you can read more here: Are Online Friendships Enough in Midlife?

Specialty Areas

• Sex, intimacy, desire, and sexual concerns
• Low or absent sexual desire; rebuilding curiosity and connection
• Couples therapy, marriage counseling, premarital and dating support
• Midlife and later-life transitions (identity, aging, grief, caregiving, intimacy changes)
• Therapy for male-identified individuals (often called “men’s issues”)
• Betrayal trauma, infidelity, and affair recovery
• Group therapy for couples experiencing low or no sexual desire
• Anxiety, depression, stress, and trauma

Professional Credentials & Leadership

• 10,000+ clinical hours over 22+ years with individuals, couples, polycules, and groups
• Certified Sex Therapist (CST) through AASECT
• Certified Gottman Therapist (CGT) through the Gottman Institute
• Certified Integrated Intimacy Practitioner (CIIP) through The Northwest Institute on Intimacy
• Advanced Practitioner with the University of Ottawa’s Optimal Sexual Experiences program
• Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), Washington State
• Approved Clinical Supervisor, Washington State
• Geriatric Mental Health Specialist

In addition to my clinical work, I founded and lead Clarity Counseling Seattle, a group practice serving clients throughout Washington State. I provide ongoing supervision, mentorship, and training to therapists on relationship work, sex therapy, and ethical, affirming care.

I’m a 52-year-old Washington native and identify as a cisgender straight male. I’m also a strong LGBTQIA+ ally and have intentionally built a diverse, sex-positive, affirming, and inclusive therapy team.

I currently serve on the board of The Northwest Institute on Intimacy and have consulted with the Gottman Institute on matters of sex and sexuality.

I’ve been honored to contribute to national media and podcasts, including:

• The New York Times — Emotional labor in relationships, and desire in long-term partnerships
• The Gottman Institute — Articles on emotional intelligence, men, sex, and relationships
• GQ Magazine — Competitive friendships
• AARP — Emotional connection, and online friendships in midlife
• The Seattle Times — Later-life mental health in Washington State

Outside the office, I enjoy time with my wife and family, nature photography, and traveling with close friends. I’m deeply grateful to do this work and to lead a team that shares the same mission: helping people build stronger, more fulfilling relationships.

Rosa Booker, MS, LMFTA

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate

(she/her pronouns)

Please note: Therapy sessions with Rosa are held in-person in Seattle or via telehealth on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, and via telehealth only on Fridays.

Many people come to me when their relationship feels strained — constant miscommunication, intimacy concerns, parenting stress, or big life changes like welcoming a new baby or navigating loss. They want to feel more connected, supported, and understood. I offer both in-person counseling in Seattle and online therapy across Washington State, so you can choose the format that works best for you.

Rosa’s Specialty Areas

• Couples therapy, marriage counseling, premarital therapy, and dating support
• Communication, emotional connection, rebuilding trust, and deepening intimacy
• Relationship stress tied to transitions — new baby, parenting changes, and blended family dynamics
• Sex therapy, intimacy concerns, and sexual identity exploration
• Cross-cultural couples and adult children of immigrants
• Grief, loss, trauma, and emotional overwhelm
• Anxiety and depression impacting relationships and daily life

Professional Credentials

• Certified Prepare / Enrich Trainer (premarital and marriage therapy assessment)
• Gottman Levels I & II Trained through The Gottman Institute
• Group facilitator, author, and speaker
• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate (LMFTA), Washington State
• Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy
• Member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) and Washington Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (WAMFT)

I give couples practical tools to communicate clearly, resolve conflict without losing connection, and build a relationship that stays sturdy even during hard times. I’ve also led quarterly couples workshops for years, creating a space where partners can practice new skills and leave feeling more like a team.

I work with couples at every stage — from those preparing for marriage to long-term partners rebuilding closeness. Whether you’re navigating intimacy challenges, parenting stress, grief, or the complexity of cross-cultural relationships, I’ll help you identify the patterns that keep you stuck and build new ways forward.

How I Work

My approach is grounded in The Gottman Method, Family Systems Theory, Narrative Therapy, and Internal Family Systems (IFS). I’m also trained in the Prepare / Enrich curriculum, Play Therapy for grief (through the Atlas Institute), and Esther Perel’s Turning Conflict Into Connection. In sessions, we’ll clarify what’s happening, why it’s happening, and what real change looks like for you — with both insight and practical tools you can actually use.

