Elizabeth Rae Larson, MS, DHS, LMHC

I practice as a sex therapist and educator. I believe it takes two factors to build a successful working relationship: I must have competence in the areas you need assistance with, and you and I must be comfortable working together.

I am certified as a sex therapist and sex educator by the American Board of Sexology and am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (Washington license LH00005994) and a certified Safe Sex Instructor/Advisor.

I received a B.A. from Stanford University in 1963—a pre-medical psychology major with a specialty in learning theory. I received a Master of Science in Psychology from Washington State University in 1967. My interest was in experimental-clinical psychology, for example, assessment of treatment effectiveness and the examination of conscious vs. unconscious control in behavior modification. In the following years I (1) designed social skill and behavioral control programs for institutionalized children, adolescents and adults (Rainier School); (2) did telephone and drop-in counseling with adults (Seattle Counseling Service for Sexual Minorities); (3) read Masters and Johnson and their predecessors and began to study human sexuality more deeply.

I enrolled in trainings in sexuality, principally through the National Sex Forum of the Methodist Church. In 1975, I was one of the co-founders of Seattle Institute for Sex Therapy, Education, and Research. Today I am its Director. In 2001 I received a Doctor of Human Sexuality degree from the Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality and also acknowledge the contributions of the National Sex Forum; Kenneth Ray Stubbs, Ph.D.; Betty Dodson, Ph.D.; Joseph Kramer, M.Div., Ph.D. and the Body Electric School; the Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality; and the Society for Sex Therapy and Research to my practice. I use cognitive behavioral and other learning-based techniques in my practice and also focus on both biological and spiritual aspects of sexuality.

Over more than 50 years, sexuality has been my primary focus of study. I have applied this knowledge clinically as a sex therapist, assisting clients to understand and support their sexual development. As a sexuality counselor, I have helped clients to acquire and analyze information relevant to their lives. I have also worked with sexual trauma and exploitation victims and with sex offenders and others who find their sexual behavior to be out of control. I help clients learn self-management skills that will put them in charge of their lives. I work, clinically and educationally, with couples in long-term committed relationships to help revitalize their intimate and erotic connections.

My primary clinical specialization is in cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy and education. Cognitive-behavioral theory and techniques have been demonstrated effective in helping remedy a wide range of human problems. The techniques can assist you in clarifying your goals and learning how to act effectively to get what you wish accomplished. This form of therapy focuses on identifying and changing pivotal behaviors. Regular homework is an essential part of the process. In some circumstances it is necessary to include this form of intervention within a larger treatment context. Cognitive-Behavior Therapy, therefore, can be an accompaniment to long-term psychotherapy or psychiatric treatment. Consultation with referring or other relevant health professionals is strongly recommended.

I have worked, as a teacher, with other professionals, graduate and undergraduate students, and the general public. I have led classes or workshops on a wide variety of topics, including: organizing your life, dating and relationship development, sexual enhancement in relationship, sex and violence, remedies for trauma survivors and their partners, sex and spirituality, sexual minorities, and erotica/pornography. I have been an active member of the Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality, serving twice as Western Region representative on the Board of Directors and as Program Chair for three conferences. I am also a member of the Society for Sex Therapy and Research and have been active as well in international, interdisciplinary groups who focus partly or wholly on sexuality. I have a long-time interest in ancient civilizations, other cultures, and the origins of Homo sapiens which inform my opinions about “human nature.”

Seattle Institute for Sex Therapy, Education and Research offers free live telephone consultation to other professionals and the general public, Monday through Friday, 9:00 to 10:00 AM Pacific Time, (206) 522-8588. Also, I currently offer a monthly online professional consultation group through the Institute.