My name is Dr. David Sequeira. My goal in therapy is to help my patients deal with the past, focus on the present and be ready to face the future with confidence and hope. It is important to help the patient to build strong self-esteem. In Marital Therapy, I believe the therapist tries to build a bridge on two solid pillars. If the couple have dealt with their past adequately, then I try to help them communicate as "adults" and not as "parents" or "children". I dealt with substance abuse clients for 20 years and specialized in treating people who suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). I speak Spanish.
My approach
I have my own approach in therapy. I tell my patients that I have stolen flowers from other psychologists but the bouquet is mine. I was first a Marriage and Family therapist (1976) and then a Psychologist (1991).
My focus
I work with adolescents, adults both male and female with any sexual orientation. I have specialized in the Hispanic Culture and wrote my dissertation: How Machismo is related to Alcoholism among the Hispanics.
My communication style
I want my patients to build a good relationship with me so that they can trust me and be ready to open up so that I am able to make a good diagnosis to better treat them.
My journey to mental healthcare
I came to the United States to do my Masters in Psychology. I worked in Brazil for some years and realized that I needed to study psychology to help them better. After I finished my Masters at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, I continued my studies and earned my doctorate from The Wright Institute of Los Angeles. I have been doing this work for the last 45 years and I love what I do.
My goals for you
After I have done an intake, I inform the patient what I think needs to be dealt with and ask the patient if they agree and if they have their own goals in therapy.
My first session with you
I just want to know who my patient is and get all the information I can get from the patient. I then show them how I do therapy. The first two sessions are dedicated to laying the foundation of my therapy.