As a Certified Prepare / Enrich Trainer (a widely used premarital and marriage assessment), I also offer Prepare / Enrich training workshops. These may be held privately or open to the public, and are typically offered as a one-day workshop.

Before becoming a therapist, I spent over 20 years leading community development initiatives and supporting families through major transitions. I’m also the author of two books: the young adult novel The Monster In My Room, which explores childhood trauma and healing, and the children’s book Tot’s Big House, which highlights courage, family connection, and resilience. My upcoming book on romantic relationships is set to release in 2025.

As a therapist, my goal is to create a space where you feel heard, valued, and understood. Together, we’ll shape a treatment plan that reflects your strengths, values, and goals — and that you have a real voice in every step of the way. I also welcome the spiritual and religious parts of your story that matter to you, and I’m glad to make space for them in our work if that’s supportive.

Outside the therapy room, quality time is my love language. I find joy in yoga, movies, beach days, karaoke, long walks, game nights, and travel — always making space for connection and self-reflection.

Emma Ehrlich, MA, LMHCA

Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate

(she/her pronouns)

Please note: Therapy sessions with Emma are held in-person in Seattle or through telehealth on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, and via telehealth only on Tuesdays.

I work with individuals and couples who want to feel more connected — to themselves, to each other, and to what matters most in their lives. I offer in-person counseling in Seattle and online therapy throughout Washington State, depending on what feels most supportive for each client.

Many of the people I work with come to therapy hoping to break free from old patterns, heal relational wounds, and move toward a life that feels steadier, braver, and more fulfilling. I strive to create a space where you can feel heard, understood, and supported as you explore your experiences, clarify your needs, and strengthen your relationships.

Specialty Areas

• Couples therapy, marriage counseling, premarital therapy, and dating support
• Communication, emotional connection, intimacy, and vulnerability
• Rebuilding trust and repairing relational ruptures
• Anxiety, depression, and overwhelm
• Grief, loss, and major life transitions
• Obsessive-compulsive behaviors and OCD
• Intergenerational trauma, PTSD, and C-PTSD
• Identity exploration, self-esteem, and body image
• Nervous system regulation and somatic approaches
• Chronic illness, autoimmune conditions, and dysautonomia

Professional Credentials

• Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate (LMHCA), Washington State
• Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Seattle University
• Agency Affiliated Counselor (Washington State)
• Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy
• Certified Yoga Teacher (CYT-200)

In our work together, I offer a space to slow down, gain clarity, and reconnect with your own sense of agency and possibility. Therapy with me balances reflection and insight with practical tools you can use in daily life, so that change feels both meaningful and sustainable.

How I Work

My work with individuals and couples draws from the Gottman Method Couples Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and somatic practices. I take a collaborative, attuned, and depth-oriented approach, paying close attention to how emotions, relationships, the body, and personal history intersect.

Together, we’ll address what’s happening in the present while also gently exploring the deeper roots that sustain stuck patterns. Each session is tailored to your values and goals, and paced in a way that feels respectful and supportive. I believe lasting change comes from both insight and action, so our work integrates reflection with practical steps you can apply right away.

I’m especially drawn to somatic approaches, which I find particularly helpful for anxiety, depression, grief, obsessions, and trauma-related concerns. I also enjoy working with clients interested in self-exploration, meaning-making, and existential or spiritual questions. With couples, I’m especially interested in attachment dynamics, relationship anxiety, and strengthening communication and mutual understanding.

Experience That Informs My Work

Before joining Clarity Counseling Seattle, I supported clients across a range of settings, which taught me to meet people wherever they are. I have experience facilitating skills groups and providing skills coaching, in addition to individual and couples therapy.

Earlier roles in my career strengthened my ability to stay grounded, think systemically, and respond with flexibility and care. Years of personal yoga and mindfulness practice, alongside formal yoga teacher training, inform my nervous-system-aware and somatic lens. This blend of structure and responsiveness allows me to adapt the therapy process to each client’s unique needs.

What You Can Expect

Clients often describe sessions with me as steady, curious, and compassion-forward. I’ll help you slow down, notice what’s happening in the moment, and build skills that make everyday life and relationships feel safer and more connected — whether you’re navigating a transition, repairing a rupture, or simply wanting to grow.

Outside the therapy room, I enjoy making ceramics, spending time with friends, and finding a warm spot in the sun.

