Ratings for Dr. Joaquim Sousa Posa
Sousa Posa, (I won't call him Dr. because I don't believe he deserves that title) practiced in ways that were highly questionable at best, and an absolute abuse of power on a more realistic level. I believe SP worked with clients with a large history of trauma since they were more vulnerable. While I believe he is probably an intelligent man (manipulators usually are) his actions and practices were deplorable.
From cuddling with his patients, encouraging them to beat body sized pillows with baseball bats, giving them antipsychotic drugs with no formal diagnosis of psychosis, to encouraging them to push away their entire family to promote healing (including their children).
I won't say that my family member went to SP without trauma, of course they had trauma to work through, that's why they were seeking treatment. What I can say without a doubt is that SP not only hindered their healing, but they became much more unstable while receiving "treatment" from SP. As someone who lives with trauma, I understand that as you process your trauma, it does get worse before it gets better. That's not the progression I'm talking about here. My family member went on to disown their children multiple times, almost blaming them for the trauma the patient had endured. This trauma had taken place decades before their children were born. The transgenerational and relational trauma and disease that SP facilitated is irreparable. So if it's power he's looking for, I guess he found it.
His practice was absolutely, without a doubt, cult like. His patients defending him like they would defend an abusive parent.
My heart breaks both for his patients and for his patients families and children.
One of the first things you'll learn about abusers is that they will isolate you before the abuse escalates to a level where your support network might be able to catch it.
SP effectively stole the foundational years of this persons relationships with their children. This person hasn't seen SP in years and is finally finding ways to connect with their family again.
Yes, in trauma work it may be both necessary and beneficial to remove some people from your life, people who were responsible for your trauma, not your kids!
I really hope he's not practicing anymore. If he is and a patient reads this, it's never too late to reconnect with your kids. This guy isn't trustworthy, reach out to your support network, to those you trust, seek therapy, but make sure you've found an ethical practitioner with healthy boundaries.
Submitted July 1, 2022
This man was in trouble with the College of Physicians for his manipulative, cult-like practices. Several patients launched complaints against him. I was not one of those people, but I know the facts of the matter. He avoided suspension by the College, by forcing his vulnerable patients to sign letters supporting him and denying the charges that had been brought against him. Failure to sign the forms would have resulted in their not being able to remain in his care. It was unethical. He was manipulative, and at times, abusive and destructive towards patients. He even married a patient, which is another breach of professional ethics.
Submitted Jan. 7, 2022
Mmm. I was in this therapy for 10 years. However it never stopped even when I left. The skills I acquired while in his care has changed my outlook on life and on those around me. I now have eyes to see the world more compassionately. Because I continue to use the skills I have been taught. This theory is for everyone however our ego tells us we don't need it. If the ego or neurosis wins we die not really living.
Submitted April 4, 2020
It is indeed a shame that the time has passed and Victoria / Galiano has been left without a pioneering physciatrist - one who actually makes a difference in making significant changes in a person's life. Big Loss for the world!
Submitted June 16, 2017
Uses outmoded and disproven therapies. He creates a cult like atmosphere where the individuals issues are secondary to validating his own ego. Too much physical touching made me extremely uncomfortable.
Submitted Jan. 22, 2016
Submitted Jan. 29, 2014
Depression was part of my life/for a lot of years.I rec'd ECTs,spent time in pschy. wards,had brain surgery,talking and group therapy. I was functional. Once, I saw Dr. Sousa-Poza and committed to enter therapy. I have gained self-worth,more confidence in myself, I trust more. I have been able to let go of my sexual abuses as well as mental,emotional,physical abuses. I recognize my triggers and reach out for guidance and work through therapy. I have not been hospitalized for depression for over 30 years. There have been ups and downs and I recognize them. I released over 60 llbs. I am happier and feel more whole within. Thanks to Dr.Sousa-Poza I walk with a smile and more confidence.
Submitted June 4, 2013
I was fortunate to meet Dr. Sousa-Poza when I had "nothing to lose". I was paranoid, walking with a bat in my home, unemployable, unable to socialize. Due to a traumatized childhood and total lack of emotional support from my parents I have a lot of anger and have difficulty deciphering my behavior (reaction) between reality, present and past. In fact, it is only in the last week I have become aware of my inability to make commitments to improve myself via education, steady employment, self-care because I could not feel my "real self". I was going through the motions but was absent inside suffering from deep despair and depression. Because of the therapy method, "motherly" nurturing and in the past medicated sessions (which helped speed up my progress a lot) and "fatherly" nurturing I am beginning to understand how to take responsibility for my behavior. I am now able to work and socialize. I intend to continue with this therapy - it is my lifeline.
Submitted May 27, 2013
Doctor Sousa-Poza was able to recognize my anoxeric tendencies as a reaction to abuse when I was a child. ALthough I haven't reclaimed all the things in my life that were lost because of the abuse I have much more in my life now than I could possibly imagine. It was his therapy that assisted me to work towards getting a better life.
Submitted May 26, 2013
I was in the care of Dr. Sousa-Posa for a year, ending in the early 2000. I had little to lose, as I was in an abusive relationship and was at the end of my ability to manage my relationship with my schizophrenic mother. Were it not for Dr. Sousa-Posa and his very unusual style of therapy, I cannot even imagine the misery I’d be living with today. My life completely changed as a result of this therapy. I now have a successful career, an amazing partner, and a healthy relational (with big boundaries) with my schizophrenic mother. Thank you Dr. Sousa-Posa. You gave me a better life.
Submitted Oct. 16, 2023