Dr. Thelma Tennie, Ph.D. Clinical Sexologist | Trauma Therapist | Author | International Speaker | Founder | Educator | Advocate
Dr. Thelma Tennie is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Certified Clinical Sexologist, born in Washington, D.C., with deep multicultural roots, her paternal family of Jamaican descent and her maternal lineage rooted in Native American heritage. She is widely respected for her compassionate and insightful approach to therapy, specializing in helping business professionals and couples manage life’s daily stressors and overcome debilitating anxiety.
Her clinical expertise includes: Sexual trauma recovery, Relational and sexual satisfaction, Polyamorous relationship systems, Sexual dysfunction, Infidelity and betrayal trauma.
In 2015, Dr. Tennie founded Healing Arts Institute of South Florida International, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit mental health organization. As CEO, she leads a diverse team of master’s- and PhD-level therapists and supervises licensure-track clinicians. Under her leadership, the Institute offers free mental health services for children and a sliding fee scale for adults, fulfilling its mission to “Inspire Hope, Health, & Mental Well-Being.”
In 2020, she expanded the organization’s impact by founding Healing Arts Institute’s Graduate school, a private institution of higher education approved by the Florida Department of Education and its Commission for Independent Education. The institute offers: A PhD in Clinical Sexology, A Certificate in Clinical Sexology, A Master of Science and Doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy. These online and residential programs are designed to be affordable and accessible, especially for bachelor’s and master’s-level licensed clinicians seeking advanced training across the U.S.
Dr. Tennie holds: a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy, a PhD in Clinical Sexology and completion of all doctoral coursework (ABD) for a second PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy.
Dr. Thelma Tennie brings over 15 years of experience as a trauma therapist and more than 14 years of research expertise in the early diagnosis and treatment of autism, with a particular focus on the critical role of early psychoeducation.
Her broad academic and clinical interests include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Early Childhood Sexual Education, and social sciences education. She previously held certification as a Broward County public school teacher in adult Social Science and was recognized as Alumna of the Year in both 2016 and 2017 by Nova Southeastern University.
Dr. Tennie has presented nationally and internationally, including:
– The Normal University, Beijing, China – The Prevalence of Autism in the U.S. and China
– The National Sex Conference, Munich, Germany – Polyamorous Systems
– Association of Black Sexologists and Clinicians – Sex Education in Diverse Communities
– Columbia College Chicago – Sexual Health and Education
– St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands – Polyamorous Relationship Structures
She is a Florida State Qualified Supervisor for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Interns and Licensed Mental Health Counselor Interns. Dr. Tennie is a professional member and approved supervisor of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), and is actively engaged with numerous organizations including:
– Women Leading Broward (WLB)
– Broward County Black Chamber of Commerce
– Fort Lauderdale Women’s Executive Club
– Association of Black Sexologists and Clinicians (ABSC)
– International Society for Sexual Medicine (ISSM)
– American Board of Sexology (ABS)
Dr. Tennie is also a published author of three books available on Amazon:
– Mindfulness Daily Reflection Journal
– Our Relationship Business Plan: A Complete Workbook to Learn About Yourself and Your Partner
– Our Marriage Business Plan (Co-Author): A Premarital Workbook for Couples Planning to Marry or Strengthen Their Existing Relationship
Her work continues to empower individuals and couples to explore healing, intimacy, and self-awareness through therapeutic practice, education, and community leadership.