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Therapists answer…

Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?

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Jennifer Alexander

Jennifer Alexander, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC
Online Therapy
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I became a therapist because I’m passionate about helping people achieve optimal health. My experience as a Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner revealed the critical link between mental and physical well-being. What motivates me is witnessing my patients’ transformations—overcoming challenges like addiction and depression—and knowing I played a part in their healing journey. Their trust and progress inspire me to continue providing compassionate, patient-centered care.
I'm Jennifer Alexander, based in Phoenix, AZ, and my passion is helping you achieve your best health. With years of experience as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), I’ve honed my skills across various areas of healthcare. I currently manage patients with psychiatric conditions and those needing inpatient detox services. In my previous role at Valley Sleep Center, I specialized in diagnosing and treating sleep disorders like insomnia and sleep apnea, and I managed therapies for sleep-disordered breathing. Before that, I worked in cardiology, focusing on heart rhythm disorders and heart failure management. I took care of patients with life-saving devices such as pacemakers and ICDs. My background also includes roles as a clinical service liaison and staff nurse in intensive care and telemetry units, where I developed comprehensive patient care plans. My goal is to provide compassionate, patient-centered care to support your health and well-being. Let’s work together towards your health goals.
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Olushola Balogun

APRN, PMHNP-BC
Online Therapy
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I became a therapist because I saw the profound impact that mental health care can have on individuals and their families. Having worked in various settings—psychiatry, corrections, rehabilitation—I realized how critical compassionate care is for those facing mental health challenges. What motivates me to continue is seeing my clients progress and achieve a better quality of life. Mental health, like physical health, is vital, and I am driven by the opportunity to support my clients in their journey toward healing, resilience, and empowerment. Helping others find balance and joy in their lives gives me a sense of purpose every day.
Olushola Balogun, "Shola" MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, is a highly experienced and board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with over 17 years of expertise in the medical field, including the last 7 years dedicated to mental health. Shola’s extensive background includes inpatient and outpatient psychiatry, rehabilitation, corrections, and psychotherapy. Shola believes that mental health deserves the same level of care and attention as physical health. He conducts thorough psychiatric evaluations to diagnose and develop individualized treatment plans tailored to each patient's unique needs. Routine follow-up visits ensure ongoing monitoring of symptoms and medication effectiveness, optimizing patient outcomes. Offering a comprehensive range of therapeutic interventions, Shola specializes in education, medication management, and counseling. He provides compassionate care for individuals aged 13 to older adults 65+, creating a positive and healing environment for clients and their families. Shola treats everyone with respect, dignity, and compassion, embodying a patient-centered care philosophy that empowers his clients and considers all effective treatment strategies. Shola is committed to fostering a warm, safe, and judgment-free environment where clients can feel secure and supported on their journey to mental wellness. Trust Olushola Balogun to provide the expert care and compassionate support you need to achieve better mental health and an improved quality of life.
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Lynn Helwig

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC-MHSP)
Online & In-Person
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I grew up with a mom who struggled with mental health issues. At that time, seeing a therapist was not common but my mom was determined to understand what was going on and how to cope better. I watched her go to therapy on a regular basis and talk to her family about what she was experiencing. My mother essentially removed the stigma of mental health in our family, normalizing the struggles and reaching out for help and talking about it. My mom is one of the bravest people I have ever known. Her mental health journey played a very significant part in my decision to pursue a career as a therapist. When I was finishing up my bachelors degree in business and marketing, I felt that God was definitely guiding me towards counseling and away from business. I believe that He placed a special gift and love of counseling in my heart. I know it is my calling in life and I love to help and walk with people on their own mental health journey to wellness and healing.
Hello! My name is Lynn and I have 10 years of experience working with the adult population. I provide individual therapy and over the last 7 years I have had the opportunity to work with adults of varying ages, primarily women who have experienced abusive or toxic relationships, specifically narcissistic abuse. Our understanding of how relationships work originate from our family of origin. We learn attitudes and behaviors from our caregivers and many times these behaviors are toxic, dysfunctional or destructive. I can help with understanding the patterns in your relationships or behaviors that create strife or stress. I focus on mind, body and soul. I use integrative therapies to help you to identify unhealthy thoughts and behaviors and replace them with healthy ones to creating meaningful change and learn to successfully navigate the relationships and interactions with the people in your life. I approach all of life including therapy from a Christian worldview. I would be happy to integrate faith into the counseling process by request. My approaches to therapy primarily includes; Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) some Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), Interpersonal therapy, Solution Focused therapy and recently I have been trained in basic EMDR therapy and FLASH. To learn more about EMDR, go to www.EMDRIA.org. I believe that you are the expert about you. My job is to partner with you and walk along with you through your journey of healing.
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Christiana Nsoh

