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?

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

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.