Lindsey Pepperoni, MA, LMFT

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

(she/her pronouns)

Please note: Therapy sessions with Lindsey are held in-person in Seattle on Thursdays and Fridays, and via telehealth on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

I work with individuals and couples who are navigating disconnection, emotional overwhelm, or sexual concerns — and want to feel more empowered, seen, and aligned. I offer in-person therapy in Seattle and online therapy throughout Washington State.

Lindsey’s Specialty Areas

• Relationship therapy, marriage counseling, and dating support
• Communication, emotional safety, and rebuilding trust
• Sex therapy, sexual health, intimacy challenges, and sexual trauma
• Gender and sexual identity exploration
• LGBTQIA+ affirming therapy
• Non-monogamy, polyamory, and open relationships
• Out-of-control sexual behavior (OCSB), sometimes referred to as “sex addiction”
• Family-of-origin and intergenerational trauma
• Boundaries, confidence, people-pleasing, and self-worth
• Faith deconstruction and religious trauma
• OCD, anxiety, and depression

Professional Credentials

• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Washington State
• Master of Arts in Couple and Family Therapy, Antioch University
• Member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)
• Member of the Washington Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (WAMFT)

Therapy with me is collaborative, strengths-based, and affirming. I help people better understand themselves and their relationships, build resilience, and move toward a life that feels more authentic and fulfilling. We’ll work with what you already carry — your wisdom, your values, and your hopes for what comes next.

As a trained sex and intimacy therapist, I support clients experiencing a wide range of concerns, including low desire, sexual shame, mismatched libidos, sexual trauma, and questions about sexual identity. I completed Antioch University’s Sex Therapy Certification Program and bring a trauma-informed, inclusive approach to my work with people of all identities and relationship structures.

How I Work

I integrate evidence-based approaches such as Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), The Developmental Model, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Solution-Focused Therapy. Sessions with me offer space for healing, growth, and experimentation — a place where you can try something new while feeling supported, respected, and understood.

Although I identify as queer and my work is LGBTQIA+ affirming, I welcome and support people of all backgrounds and lived experiences. I bring curiosity, compassion, and full presence into our work together, helping us clarify what matters most and collaborate toward meaningful, lasting change.

If you’ve ever wondered, “Wasn’t life supposed to feel better than this?” or “Why do I keep ending up in patterns I don’t want?” — you’re not alone, and change is possible.

Outside of therapy, I enjoy riding my motorcycle, spending time with my cat, reading a great novel, and exploring the outdoors with friends.

Maggie Fisher-Shipley, MA, LMFT

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

(she/her pronouns)

Please note: Therapy sessions with Maggie are held in-person in Seattle or via telehealth Monday through Thursday.

Many of the individuals, couples, and polycules I work with are navigating intimacy, identity, or emotional pain and want a therapy space that feels expansive, nonjudgmental, and deeply affirming. I offer sex therapy and relationship counseling in-person in Seattle and through online therapy across Washington State.

Maggie’s Specialty Areas

• Relationships, marriage, and dating
• Communication, emotional connection, vulnerability, and deepening bonds
• Sex, intimacy, sexuality, sexual challenges or dysfunction, and sexual trauma
• Sex-positive, kink-aware therapy
• Non-traditional relationships (polyamory, open relationships, CNM, ENM)
• LGBTQIA+ affirming therapy; sexual orientation and gender identity exploration
• Affair and betrayal recovery
• Midlife and later-life transitions (identity shifts, aging, grief, caregiving, intimacy changes)
• Anxiety and depression
• Trauma, including family-of-origin and intergenerational trauma
• Self-acceptance, boundaries, self-esteem, and people-pleasing patterns
• ADHD
• Life transitions and values-based goal work
• Sexual and relational impacts of breast cancer or chronic illness
• Personal growth and mindful self-compassion

Professional Credentials

• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Washington State
• Master of Arts in Couple and Family Therapy
• Member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)
• Member of the Washington Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (WAMFT)
• Member of the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH)
• Member of the Sexual Health Alliance (SHA)

My approach is grounded in warmth, respect, and curiosity. I work with individuals, couples, and polycules through a lens of inclusivity and emotional safety, helping clients explore identity, improve intimacy, and navigate healing or growth while staying connected to what feels most authentic and meaningful to them.

