Real Stories. Real Healing. Real Results.
What Our Clients Say
At Alves Psychotherapy, we are honored to be a part of our clients’ healing journeys. Hear directly from those who have experienced the compassionate care and expert guidance of Dr. Rosilda James. Their stories reflect the transformative impact of therapy and the power of hope, growth, and resilience.
“I had the opportunity to attend Dr. Rosilda Alves’s presentation at the Poderosa Conference for Cape Verdean Women in 2019. Dr. Alves skillfully addressed a sensitive topic with both compassion and clarity, delivering insights that not only educated but also deeply motivated the audience. Her ability to engage people and inspire them to take action is remarkable. By having Dr. Alves speak at your event, your audience will gain a powerful understanding of the challenges related to sexual abuse and be moved to actively participate in the protection of the most vulnerable.”
Mrs. Virginia DePina
Dr. Rosilda Alves’s book, The Garden of Secrets: Hope and Healing, is a testimony of resilience and optimism for all survivors of sexual abuse. Dr. Alves is a leader in her field and an exceptional advocate for vulnerable children who have been impacted by sexual abuse. I attended her book presentation in Fogo Island, Cabo Verde, in April 2023. She is an impressive public speaker and activist for improving Mental Health care in the islands. Dr. Alves encouraged the audience to collectively protect children and create a safe space for victims entering their healing journey. Her courage and compassion for survivors are a true inspiration as she trains mental health providers in Cabo Verde and the United States.
Idalina S. Afopa, FNP-BC | Family Nurse Practitioner – Board Certified
Dr. Rosilda’s work with women survivors of sexual trauma is absolutely, groundbreaking. Her talk at Poderoza International Conference on Cabo Verdean Women was transformative. She brought the audience to tears, made us laugh, and led many to experience breakthroughs in healing with her authenticity and power to speak truth with love and fearlessness. The keynote was based on her book—a first for the Cabo Verdean nation and Diaspora—and truly proved to be a life changing encounter for all those who never felt seen, heard or affirmed.
Dr. Aminah Fernandes Pilgrim. | Associate Professor | African Studies
It was an honor and a great pleasure to be present at the presentation of Rosilda’s book. This event marked the first release of the work in Portuguese, after its initial version in English. The book explores the sexually abuse children. Rosilda narrates how these atrocities occurred in the past and how they were seen by adults at the time. As a survivor of this type of abuse in her childhood, the author wrote this book to warn us about children who, unfortunately, continue to go through the same thing. Rosilda is an extraordinary woman, committed to helping women in different countries. I highly recommend reading this work, which is an important warning and call to conscience. Thank you very much for your work
Mrs. Olga Macedo
I would like to share my appreciation to Doctor Rosilda Alves for her presentation that she did in Brown University for the Poderoza convention that she spoke about her book which I end up purchasing one for me and my daughter. As a survivor of child abuse, she made me feel heard and seen. She shared insightful information for parents, survivors and holding perpetrators responsible and challenging culture norms for a radical reform. I recommend her book, and she is an incredible speaker on this taboo topic
Mss. Nair Fontes
I have worked with Dr. James for over a decade. While being an excellent clinical and writer, she has an excellent presentation style, knows her material very well and help her clients quickly and effectively. It is a pleasure to attend her presentations where she shares ideas and ways of being effective with patients. One of her many areas of expertise is those who have been suffering from sexual abuse, suicidal patients and crisis interventions.. Her presentations are very effective and not to be missed.
Dr. Paul Gaiser, PHD | Psychologist
Dr. Alves presented her pioneering work on speaking out and addressing sexual abuse in the Capo Verdean community at a didactic training in our mental health clinic. Her intelligent and engaging manner won over the toughest audience ever; a roomful of therapists. She was able to open up about a topic (sexual trauma) that can be very difficult to address, in a manner that was both inspiring and motivating. I believe that each person in the room was touched in their own unique way and left the training a
Katherine Walker, PhD | Psychologist.
