More about Jenn

Jenn Parretta, MA, LMFTA (WA), ATR-P, Certified sexologist (she/they)

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate (LMFTA) in WA State, Registered Provisional Art Therapist (ATR-P), ABS Certified Sexologist, and am currently working towards AASECT sex therapy certification under the supervision of Anne Mauro, Kim Castelo, and Tom Murray. I have earned my M.A. in Couple and Family Therapy with specializations in Creative Arts Therapy and Sex Therapy at Antioch University in Seattle, WA. Additionally, I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Neuropsychotherapy (NPT-C) techniques for trauma treatment. I am also trained in Gottman Therapy methods and as a Gottman Leader for the 7 Principles of Making Marriage Work program and a Gottman Educator for the Bringing Baby Home program. I own a private practice, Creative Wellbeings, in Tacoma, WA, and work with a variety of clients (ages 13+) wanting to gain more knowledge about themselves and their experiences.

I am passionate about helping others find their creative energy in life, whether that be through talking, art-making, or mindful movement. What I value most about my work is helping my clients become more knowledgeable about their own needs, desires, and pleasures and using that to propel their therapeutic process. Additionally, I aim to help individuals and families strengthen their relationships to create lasting changes.

I offer a neutral, strength-based approach to my work to help you feel validated throughout your therapeutic journey. I utilize a systemic and holistic lens when viewing my work as I believe there is a strong connection between the mind, body, and spirit in relation to the various systems of the world that you may enter into. In addition, I offer an open, non-judgmental stance in my space and welcome those who are LGBTQIA+, non-monogamous, sex workers, and/or kinky.

My background prior to private practice encompassed a variety of settings and populations. My clinical journey began with children and teens with Autism Spectrum Disorders and behavioral disorders in schools, clinics, and in-home. I also worked in residential Eating Disorder treatment which has allowed me to become well informed in the assessment and treatment of eating disorders. My journey then brought me to work in residential treatment with clients who experience Severe and Persistent Mental Illness and in youth shelters for houseless youth under 24. During this time, I also worked as a home based Sex Educator for families wanting extra support in educating their children. During my clinical school internships, I worked with children/teens, families, couples, and adults. My wide range of experience has allowed me to provide many resources for my clients and has given me assessment tools for many issues that some clinicians may overlook.

Credentials:

  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapy Associate (LMFTA) - WA State License #MG61205174

  • Certified Sexologist - American Board of Sexology (ABS) #23865

  • Registered Art Therapist-Provisional (ATR-P) - Art Therapy Credential Board #22-047

  • Certified in Neuropsychotherapy (NPT-C) - Mind Works Professional Education

  • Gottman Leader for the Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work Program - The Gottman Institute

  • Gottman Educator for the Bringing Baby Home program - The Gottman Institute

University Education:

  • Master of Arts in Couple & Family Therapy with an Art Therapy Specialization + Sex Therapy Certification - Antioch University

  • Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Family Science - Central Washington University

  • Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts with focuses in Psychology and Studio Art - Pierce College

Continuing Education (not all CEs are listed)

  • Cannabis Informed Therapy — Michael Buchert, Antioch University

  • Applied Tantra for Clinicians — Grace Bryant, Northwest Institute on Intimacy

  • Pelvic Health for Sex Therapists — Darshana Naik, Antioch University

  • Working with Consensually Non-Monogamous Folx — Nancy Owen, Antioch University

  • Sex Avoidance — Jessa Zimmerman, Antioch University

  • Best Practices in Prevention, Identification, and Treatment of Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders- Perinatal Support WA

  • Polyamory and Attachment — Jessica Fern, Relationship Super Conference

  • EMDR Therapy Training for Perinatal Mental Health Practitioners — Mara Tesler Stein, Institute for Creative Mindfulness

  • Expressive Arts, Mindfulness, and EMDR Therapy — Jamie Marich — Institute for Creative Mindfulness

  • Various courses in Psychedelic Assisted Therapy and Integration — Integrative Psychiatry Institute

  • Nature Therapy 101 — Becky Robbins — Cascade Training Institute

  • Gottman Leader training — The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work — David Penner & Laura Heck — The Gottman Institute

  • Gottman Educator training — Bringing Baby Home — Joni Parthemer, Julie Blackburn, Max Johnson — The Gottman Institute

  • Gottman Therapy Level 1 — John & Julie Gottman — The Gottman Institute

  • Neuropsychotherapy Certification Training — Jennifer Sweeton — Mind Works Professional Education

Professional Memberships:

  • American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy

  • Washington Association of Marriage and Family Therapy

  • American Association of Art Therapists

  • Evergreen Association of Art Therapists

  • American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors, and Therapists

  • American Board of Sexologists

  • EMDR International Association