ABOUT DR. CARLA ROSINSKI

THERAPY AND SEXUAL HEALTH IN SALEM, MA

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I am so glad you found your way here

Welcome to your next step in healing and growth

I’m a licensed mental health clinician, certified sex therapist, and consultant with over 20 years of experience in mental health and wellness. I work with people of all genders, sexualities, and relationship structures who seek to better understand themselves, their world, and how to embrace pleasure and authenticity in their lives.

Deciding to seek out therapy can feel challenging, and you may feel unsure or worried about choosing a therapist. Most of us, including me, will provide a brief consultation at no cost to answer initial questions. I encourage people to talk to several therapists if they are able. Finding a good fit for your needs and someone you think you can connect with is the first goal in any process.

I am honest, direct, and connect deeply with my clients

My approach to therapy is based on relational, intersectional feminist, and systemic theories. My therapeutic style is compassionate, collaborative, and critically conscious. I prioritize my clients lived experiences and actively work towards/ am committed to dismantling and disrupting the systemic structures that create and contribute to negative health outcomes.

If you choose to work with me, we will collaborate to develop a plan to fit your unique needs and goals. You can read more about my experience and values in the sections below.

I work with personal issues in the context of social and cultural influences

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Together, we can map the direction of therapy and heal the wounds and patterns that have gone unspoken or cause pain and problems in your life.

Therapy can be an exciting resource in your growth. Often therapy is likened to “investing in yourself” and I agree. Everyone can benefit from a therapeutic relationship and devoted time and attention to working on advancing your wellness in your personal or professional life. If you have the time but not the money to invest, contact me about my deep sliding scale slots if I am out of network for your insurance.

Choosing a path of healing and/or growth can be challenging, but it can also be exciting, fulfilling, and powerful! Whether you are just beginning your journey or are looking toward a new step, you can contact me to see if I am a good fit for your needs.

Professional Bio

Carla is a Licensed Mental Health Clinician, AASECT certified sex therapist and a certified member of the WPATH global education initiative. She received a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Lesley University with an emphasis on Transformative Leadership, Applied Research, and Education. As a queer therapist, Carla has a commitment to supporting the LGBTQ+ communities and increasing access to LGBTQIA+ and gender-affirming healthcare.

Carla began her professional career working in HIV service organizations and providing HIV education in schools and businesses. She became a sex educator in Cambridge Public Schools and spent several years providing sexual health counseling in a school-based health center before becoming a licensed therapist. Her graduate training included internships at a rape crisis center and LGBTQ+ healthcare, as well as a trauma center in South Africa.
Carla began her private practice in 2011 after several years in community mental health and trauma-informed care, including work with youth and parents involved in the foster care system and clients struggling with substance use. Carla moved to private practice primarily to provide competent and affirming care for the trans and nonbinary communities and to advocate for increasing access to what we now call gender-affirming medical and mental health care. More than I decade later this remains an important part of her practice. Carla maintains personal and professional relationships in the LBGTQ+ communities and prioritizes community leads developments in professional research and literature.

Why sex therapy and/or sexual health?

Sexuality is a fundamental part of the human experience and overall wellbeing, and yet almost everything we learn in our sex-negative culture is false. I became a sex therapist to help others “unlearn” these messages which create barriers to health, joy, and pleasure in our lives!

Feelings of insecurity regarding the question of “am I normal?” are often the manifestations resulting from exposure to the systems of oppression that organize our society. These feelings can be even more pronounced as it relates to our experiences of sexuality and gender, exasperated depending on positions of race, disability, and class. A big part of my job is supporting clients in identifying and healing from harmful cultural scripts and myths that may be preventing a deeper understanding and connection in their relational and sexual lives.

The journey of embracing authenticity and re/claiming pleasure is one of the most important and impactful parts of our well-being and I am excited that you are here!

Professional Credentials and Affiliations

Degrees and Certifications

  • Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling Psychology, emphasis on Transformative Leadership,
    Applied Research and Education from Lesley University
  • Commonwealth of Massachusetts Licensed Mental Health Counselor (MA LMHC #7330)
  • AASECT Certified Sex Therapist (CST)
  • WPATH Global Education Initiative Certified provider
  • NBCC National Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (NCCMHC)
  • NCSF Kink Aware Professional (KAP)

Areas of specialization and research interests

  • LGBTQ+ affirmative care
  • Transgender and Nonbinary health and access to care
  • Cisgenderism /cis-heternormativity
  • Sexual health and wellness in counseling
  • Social justice and equity activists and change-makers
  • Anti-oppression clinical practice and research
  • Disability Justice
  • Anxiety and depression
  • Trauma
  • Sexuality
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Balancing work and family life/countering capitalism in wellness

Professional Affiliations

  • American Association for Sex Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT)
  • The World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH)
  • National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC)
  • National Coalition for Sexual Freedom (NCSF)
  • American Psychological Association (APA)
  • Division 5: Society for Qualitative Inquiry in Psychology (SQIP)
  • Division 17: Counseling Psychology
  • Division 44: Society for the Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity

Professional Roles

  • Adjunct Professor; Lesley University; Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
  • Faculty; South Shore Sexual Health; AASECT Sex Therapy Training Program
  • Board Member; Private Practice Colloquium
  • Committee Member; WPATH Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement Committee
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