Justin Pere, LMHC-S, CST, CGT

Founder, Clinical Director & Lead Therapist

(he/him pronouns)

Sessions with Justin are available in person in Seattle and through telehealth.
Session fee: $195 for individual clients, $215 for couples/relationship clients

I’m a Certified Sex Therapist and relationship counselor in Seattle, helping couples, individuals, and polycules reconnect emotionally and sexually, especially when desire, trust, or communication have broken down.

People often reach out when sex feels distant, conversations turn into conflict, or something in the relationship just isn’t working the way it used to.

For the past 22 years, including work as a Certified Sex Therapist and Gottman Therapist, I’ve worked with people across all genders, identities, and relationship structures to build emotional connection, sexual confidence, and more fulfilling relationships. Many clients come in feeling stuck, disconnected, or unsure how to move forward, and part of our work is helping them understand what’s happening beneath the surface while also creating real, practical change.

My approach is affirming, direct, and non-shaming. I focus especially on sex therapy, relationship therapy (all types of relationships), therapy for men, and helping people create meaningful, lasting shifts in how they relate to themselves and others.

Justin's 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

Beyond my formal training, I also collaborate internationally as an Advanced Practitioner with the University of Ottawa’s Optimal Sexual Experiences research program, where I lead group therapy for couples working to rebuild desire, connection, and sexual intimacy.

In addition to clinical work, I’m actively involved in the broader field of relationship and sex therapy. 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, GQ Magazine, AARP, and The Seattle Times. Most recently, I was invited to speak at Bastyr University about the realities of becoming a sex therapist and applying couples therapy approaches in real-world practice. You can learn more about these contributions on my Media/Press page.

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.

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.