Sex Therapy & Intimate Relationship
Therapy for Tacoma, WA

Pierce County sits on the unceded territory of the Coast Salish people. The first settlers of the land which is now referred to as Pierce County, were the ancestors of today's Nisqually, Puyallup, Squaxin, Steilacoom, and Muckleshoot Indians.

In particular, Tacoma is situated on the traditional lands of the Puyallup Tribe.

The Puyallup Tribe is known as the spuyaləpabš, the literal translation of this word means

“people from the bend at the bottom of the river.” (Source)

The home of the Puyallup tribe extended from present-day Puyallup into present-day Tacoma.

The history and legacy of this land respects the earth and its elements, all wildlife, and the powerful, restorative energy of nature’s wisdom.

Ryan Therapy Services highly values the healing power of the natural world and genuinely respects the history of the generations who have called Tacoma and Pierce County, home.

Who Am I as a Therapist practicing in the heart of Pierce County?

This is what I believe I can offer my community through my therapy practice:

• A place for clients to cultivate emotional, relational and sexual well-being.
• A place to receive accurate, science-based information about human sexuality.
• A place to recover from purity culture and negative narratives about sexuality.
• A place to create positive narratives that lead to joy and sexual well-being.
• A place to heal from the shame and pain(emotional and physical) associated with one’s body, sexuality and gender identity and expression.
• A place for clients to claim and honor their erotic and sexual truths. This includes all humans: straight and LGBTQIA2S+, monogamous, traditional couples, consensually nonmonogamous, and polyamorous relationships.
• A place for clients to learn how to live an authentic life.
• A place for clients to discover, reclaim, return to, and remember the parts within them that allow them to celebrate the beautiful and unique way they love.
  
  

Who I Am Professionally:

My Credentials:

I am an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist.
Certified Sex Therapists are psychotherapists who are skilled in the process of therapy, and have an extensive understanding of human sexuality. AASECT certified sex therapists have received in-depth training in sexuality, sexual health, and sexual challenges. You can learn more at the American Association of Sexuality, Educators, Counselors, and Therapists.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. 
I received my Masterʼs Degree from Pacific Lutheran University Marriage and Family Therapy program in 1998. I have been practicing therapy ever since. 

My practice reflects the belief that tending to our emotional, psychological, relational sexual and socio-cultural wounds allows us to live more intentionally, respectfully and mindfully. It is then that we are able to be part of healing the collective community.

I focus on addressing a variety of intimacy and sexual challenges faced by humans of all races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, abilities, gender identities, and relationship structures.

I work with individuals and those within monogamous and ethically non-monogamous relationships.

I offer the following:

• Intimate Relationship Therapy
• Sex Therapy
• Sacred Sex and Eroticism Courses
• Guided Meditations
• Healing Circles for Women
  
  

I am now proudly serving clients in Pierce and Kitsap counties.

Places to Explore in Tacoma, WA:

If you are new to the community or just want to learn of some vital community resources, business and activities, here are just a few of the many wonderful things to do and places to go.

Fort Nisqually Living History Museum, Metro Parks
“Discover what life was like on the Puget Sound in the 1850s. Fort Nisqually Living History Museum’s mission: Engaging a diverse regional audience with Puget Sound’s first globally connected settlement through historic preservation, experiential learning, and interpretation." (Source: Fort Nisqually EventBrite page)

Ruston Way Community
“LIVE, WORK, SHOP, DINE, PLAY. A Resort inspired waterfront community on the south Sound.”

Check out the following Tacoma establishments: 

The Spar Tavern
A great place to eat, drink and gather since the 1920’s.

Valhalla Coffee
For delicious coffee, roasted in Tacoma.

Source Yoga. Center for Yoga and Mindfulness

RE Tacoma REPurpose, ReUse, ReStore
From their website and in their own words:
“What is RE Tacoma? A low-cost, membership-based collaborative for environmentally and socially conscious entrepreneurs and businesses.

What’s the reason behind RE Tacoma? It is time-consuming and often cost-prohibitive to source reused/repurposed materials, properly recycle hard-to-recycle items, purchase products that are human/planet friendly, life-affirming, and local, and divest from extractive products, services, and companies. We want to offer an alternative - a model for how it could be. A hub of innovation that Reinvests in community and the larger ecosystem.”

For more information on the history of Tacoma take a look at the following sites: 

The Puyallup Tribe

Washington History

Tacoma History