Dr. Patrick Sena-Bozarth is the Executive Director of the Community Counseling Center. He is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and a Certified Sex Therapist (CST), bringing a multifaceted approach to the world of counseling and therapy.

 

Patrick's academic journey led him to first earn a bachelor’s degree in Spanish from California State University San Marcos, followed by a master's degree in clinical psychology from Antioch University, Los Angeles. He is the first-ever graduate to have earned a specialization degree in the field of LGBTQ+ psychology and counseling. Impressively, Patrick was also the first recipient of the prestigious Sandra L. Golvin Memorial Scholarship for LGBTQ+ affirmative psychology.

 

His educational pursuits culminated in a Ph.D. in Clinical Sexology from Modern Sex Therapy Institutes. His innovative dissertation work delves into the profound effects of shame on gay male identity development and introduces a therapeutic approach known as Metta Integration Therapy (MIT). This self-designed dynamic treatment modality seeks to tackle shame therapeutically, transforming lives in the process.

 

During his career, Patrick has accumulated a wealth of clinical experience across diverse populations. He has provided care in both outpatient and in-home settings, offering relational and sexual counseling, and imparting essential HIV education and support services. His commitment to community engagement is evident through his eight-year service as a member of the Ryan White Executive Planning Council and a five-year tenure on the SAPTA Advisory Board.

 

In 2015, Patrick co-launched the Nellie Bly Leadership Society, an initiative in Nevada dedicated to raising awareness about mental health-related issues through education and advocacy. His efforts reached new heights in 2019 when he introduced Affirmations: LGBTQ+ Affirmative Counseling, the first-of-its-kind, all-inclusive gender and queer-affirming mental health and substance use treatment program in the state of Nevada.

 

Before transitioning to counseling in 2005, Patrick made significant contributions to the non-profit sector. He spent three years working in development and fundraising for Outfest: The Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Film Festival and later served as the Director of Development for Zen Village Holistic Wellness Institute in Coconut Grove, Florida. Throughout his life, Patrick has been a dedicated volunteer, lending his time and expertise to organizations such as The Human Rights Campaign, Project Angel Food, AIDS Project Los Angeles, Mama's Kitchen San Diego, Flying Samaritans medical outreach care, and The Special Olympics of Southern California.

 

Patrick is not just a counselor; he is a strong advocate for LGBTQ+ and mental health issues, an innovator in therapeutic approaches, and a compassionate leader. His dedication spans diverse areas of expertise, making him a force for positive change within and beyond the community he serves.