PMHNP-BC
Online & In-Person
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I became a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner to make a positive impact on people's lives by providing effective mental health care. My motivation stems from a deep commitment to enhancing healthcare standards and supporting individuals on their health journeys. Continuous learning and the rewarding experience of helping others drive me to improve my skills and offer the best possible care.
Hello! I'm a dedicated and compassionate mental health nurse practitioner with several years of experience in various healthcare settings. I specialize in diagnosing and treating mental illness. I believe in respect and every patient's unique needs and cultural beliefs are essential. Over the years, I've developed strong relationships with patients, their families, and my healthcare team. My experience includes working with various mental health patients, coordinating, and ensuring active listening to have a better understanding of the patient concerns. Education is important to me. I hold a Master's degree in Nursing at Wilkes University and am currently pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice at Capella University. Volunteering is another passion of mine, and I give my time, financial assistance to support mental wellness in my church community. I am committed to providing high-quality care and continuously improving my skills to better serve my patients. I look forward to offering you the best possible care and support on your health journey.
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Gregory (Tommy) Lofgren

MA, LMHC, NCC
Online & In-Person
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
My path to counseling started when I began my own journey in healing. I started to cultivate my own passion for helping others when I began to develop compassion for myself. Through maneuvering the challenges that I've faced, and looking outside of myself at the influences around me, I was able to deeply process the neglect and trauma that I endured in my life. This is exactly why I keep going in my career -- because it allows me to be a secure, safe place, for clients from all different backgrounds and experiences.
***ACCEPTING CLIENTS*** In my practice, I have cultivated a passion for clients who are dealing with issues like emotional neglect, abuse, trauma, anxiety, and depression. I create a safe space for clients who have struggled getting “caught in the same cycle over and over again.” You might be someone who has found yourself in a relationship that questions your safety and security. When we grow accustomed to repeating patterns of neglectful or traumatic relationships, it changes the way we view ourselves, our relationships, and the world around us. I value the research behind the most successful model of couple therapy – Emotionally Focused Therapy. By creating a safe space to process difficult emotions, I work with individuals or couples who are looking to navigate emotional struggles that create further disconnect and isolation in their lives. “We can remain a mere speck of dust, resting on the edge of a windowsill, left untouched.” I learned a great deal from stepping outside of the patterns that left me dealing with emotions on my own. Taking that step to pursue counseling can be met with resistance from fear or worry. I assure you, my goal is to walk the journey with you.
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Tolulope Onanuga

PMHNP-BC
Online Therapy
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I became a psychiatric nurse practitioner to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those facing mental health challenges. Seeing patients grow, heal, and reclaim their lives motivates me every day. It’s deeply rewarding to be part of their journey toward better mental health and well-being.
I'm Tolulope Onanuga, a dedicated Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over a decade of experience in both psychiatric and medical/surgical nursing. I focus on understanding and addressing the unique needs of each patient, ensuring a compassionate and supportive environment. My expertise includes working with patients who have mental health challenges, such as those dealing with chemical dependency, crisis situations, or severe psychiatric conditions like schizophrenia and PTSD. I work closely with a collaborative healthcare team to create and update personalized treatment plans that promote holistic care. Education is a big part of my approach; I help patients and their families understand medications and care routines. My mission is to foster a healing atmosphere where patients feel safe and empowered on their journey to better health. Treatment philosophy: As a dedicated psychiatric nurse practitioner, my treatment philosophy centers around compassionate, patient-focused care. I believe in fostering genuine relationships with my patients, actively listening to their concerns and tailoring my approach to their unique needs. I prioritize transparency, helping patients understand their treatment options and medications. Whether it's through crisis intervention or ongoing therapy, my goal is to empower patients on their recovery journeys. Above all, I adhere to a trauma-informed, recovery-oriented mindset, creating a safe space for healing and growth. Together, we can achieve meaningful progress toward better mental health.
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Dr. Marjorie Lozama