I earned my Master’s degree in Couple and Family Therapy from Antioch University, where I also completed specialty training in sex therapy through Antioch’s Sex Therapy Certificate Program. I’m currently completing advanced training in the Developmental Model of Relational Therapy.

Before becoming a therapist, I worked as a Registered Nurse specializing in neuroscience, critical care, bioethics, and patient safety and quality improvement. This background deeply informs my holistic, systems-aware approach to care and wellness.

In therapy, I take a humanistic, collaborative, and systems-informed approach. Together, we’ll track patterns, clarify what’s working and what’s not, and create space for growth that aligns with your values, strengths, and lived experience.

I believe everyone deserves love, empathy, and the freedom to live as their most authentic self. The need for emotional safety and connection is universal — and therapy can be a powerful place to cultivate both.

Outside of work, I enjoy art, music, science, style and design, movement, and spending meaningful time with my loved ones.

Misa Mattson, MA, LMFTA

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate

(she/her pronouns)

Please note: Therapy sessions with Misa are held exclusively through telehealth for clients anywhere in Washington State.

I work with individuals and couples who want to feel more connected — to their partners, to their emotional and sexual selves, and to a greater sense of calm and confidence. As a Seattle-based therapist offering online therapy across Washington, I provide a warm, affirming space where growth, reconnection, and healing can happen.

Misa’s Specialty Areas

• Relationship therapy for individuals and couples
• Communication challenges and emotional disconnection
• Sex therapy and intimacy concerns, including low desire, sexual dysfunction, and sexual trauma
• Non-traditional and polyamorous relationships
• LGBTQIA+ affirming care, including gender and sexual identity exploration
• New parenthood, perinatal and postpartum experiences, and parenting challenges
• Multicultural clients and intersectional identity work
• Grief, anxiety, depression, and stress-related concerns

Professional Background and Training

• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate (LMFTA), Washington State
• Master of Arts in Couple and Family Therapy, Antioch University Seattle
• Sex Therapy Certification through AASECT
• Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and the Developmental Model
• Advanced training in Narrative Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and anti-oppression frameworks
• Perinatal mental health certification through Perinatal Support Washington
• Premarital counseling certification through Adaptive Counseling
• Member of AAMFT and WAMFT

I bring deep respect for each client’s inner world, lived experience, and cultural context. My goal is to walk alongside you — never ahead of you — as you explore your needs, boundaries, and desires. I help people reconnect with their innate worth, build relationship skills, and shift patterns that no longer serve them.

My work with individuals integrates humanistic, experiential, and strengths-based approaches, always tailored to who you are rather than a one-size-fits-all model. I believe healing happens in safe, consistent relationships — and therapy can be one of them.

For couples and polycules, I draw from Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), the Developmental Model, Narrative Therapy, Attachment Theory, and Somatic Therapy. My approach is also informed by advanced sex therapy training through Antioch University, supporting thoughtful, effective work with a wide range of sexual and intimacy concerns.

Outside of my clinical work, I enjoy live music, reading, making art, and spending time in nature with family and friends. Whether you’re feeling disconnected, overwhelmed, or simply ready to grow, I’m here to help you reconnect with what matters most.

Corey Thompson, MA, LMHC

Licensed Mental Health Counselor

(he/him pronouns)

Please note: Therapy sessions with Corey are held exclusively through telehealth for clients anywhere in Washington State.

Many of the individuals, couples, and polycules I support come to therapy wanting to feel more emotionally connected, more sexually fulfilled, or less stuck in patterns that no longer serve them. I offer secure online therapy throughout Washington, supporting clients from Seattle to Spokane and beyond.

Corey’s Specialty Areas

• Relationships, marriage, premarital counseling, and dating
• Communication skill-building, emotional connection, vulnerability, and trust
• Sex, sexuality, and intimacy concerns
• Sexual challenges, dysfunctions, and desire discrepancy
• Low or mismatched sexual desire
• Out-of-control sexual behavior (OCSB), sometimes called “sex addiction”
• Betrayal trauma, infidelity, and affair recovery
• Non-traditional relationships (polyamory, open relationships, CNM, ENM)
• LGBTQIA+ affirming therapy
• Coming out later in life (read my blog post)
• Men’s mental health and men’s issues
• Midlife and later-life transitions (identity shifts, aging, grief, caregiving, intimacy changes)
• Co-occurring concerns (substance use alongside anxiety or depression)
• Anxiety, depression, stress, and burnout

Professional Credentials

• Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), Washington State
• Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

With over 14 years of experience, I support individuals, couples, and polycules in creating change that feels grounded, lasting, and meaningful. My approach is holistic and relational — attending to emotional, sexual, psychological, and social wellbeing. Rather than focusing only on symptoms, I help strengthen the foundation that allows for deeper connection, fulfillment, and resilience.

