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Therapists answer…

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

Kirsten YackleyK

Kirsten Yackley

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Online & In-Person
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
From a young age I have always been curious about people. I remember going on long car trips and looking out the window wondering what were the life stories of the people I would see passing by me. As I grew older, that curiosity grew into a desire to help people who were struggling. In high school, I began volunteering and learning about how people can heal through human connection. I went on to the University of California, Santa Cruz, to study Psychology and Sociology to dive deeper into how our biological and environmental circumstances can impact our mental health. After college, I worked in the social services field and realized that I wanted to be on the other side of the helping field. I wanted to be in the room with people and bear witness to their stories. I went on to receive my Masters in Counseling with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from California State University, Long Beach. I have since gained therapeutic experience working in elementary schools, addiction treatment centers, crisis centers, and private practice settings. I have worked with a plethora of mental health issues and concerns.
Hi, I am Kirsten. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have always been fascinated by the human experience. My therapeutic style looks at how the past influences our present day functioning. How did you function and what did you believe about yourself before the world told you any different? By becoming emotionally aware and cognizant of our current beliefs, we can begin to heal our past wounds and become whole. I aim to provide a safe, non-judgmental, individualized, transformative experience for each person.
Oluwadamilare ShoneyeO

Oluwadamilare Shoneye

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online Therapy
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I became a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner because I am passionate about making a positive impact on individuals' lives by helping them manage and overcome mental health challenges. My motivation comes from witnessing the transformative effects of effective medication management and seeing my clients regain their quality of life. I am committed to continuous learning and improvement to provide the best possible care to those I serve.
I am dedicated to nurturing your mental health with a compassionate, holistic approach that honors your individual journey. My background in nursing and mental health care allows me to offer a well-rounded perspective, addressing both your psychological and physical well-being. My goal is to empower you, guiding you toward emotional balance and a more satisfying life. Throughout my career, I've had the honor of supporting many individuals as they navigate through challenges such as depression, anxiety, and stress. I am committed to continuous learning, keeping up-to-date with the latest advancements in research and therapy to provide you with cutting-edge treatment. Understanding that everyone's story is different, I tailor my methods to fit your personal needs. In our sessions, you'll find a safe space free from judgment, where you're encouraged to share openly and honestly. Together, we'll define your objectives and craft a bespoke treatment plan that resonates with your personal values and life goals.
Juliette OsborneJ

Juliette Osborne

DNP, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC
Online & In-Person
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I felt led by the Holy Spirit to pursue my education as both a family and psychiatric nurse practitioner while simultaneously caring for my child with special needs. This experience has motivated me to practice my profession, as I have gained valuable insights along the way.
Greetings! I'm Dr. Juliette Osborne, your dedicated healthcare partner on the journey to well-being. With a Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP) and dual board certification as a Family Nurse (FNP-BC) and Psychiatric-Mental Health (PMHNP-BC) Practitioner, I bring 15 years of holistic healthcare experience to the table. My calling, guided by the Holy Spirit, led me to found PJO Health Services, LLC, where we prioritize comprehensive, personalized, and compassionate care. Our integrated approach covers wellness assessments, medication management, substance use disorder treatment, and psychotherapeutic support, ensuring we address the root causes of mental health challenges. As a mother with a special needs child, I understand the importance of empathy and practical care. At PJO Health Services, our core values of convenience, flexibility, reliability, and integrity drive our mission. We're not just a medical practice; we're a community fostering balanced lives, wellness, and health management. Technology meets compassion in our practice, offering telemedicine for convenience, as well as concierge health services through home visits and on-site appointments. I've faced life's challenges head-on, from job loss to personal struggles, and emerged as an ordained Reverend Minister and Family Nurse Practitioner. I've recently achieved my Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree, channeling my knowledge into establishing the Rev. Juliette Osborne Outreach Foundation (RJOOF). This non-profit foundation aims to support those navigating their God-driven purpose, offering a helping hand through life's challenges. Embark on this healthcare journey with PJO Health Services. Your well-being is our priority. Reach out for questions and appointments. Our services are available to residents of New Jersey and Massachusetts. Together, let's embrace a life of balance, wellness, and fulfillment!
Tolulope OnanugaT

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.
Charlene JulienC

Charlene Julien

MSPS, MSN, PMHNP-BC, FNP-C
Online & In-Person
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I have delivered comprehensive care to my patients in the Gastroenterology/Hepatology/Center for Digestive Disorders of a large academic center. This is where my passion for the intersection of mental and metabolic/gut health began. I chose to study Family Medicine as I wanted to have a generalized understanding of health, with an emphasis on physical health, which led me to delve into psychiatry.
I have 8 years of experience as a Family Nurse Practitioner in primary care and Gastroenterology/Hepatology. As a nurse practitioner, I am trained and qualified to diagnose and treat mental health conditions, and prescribe medication. I have certifications in CBT and EMDR and provide therapy services. I completed the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases Hepatology NP/PA Fellowship. I am a member of the American Nurses Association, Massachusetts Coalition of Nurse Practitioners, and the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases. I specialize in providing holistic psychiatric care that harmoniously combines evidence-based knowledge with heartfelt compassion. My approach is tailored to the needs of those dealing with anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions, with a specialized focus on women in their 20s through 50s. My encounters, interests, and skills have shaped my dynamic practice. I'd love to learn about your journey and how I can help. My practice is heavily influenced by Western, Caribbean, and Indian practices, blending a rich fusion of modern and traditional medicine. This supports my ability to deliver exceptional care to my patients and help you achieve optimal mental health and well-being, leading to happier, less anxious, and calmer lives. It is my mission to enhance both your mental and physical well-being through thorough assessments, tailored therapy, coaching, and prudent medication management, all within a holistic framework that respects time-tested traditional wisdom and embraces contemporary medical advancements. I am honored at the opportunity to accompany you on your journey toward joyful and meaningful mental health wellness. Together, we will develop a personalized plan that supports you.
Jennifer AlexanderJ

