As a therapist, a common question I get from family, friends and even colleagues is “Why?”. Everyone wants to know why a therapist chose to be a therapist. Don't get me wrong, the why is important, but I think sometimes we forget to go beyond the career origin stories and to inquire about how someone shows up within their chosen career. In other words, what is an individual's mental framework for how they choose to engage with their work? Here is me answering a question that in fairness, no one has asked 😅

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I believe therapy works best when it feels real. Two real people sharing space without performative over-intellectualizing or clinical self-aggrandizing. 

Just real.

At the core of my work is the belief that healing happens in the safety of relationship. That means the connection between my clients and I, matters just as much as the clinical interventions that I use. I don’t see myself as the expert on your life, rather, I see myself as an observer and someone journeying with you. My role is to walk alongside you with curiosity, honesty, and care as you make sense of your experiences and move toward the life you want.

Trust is everything here. But in fairness, I know trust isn’t automatic, it’s built over time and that’s okay too. I believe that my clients deserve a space where they don’t have to filter themselves, shrink their story, filter their words or carry things alone. I work to create that kind of space every time we meet.

Transparency is also a big part of how I show up. I don’t hide behind vague language or leave my clients guessing about what we’re doing and why. Whether I’m utilizing EMDR, traditional talk therapy, or something more tailored to the person, I want everyone to feel informed, empowered, and actively involved in their own healing process.

And above all, with two hands I hold on to shared humanity. People are much more than a diagnosis or even the symptoms that they experience. I don’t actually think that people themselves are a problem to fix. There is always a story. Our stories are shaped by experiences that deserve voice and deserve to be understood. 

All these things to say, my work as a therapist is deeply important to me. It is unique, important and a work that I have spent thousands of hours cultivating and reflecting on. I show up as my genuine self, I sincerely invite you to do the same.

With compassion and curiosity,

OluSola