Dr. Alves presented her pioneering work on speaking out and addressing sexual abuse in the Capo Verdean community at a didactic training in our mental health clinic. Her intelligent and engaging manner won over the toughest audience ever; a roomful of therapists. She was able to open up about a topic (sexual trauma) that can be very difficult to address, in a manner that was both inspiring and motivating. I believe that each person in the room was touched in their own unique way and left the training a
Katherine Walker, PhD | Psychologist.
“The Garden of Secrets sheds light into the devastating reality of sexual abuse in a society that silences the victims and hides the truth. With honesty and emotion, Dr. Rosilda Alves offers a voice to those who have been silenced. It’s a courageous read that offers hope and a way forward.”
Paulo R. Pina, MD, MPH | Pediatrician
The Garden of Secrets is a book that talks about lived experiences, but provides guidance on how to do better, as a Community, as a society and most importantly provide support and love to survivors of sexual abuse. Its launch in the City of Praia was in partnership with Cooperação Portuguesa and Centro Cultural Português, due to the value of the theme and the gesture of friendship nurtured by Dr. Rosilda James, because she gave herself to help Cape Verde and especially her Island in terms of supporting the Local Network for the Protection of Children against Abuse and Sexual Exploitation. She uses her life experience, her education, and her therapeutic and her finances to provide an avenue for change
ACRIDES | President Lourenca Tavares
I would like to congratulate Dr. Alves on the launch of her book The Graden of Secrets, in Cabo Verde and Portugal. This book is not just a literary work, but a true testimony of courage and resilience. Since its release, The Graden of Secrets has deeply touched the hearts of many readers, social activists, bringing to light the story of pain and overcoming what is silenced. The impact this book has had is immeasurable, providing not only awareness but also hope and support for those who have gone through similar experiences. She is also an incredible speaker and provides insightful training with ease on several topics by making it transformative and experiential. Your work is a light that guides all who are suffering by bringing light to darkness.
CABOVERDIAN ASSOCIATION FOR THE FIGHT AGAINST GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE President: Vicenta Fernandes
Dr Alves speaks on topics that are critically important—child sexual abuse, cultural context, and community transformation. Her perspective comes out of decades of experience, boundless compassion, and creativity coupled with pragmatism. Her work is always inspiring!
Dr. Becky Pizer, PHD Psychologist.
I met Dr. Rosilda, through her book. The stories in the book are the same as those I hear in my office. What changes are the names of the victims. Violence against children and adolescents is a scourge that is more prevalent in poor and rural countries. Dr. Rosilda’s concern is to show that this scourge exists, that it needs to be fought urgently, and that psychosocial support is one of the pillars for recovering from the trauma caused by sexual abuse. Yes, it is possible for victims to still be happy despite the violence they have suffered. During her presentation to the group in the training, the bucket of cold water came… She was a continuous victim… The first sentence that came to my mind was, “What material is this WOMAN made of… this WOMAN is the definition of strength. ” To this day, in all my years of work, I have never met a victim with such amazing emotional organization, who knows how to open and close every drawer of her past and smile at her present, being grateful for the life she has. She has my admiration not only technically, but also as a human being, as a WOMAN she is my definition of strength and daily overcoming.
Cármen Lopes Dionísio, | Psychologist
Rosilda James, clinical psychologist, social activist and author of the book “The Graden Of secrets: Hope and Healing “a work that portrays the problem of sexual abuse within the Cape Verdean community in a clear and comprehensive way, and teaches us how we can identify a victim of sexual abuse. The author knew how to accurately portray the cultural issue on the issue of sexual abuse. The work is full of positive and encouraging messages for victims of sexual abuse, but also for parents and the general public.
Mônica Fernandes | Anthropologist
Dr. Rosilda James is a talented clinical psychologist and social activist, she has done a lot for children, supporting social causes. Author of the book “The Garden of Secrets: Hope and Healing” which portrays sexual abuse in the Cape Verdean context, facing taboos, talking about the pain and trauma of victims of sexual abuse and also offering a process for healing. The work is full of relevant messages and content that takes us to a deep reflection on cultural issues facing the problem of sexual abuse. A Book of mandatory reading. Rosilda James is an example of strength and resilience, a light for children, women and all of us.