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.
Christopher RodriguezC

Christopher Rodriguez

FNP-C,PMHNP-BC
Online & In-Person
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I became a therapist because I am passionate about helping individuals unlock their potential and lead fulfilling lives. What motivates me to continue is witnessing the growth, resilience, and positive changes in my clients as they work toward their goals. Each session reminds me of the power of empathy, understanding, and genuine human connection.
About me: Great To Meet You! I am a passionate and dedicated individual known for my open-mindedness, honesty, and attentive ear. I believe that empathy, understanding, and a genuine caring spirit must be present in every interaction that I have with individuals. I also bring a unique blend of sincerity and insight into every session that I have with my clients. A Bit About My Approach To Therapy: As an open-minded individual, I embrace diversity and value differing perspectives in my clients. I believe that everyone has positive qualities that will help them succeed in life once they can identify, focus, and build on these qualities. My job is to create a trusting, inclusive, open environment where my clients can work on becoming the best version of themselves possible. What You Can Expect From Our First Session: I will work with you to highlight your strengths, instill positivity within your life, offer support and encouragement, and provide constructive feedback when needed. Treatment philosophy: I am a passionate and dedicated individual known for my open-mindedness, honesty, and attentive ear. I believe that empathy, understanding, and a genuine caring spirit must be present in every interaction that I have with individuals. I also bring a unique blend of sincerity and insight into every session that I have with my clients. As an open-minded individual, I embrace diversity and value differing perspectives in my clients. I believe that everyone has positive qualities that will help them succeed in life once they can identify, focus, and build on these qualities. My job is to create a trusting, inclusive, open environment where my clients can work on becoming the best version of themselves possible. I will work with you to highlight your strengths and positivity. Specialties: Abdominal symptoms ADHD Adult Psychiatry Annual check-up Anxiety Asthma Back pain Common cold Cough Dementia Depression Diabetes Diabetes management Emotional support End-of-life planning Family counseling Family Medicine Flu General Practice Geriatric Psychiatry Geriatrics Headache Hypertension Insomnia Internal medicine Life style change Medication management Mental Health Obesity Overweight Pain management Palliative Care Panic attacks Personality Disorders Routine check-up Routine health maintenance Sinus infection Spiritual care Terminal illness Weight Loss
Shielah LiechS

Shielah Liech

PMHNP-BC
Online Therapy
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I became a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner because I am passionate about helping people improve their mental health and well-being. What motivates me is seeing the positive impact that comprehensive care and support can have on my patients' lives, guiding them toward a happier and more fulfilling life.
Hello! My name is Sheilah Liech, a dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner based in Mansfield, Texas. With a Master's in Nursing from the University of Texas at Arlington and a Bachelor's from Midwestern State University, I have the academic foundation to support your mental health needs. I’ve worked in both Texas and Florida, serving a diverse range of patients—kids, teens, and adults. I performed extensive psychiatric evaluations, managed medications, counseling and psychoeducation. I am committed to finding the right treatment for you and guiding you through your mental health journey. I believe in an integrative approach, working alongside primary care providers and other team members to give you the comprehensive care you deserve. I also strive to promote mental health awareness in the community through outreach and education. My goal is to provide a safe and supportive environment for all my patients. Let’s work together towards your mental well-being. Feel free to reach out to me and I look forward to supporting you on your journey to better health.
Mary ZekryaM

Mary Zekrya

Licensed Clinical Therapist/ LCSW-R
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 transform their lives, find healing, and achieve their fullest potential. What motivates me to continue is witnessing the positive changes in my clients and knowing I’m making a difference.
I am Mary, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Therapist with over two decades of dedicated experience in helping individuals transform their lives. My educational journey began with a BA in psychology from Queens College and continued with a master's degree in social work from New York University. Throughout my career, I have specialized in addressing depression, anxiety, anger management, relationship issues, and crisis intervention using evidence-based techniques like cognitive-behavioral therapy. As your therapist, my passion lies in guiding you to gain a deeper understanding of your desires and develop the skills necessary to achieve them. Together, we will explore your concerns, identify obstacles, and enhance your self-awareness to unlock your full potential. My approach is centered on encouragement, support, and empowerment, ensuring that you feel capable of making meaningful changes in your life. I am committed to being with you every step of the way as we embark on this journey towards a more fulfilling life. Let's work together to embrace the life you envision. *Treatment philosophy My treatment philosophy centers on compassion and patient empowerment. I believe in collaborating closely with patients to address their unique challenges, ensuring they feel heard and understood. I use evidence-based approaches like CBT to tackle issues like anxiety, depression, and relationship concerns. Every patient is an individual; I create personalized treatment plans that respect their needs and goals. My focus is on skill-building, helping patients develop coping strategies and improve their overall well-being and working towards their goals. Together, we will navigate emotional hurdles and work towards a fulfilling life where families and individuals thrive. Your journey is important, and I’m here to support you every step of the way. *Practice description At our practice, we provide compassionate therapy tailored to your unique needs. With over 20 years of experience, we specialize in helping individuals navigate anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and emotional struggles. Our dedicated therapist offers evidence-based approaches to enhance your well-being and personal growth. We create personalized treatment plans focused on building coping skills and improving family dynamics. Our welcoming environment encourages open communication and collaboration. Whether you're dealing with stress, conflict, or seeking self-discovery, we're here to support you. Your journey to a fulfilling life starts with us!