About Dr. Ashley Sweet | Certified Sex Therapist & Relationship Specialist

Dr. Ashley Sweet in her sex therapy office smiling with blonde hair and a colorful tattoo.

Hi, I’m Dr. Ashley Sweet. I know that identity matters—both who we are, how we navigate the world, and how we experience intimacy.

Here is a little bit about who I am and how I got here:

I am a white, college-educated, bisexual/queer woman (she/her) passionate about helping individuals and couples build deep connection, body autonomy, and pleasure. I bring a non-judgmental, feminist, and trauma-informed lens to all of my clinical work.

My Journey & Clinical Background

I have worked directly in sexual and reproductive healthcare since 2008, including 14 years at Planned Parenthood and extensive frontline experience at a community rape crisis center. As a longtime feminist activist, I co-founded a grassroots non-profit art and empowerment space—St. Pete Women’s Collective / Venus—which served the St. Petersburg, Florida community for five years.

Throughout my career, I have facilitated countless community initiatives (including local #MeToo and #TimesUp events), therapeutic processing groups, and women’s empowerment retreats. I am an artist, a dreamer, and a firm believer in the power of connection, somatic healing, and imagination to bring forth a better tomorrow.

Credentials, Clinical Experience & Leadership

Education & Specialized Training

  • Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Clinical Sexology – Modern Sex Therapy Institutes (2020–2023)

    • Doctoral Focus: Building reproductive and abortion-affirming mental health networks in all 50 states.

  • Master of Arts (M.A.) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling – University of South Florida (2012–2014)

    • CACREP-Accredited Program.

  • Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Sociology & Women’s and Gender Studies – Stetson University (2004–2008)

Relevant Certifications, Fellowships & Honors

  • AASECT Certified Sex Therapist (CST) – American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (2023–Present)

  • Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist – Certified via The Knowledge Tree / Dr. Becky Beaton-York (2022)

  • Graduate, Omega Women’s Leadership Intensive – Omega Institute for Holistic Studies (2017)

  • Member, Alpha Kappa Delta – National Sociological Honors Society (2005–2008)

Academic & Research Leadership

  • Institutional Review Board (IRB) Reviewer – Modern Sex Therapy Institutes (2022–2024)

    • Evaluated doctoral-level clinical sexology research proposals, methodology, and ethical compliance.

  • National Manager of Affiliate Research – Planned Parenthood Federation of America (2019–2022)

    • Managed clinical research operations, protocols, and safety across a national network of 53 Planned Parenthood affiliates.

  • Director of Research & Associate Director of the Clinical Abortion Training Center, Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida (2008–2019)

    • Developed comprehensive clinical training programs, led clinical trials, and co-authored published peer-reviewed research on reproductive care. Provided emotional support and patient education for clients receiving abortion care.

Community Advocacy, Non-Profit & Group Facilitation

  • Founder & CEO – Pro-Choice Therapists (2022–2025)

    • Built the first international directory and educational membership network for abortion-affirming mental health providers.

  • Founder & Board President – St. Pete Women’s Collective / Venus (2017–2022)

    • Established a 501(c)(3) community organization supporting women and gender-diverse creative enrichment, facilitating #MeToo survivor processing circles, empowerment retreats, and nonviolent communication workshops.

  • Clinical Sexual Assault Counselor – Rape Crisis Program, Manatee Glens, Bradenton, FL (2014–2015)

    • Provided specialized individual, family, and group therapy for survivors of sexual violence and severe trauma.

Selected Peer-Reviewed Publications

Professional Licenses & State Telehealth Registrations

  • Maine: Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC #CC7671)

  • Massachusetts: Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC #10001003)

  • Virginia: Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC #0701008856)

  • Florida: Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC #MH15424)

  • Connecticut: Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC #9856)

  • Idaho: Telehealth Mental Health Counselor (#9971187)

  • Vermont: Telehealth Mental Health Counselor (#068.0137459TELE)