About
Dr. Constance Avery-Clark
Clinical Psychologist & Sex Therapist
I have been an active and successful private clinical practitioner and psychologist for nearly 30 years, providing therapy for couples’ and individuals’ sexual, intimacy, and relationship concerns and enhancement in South Florida.
About Me
In addition to being a Licensed Psychologist in private practice for over 30 years, I am also the Co-Director of the Institute for Sexual & Relationship Therapy & Training, and an AASECT-Certified Diplomate in Sex Therapy. With two Ph.D.s (in Clinical Psychology and the Psychology of Jungian Studies), I’m a CE provider through APA and AASECT. I have published numerous articles and have presented nationally and internationally on the subject of intimacy, relationships, and meaningfulness. Together with Linda Weiner, my long-time colleague and friend from Masters & Johnson Institute, we authored Sensate Focus in Sex Therapy: The Illustrated Manual.
I specialize in sexual and relationship problems as well as depressive, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, impulse control, self-identity disorders, and meaning-of-life issues.
Clinical Psychology & Intensive, Sex & Relationship Therapy
I completed my first Ph.D., in Clinical Psychology, from the University of Southern California, focusing on intensive, cognitive-behavioral approaches to helping resolve sexual and relationship concerns. I then trained and worked for five years as a Clinical & Research Associate at Masters & Johnson Institute where the entire field of sex and relationship therapy was developed. I also participated in a training practicum in short-term therapy under Albert Ellis at the Rational-Emotive-Behavioral Institute.
Clinical Psychology & In-Depth Intimacy, Relationship, and Individual Therapy
However, over the years, my clients have taught me that there is often more to their sexual and intimate relationships, and more to their individual lives, than short-term, intensive therapy can address. So I recently completed a second Ph.D. in the Psychology of Jungian Studies, examining sexual and relationship therapy from a depth perspective under the direction of James Hollis, Ph.D., an expert in the more profound dynamics of intimate relationships.
Integrating Intensive & In-Depth Sex, Relationship, and Individual Therapy
Now I work with couples and individuals from whatever therapeutic approach is most appropriate to resolve their sexual and relationship concerns, enhance their intimacy, and enlarge their personal development within their relationships. I emphasize the integration of practical, here-and-now, sexual, communications, thought, and feelings management skills with more deeply rooted, dynamic explorations of their intimacy and individual concerns.
Education & Training
- Masters & Johnson Institute six-month traineeship in sex and relationship therapy
- Ph.D., Clinical Psychology, University of Southern California
- Ph.D., Psychology-Jungian Studies, Saybrook University
- B.A., Psychology, Magna Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa, Connecticut College
Licensure & Certification
- Licensed Psychologist, Florida, PY #3980
- Diplomate in Sex Therapy, American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT)
- Diplomate in Sex Therapy, American Board of Sexology
- Certified Sex Therapist, AASECT
- Continuing Education Provider, AASECT
Professional Associations & Board Affiliations
- American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) – Member
- Certified Diplomate in Sex Therapy, and Continuing Education Provider
- American Board of Sexology – Diplomate in Sex Therapy
- American Psychological Association – Member
- Center for Jungian Studies of South Florida (CJSSF), Vice-President and Program Committee Chair, 2009-present
Training & Events
Workshops, Conferences, and Continuing Education Opportunities
I have published, lectured, and spoken nationally on radio and television, on matters of intimacy, sexuality, women and stress, and the problems of dual-career couples, including an appearance on the TODAY SHOW.
Workshops & Conferences
I present regularly at professional workshops and conferences on sexuality, intimacy relationships, individual development within relationships, and meaning-in-life concerns.
Continuing Education
I regularly attend and present at Continuing Education conferences, seminars, and workshops to stay updated on latest developments in the fields of sexuality, intimacy, relationships, and individual concerns within the relationship context.
In The Past
Masters & Johnson
In the past I have served as Clinical and Research Associate at Masters & Johnson Institute in St. Louis for five years, assessing and treating sexual dysfunctions and disorders, intimacy and relationship distresses, and sexual and physical victimization.
Published Author
Sensate Focus In Sex Therapy: The Illustrated Manual
The Co-Directors of the Institute for Sexual & Relationship Therapy & Training (Linda Weiner, LCSW, and Constance Avery-Clark, Ph.D.) announce the Routledge publication of the first reader-friendly illustrated manual showing how to do the mindful touch exercises called Sensate Focus, a foundation of sex therapy. It uses artful drawings and descriptive text. Sensate Focus in Sex Therapy: The Illustrated Manual helps therapists, their clients, and the general public use touching to resolve sexual concerns and optimize intimate satisfaction. It represents the fulfillment of William Masters and Virginia Johnson’s intention to publish a detailed account of the steps involved in Sensate Focus. It has been updated for use in the more diversified world.