PMHNP-BC, DNP, APRN
Online Therapy
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I became a therapist because I have always been passionate about helping others find healing, balance, and empowerment in their lives. Early in my career, I saw the profound impact that mental health care can have on people’s well-being, and it inspired me to dedicate my life to making a difference in this field. I believe that everyone deserves to live a fulfilling and meaningful life, and I wanted to be part of their journey toward achieving that. What motivates me to continue is seeing the transformation in my patients. Witnessing their growth, resilience, and breakthroughs as they navigate through their challenges brings me immense fulfillment. Each person’s story is unique, and being able to walk alongside them as they rediscover their strengths and embrace their potential keeps me inspired every day. The opportunity to provide compassionate, culturally sensitive care and make a positive impact in people’s lives is truly what drives me to continue this important work.
Hello, I'm Marjorie Lozama, your partner in mental health wellness. I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental health Nurse Practitioner with a doctorate in Nursing Practice and over 25 years of immersive experience, I am committed to making quality mental health care accessible and approachable. Proficient in English, Creole, French, and intermediate Spanish, I specialize in adult mental health. My mission is to empower you to take charge of your mental health journey, nurturing your well-being and help you unlock your full potential. Trust forms the backbone of my practice. I provide warm, empathetic, and culturally sensitive care tailored to your unique needs. If you’re ready for supportive, professional mental health care, I’m here to accompany you. You've already taken the first brave step—let's take the next ones together.
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Tammy Luke

Licensed Professional Counselor
Online & In-Person
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I became a therapist because of my passion for supporting individuals on their journey to wellness. Witnessing the transformative power of therapy in people's lives has been incredibly inspiring and fulfilling. My background in behavioral health assessments and my experience with psychological testing have equipped me with the skills to understand and address the complexities of mental health. What motivates me to continue is the profound impact I see in my clients' lives. Helping individuals navigate their mental health challenges, achieve their goals, and improve their overall well-being is what drives me every day. I believe in the power of therapy to bring about positive change, and I am dedicated to providing the compassionate, expert care you deserve.
Welcome to your next safe space, where your mental and emotional well-being is my utmost priority. As a compassionate provider, I am dedicated to guiding you through your journey to wellness with a unique blend of therapeutic support and personalized care. At the heart of my practice is a person-centered approach that values you as the expert on your own life. I believe in the transformative power of a good conversation — one that feels less like therapy and more like a meaningful dialogue. This philosophy has shaped my commitment to creating an inclusive safe haven where you can explore your thoughts and feelings without judgment. Understanding that each individual's path is distinct, I incorporate innovative methods such as bibliotherapy (using books, literature), cinematherapy (using television and film), and expressive arts to help you navigate sensitive experiences at your own pace. Whether you're facing challenges with ADHD, trauma, depression, anxiety, or other behavioral health concerns, I offer a range of services designed to meet you where you are. With an array of treatment modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, Strength-Based Interventions, Solution Focused Brief Therapy and more, my goal is to empower you with clarity and resilience. By recognizing your inherent strengths and fostering mental clarity, we can work together toward a future filled with hope and fulfillment. Embarking on this therapeutic journey requires bravery — and I am here to walk alongside you every step of the way. Let’s begin this very good conversation and take the first steps toward a life that reflects your true potential.
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Kaleigh Robinson

Kaleigh Robinson, PMHNP-BC, FNP-C, RN
Online Therapy
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I became a therapist because I’m passionate about helping people overcome challenges and live fuller lives. Seeing individuals achieve positive changes, whether through therapy, medication, or holistic care, motivates me to continue. Every step forward my patients take reminds me of the importance of personalized, empathetic mental health care.
Hi, I’m Kaleigh Robinson, and I’m a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner trained at Johns Hopkins with 20 years of experience. I believe in truly getting to know my patients and understanding their unique challenges. I specialize in treating adults with anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep difficulties, and life transitions. My approach is compassionate, evidence-based, and holistic. I offer a variety of treatment options, including therapy, medication management, and natural, holistic approaches like nutritional support, stress management, and exercise counseling. I’ll empower you with the information you need to make informed decisions about your mental health. My goal is to work with you to achieve better mental wellness at your own pace. Licensed in both Maryland and Colorado, I’m committed to providing affordable, accessible care, and I look forward to supporting you on your mental health journey. Treatment philosophy: I believe that you know yourself best. My role is to support you in reaching your mental health goals, offering personalized care based on what works for you. I combine therapy, medication, and holistic approaches, empowering you to make informed decisions. My philosophy is rooted in empathy, science-based care, and a commitment to helping you live your best life.