What does couples therapy with me look like? We explore where you’ve been, where you are now, and where you want to go together. I draw from specialized training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy, Imago Therapy, and Sensate Focus — powerful tools for strengthening communication, intimacy, and trust. Whether you’re healing after betrayal or wanting to deepen connection, I help guide couples toward relationships that feel authentic and secure.

I’m also passionate about supporting men in reconnecting with themselves, navigating relationship roles, and cultivating emotional and sexual health. For clients experiencing distress related to desire, sexual functioning, or compulsive behaviors, I offer informed, non-shaming support tailored to your values and goals.

Individual therapy with me is collaborative and strengths-based. If you’ve ever wondered, “Can therapy really help me feel more connected?” — the answer is yes. Let’s create space for insight, healing, and lasting growth.

Lisa Stewart, MSW, MJ, LICSW, SUDPT

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

(she/her pronouns)

Please note: Therapy sessions with Lisa are available in-person in Seattle on Saturdays, or via telehealth Monday through Friday for clients anywhere in Washington State.

If you’re looking for a compassionate Seattle therapist who offers weekday telehealth and weekend in-person sessions, I may be a great fit. I work with adults and couples navigating anxiety, trauma, relationship challenges, parenting stress, and major life transitions.

Lisa’s Specialty Areas

• Relationships, marriage, premarital counseling, and dating
• Individual therapy for adults
• Communication, emotional connection, vulnerability, and trust-building
• Midlife and later-life transitions (identity shifts, aging, caregiving, grief, intimacy changes)
• Anxiety, panic, and depression
• Trauma and recovery
• Life transitions (new parenthood, empty nest, divorce)
• Parenting challenges
• Stress, burnout, and emotional overload
• Grief and loss
• Substance use concerns
• Living with serious or chronic illness

Professional Credentials

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), Washington State
• Master of Social Work (MSW), University of Washington
• Master of Jurisprudence (MJ), University of Washington School of Law
• Substance Use Disorder Professional Trainee (SUDPT) & Certified Prevention Professional
• ADHD-Certified Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP), Evergreen Certifications
• Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) Level II, Evergreen Certifications
• Certified Advanced Grief Counseling Specialist, Evergreen Certifications
• Educational Staff Associate Certificate (in process)

In therapy, I work alongside you as a trusted partner. Whether we’re focusing on relationship conflict, emotional burnout, or personal growth, we collaborate around the goals that matter most to you. I often help clients reduce anxiety, strengthen emotional regulation, and build more satisfying personal and professional relationships.

I aim to equip clients with tools that support long-term change — so therapy doesn’t just help you feel better in the moment, but helps you navigate future challenges with greater confidence. My approach is client-centered, pragmatic, and solution-focused. If therapy with me eventually feels unnecessary because you’re thriving on your own, I consider that a success.

For couples counseling, I’ve received advanced training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy (GMCT) and am currently pursuing certification as a Certified Gottman Therapist. I’ve also worked extensively with survivors of trauma using the Common Elements Treatment Approach through Harborview Center for Sexual Assault and Traumatic Stress.

For individual therapy, I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) strategies to support emotional regulation, resilience, and practical change.

Outside the therapy room, I enjoy spending time with loved ones, walking, reading, and attending the theater. I offer telehealth sessions Monday through Friday and welcome in-person sessions on Saturdays — a great option for clients with busy weekday schedules.

Kristene Brant

Intake Coordinator & Admin Assistant

(she/they pronouns)

Kristene is our amazing intake coordinator, administrative assistant, and entire HR department all in one! She does everything except therapy here — though honestly, we’re pretty sure she’d rock at that, too. Kristene is often the first person prospective clients speak with, and she brings warmth, professionalism, and deep care to every interaction. We're incredibly lucky to have her as the heartbeat of Clarity.

Outside of work, you'll find her reading (and hunting for lost bookmarks), soaking up the sun, spending quality time with loved ones and complimenting her two very handsome cats.