Introducing Helmer F. Figueiredo, our newest clinician!
What did you do before you became a psychologist?
Psychology and how the brain works has been a lifelong passion for me as far as I can remember. It is interesting to note that I attended medical school in Brazil (Universidade Federal de Sergipe, Brazil) and also subsequently earned a combined PhD in Toxicology/ Pharmacology and Neuroscience at the University of Kentucky (Lexington, Kentucky) before my doctorate in clinical psychology. While In medical school, I completed 2 years of practicum in each of the following medical specialties: inpatient/outpatient psychiatry, neurology and neurosurgery, and emergency medicine (including psychiatric emergencies). I also participated in laboratory research in neuroanatomy and dedicated extensive amounts of time in the psychiatric wards. Immediately after medical school, I came to the US and obtained my PhD in neuroscience. Given my strong interest in psychotherapy (see below), I decided to enroll in the doctorate program in Clinical Psychology at Xavier University (Cincinnati, Ohio) instead of returning to Brazil for a residency in psychiatry. Of note, I was already working as a neuroscientist investigating brain mechanisms involved in anxiety, depression, and sex differences in stress-related behaviors prior to enrolling in my doctorate in clinical psychology. I have several scientific publications on the brain and stress, and those can be found online. Reflecting back, my past experiences in medical school and neuroscience research gave me a very strong, hands-on scientific/evidence-based approach to the practice of psychotherapy. More recently, I worked at the Orlando VA Medical Center for the past 6 years, was also a professor at University of Central Florida Medical School, and therapy supervisor for psychiatry medical residents.
How did you become interested in clinical psychology?
My interest in psychotherapy arose during my first practicum in psychiatry while still in medical school. My classmates already knew about my interest in mental health and mental illnesses and thus I naturally became “the psychotherapist” in my class. I was working with patients with mental illnesses and intuitively learned that a strong medical relationship with the patient, including empathy and genuine interest, was as important as psychiatric medication. My medical supervisors noted that my warmth, listening skills, and holistic approach were very therapeutic to the patients, despite my strong knowledge of pharmacology. During that time, I read extensively on theories of personality and realized my passion for psychotherapy. It was during my PhD work on stress and anxiety that my determination to become a clinical psychologist solidified.
What types of clients do you love working with?
I enjoy working with a diverse range of adult (ages 18 and above) clients/patients, including those suffering from anxiety, depression, psychosis, and personality disorders. Also, given my interest in cultural diversity, I enjoy working with clients/patients from diverse ethnical backgrounds and diverse range of gender orientation. In addition to civilians, I also love working with American veterans and have solid work experience at the VA medical center. I typically use a cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) approach to psychological problems, but strongly believe in individualized psychological treatments (rather than one-size fits all approach). I am very passionate about motivating clients for treatment, helping clients with setting up clear therapeutic goals, teaching hands-on psychological skills to manage their problems, and coaching them towards overcoming psychological difficulties and setbacks. I can firmly say that my final goal and passion is to help individuals thrive in life.
What is something you wish everyone knew about therapy?
I want everyone to know that psychotherapy can powerfully, directly, and effectively move them towards mental health success. I want them to discover in therapy that they are not alone and to experience through therapy the empowerment and skills knowledge needed to achieve their mental health goals.
Where can we find you when you aren’t in the office?
You can find me working out at the local gym, or at home enjoying the company of my books, music, and family.
