Today we’d like to introduce you to Yariela Sequeira.
Yariela, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My love for my field started without me realizing it since it found me at a young age. I could identify different scenarios that resonate in my mind as to why I fell in love with psychology and all its realms; however, if I were to boil it down, I would say my passion for helping others started once I realized the beauty that comes with empowering another human being.
By high school, I was sure I wanted to pursue psychology as my major and career. Since then, I have been committed to my personal growth in order to better assist those who trust me with their journey.
I graduated college with my BS in Psychology alongside other concentrations. I immediately volunteered at the only psychiatric hospital in my country and fell even more in love with the compassion that can be expressed through patients who still believe in connecting with others. I also then volunteered at different orphanages becoming familiar with the much-needed love that we all seek from a very young age. I incorporated fundraising for the children allowing me to connect with the many different ways that humans can assist one another, even when it entails helping strangers.
By my late 20s, I moved back to Miami to pursue my masters. During that time, families allowed me into their home as a family coach, sharing with me the intricacies of the newly parenting challenges, I became certified as a childbirth teacher after being inspired by families during such a special time in their lives. Once in my 30s, I was offered the opportunity to work individually with sex offenders, domestic violence perpetrators, drug users and others who were just seeking different types of evaluations. That was a huge learning ground for me, amplifying my looking glass. My boss at the time also believed in me and taught me so many different formats that impacted my approach and expression of my style.
In 2015, one of my dream jobs knocked at my door allowing me to work with inmates. They taught me so much about pain, loyalty, trauma, love, masks, as well as the impact of a genuine intention amongst other things. For the past two years, I have been working with the homeless who suffer from addiction and who also seek treatment and second chances. Fast forward to 2018, by January, I felt confident in my ability to launch myself into private practice and as a blogger. With the support of my partners and loved ones, I jumped and here I am! I can now say my understanding of human-ness has not only exacerbated but is also complimented by my spiritual practice. Now, I am able to offer different perspectives based not only on my experience and studies but also from all the valuable lessons shared by those I’ve worked with along this journey. I am grateful and excited for what’s to come.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
My dad always quoted, “Do something you love and you will never work.” My jobs have had their challenges but they have never been hard. I have loved each and every one of them, so that makes a difference. Yes, I have worked in what others would call difficult environments and have even changed jobs due to the environment not vibing with my personal beliefs or energy. However, counseling and remaining true to my purpose has never been a struggle. Having said that, the road to starting private practice and blogging has not been smooth. As I mentioned, it took me quite some time to jump and feel confident in my landing, The reason being that personal insecurities visit me every now and then. I am human and I too carry my own baggage. I go through it too as I also work on myself responding to some curveballs I am sometimes unprepared for. My partner and friend who cowrites in our blog have witnessed and heard many of my plans gone astray due to situational stressors, family issues, romantic breakups, and just life surprises. Fortunately, I’ve never been unemployed and count with a very supportive network. Nevertheless, I have had instances of lacking financial resources to “fund” the dream and worries about “how” to make it happen. Moreover, with so many social media options I sometimes struggle finding the best way to share my message without getting lost in translation.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I’ll start by sharing that Therapy Outside the Box was created by two women, Xiomara and myself who were tired of the classic concept of therapy… the couch in an office with limited ways of expressing ourselves as therapists and offering our services. I am proud to say that we both believe in holistic approaches and integrate them into our practice and writing. For the blog, we usually alternate on writing posts, but sometimes, we collaborate on a specific topic which is always very powerful. We also have very distinct styles that complement one another.
I describe my style as a mix of elegance, rawness, and compassion. I love real conversations and believe no topic is off the table. I must admit, I respectfully curse, use common language, no lingo and just express me the best way I can. I intend to give you my genuine self in exchange for you being true to you. I also share personal experiences as I am not perfect and want my clients to know I too make mistakes.
I am known for incorporating meditation, sound healing, reiki, card readings, and “eclectic” approaches to therapy. I love crystals and essential oils, so as my client you might be gifted one or introduced to some of them. I sometimes conduct sessions in nature as some of my clients prefer that vs an office/enclosed space. Distance sessions are also accommodated since some of my clients live outside Miami.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was sassy. I have always been outgoing and I’ve always loved to dance. I would coordinate dances with my cousins during family gatherings, participate in events that others would shy from, and even take on some “risky” independent choices. My mom used to share how I once jumped on a different school bus to my house because “I was tired of the same route.” I love that story! Even though I always have followed rules and societal norms, with my personal permission I have also broken a rule or two in order to self-express. Now, if you ask my dad, he’ll tell you I’ve always been bossy, and my brother would second that given he nicknamed me ‘mother hen.’
I have always been righteous yet outstanding. For instance, I pierced my ear at 16 without my mother’s approval. I got my first tattoo at age 21 without either of my parents’ approval. Some of my favorite shows across different ages were Saved by the Bell, Miami Ink, Spirit Talks, Haunted Houses, and shows about couples in single islands (lol). I continue to love shows like Lock-down, Sons of Anarchy, The Walking Dead, Orange is the New Black, Game of Thrones, Hauntings and horror movies, alongside spiritual shows on Gaia, documentaries and Teal Swan.
Contact Info:
- Address: 5201 Blue Lagoon Drive
- Website: www.therapyoutsidetheboxblog.com
- Phone: 786-571-6617
- Email: yslfdiscovery@gmail.com
Image Credit:
(professional picture) Visions and Addictions by Vivian Gonzalez
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