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Therapists answer…

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

Mariam Odu-OnikosiM

Mariam Odu-Onikosi

MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC
Online Therapy
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I hold the belief that every person is distinct and merits personalized treatment. My objective is to assist you in dedicating time to comprehend your individuality, recognizing both your strengths and challenges. This understanding empowers you to make informed choices about the trajectory of your life. Rather than opting for a quick fix with medication, my focus is on helping you grasp the intricacies of your body and mind. Together, we can develop strategies tailored to your unique needs. My aim is to guide my patients towards navigating the world with self-compassion and kindness, fostering a positive and individualized approach to well-being.
I'm a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner. I graduated from Walden University. I have a strong history of success in the treatment of psychiatric illness, medical and emotional illness including environmental, sociological, psychological, and physical factors of mental and emotional disorders. I focus on developing a personalized treatment plan while utilizing evidence-based pharmacological and non-pharmacological modalities to support each client. The tools that I'll provide you with are tools that I have been perfecting over my career helping people just like you. I specialize in treating psychiatric disorders including, but not limited to, Anxiety, Depression, Mood disorders, Sleep Disorder, Bipolar, PTSD and ADHD. I am direct and solution focused and works collaboratively to address any issues that are bothering you right now. I am currently accepting new patient, and short notice appointments. I believe that everyone can change and grow at any time in their lives. I believe that the main reason we develop mental health issues is because they are unhealthy learned behaviors that we have picked up along the way. Which means that I think you can unlearn the faulty behaviors and replace them with healthy ones. I offer a complimentary 10-minute consultation session for prospective patients to assess whether my services align with their needs.
Alecia DeAngelisA

Alecia DeAngelis

PMHNP-BC
Online Therapy
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I transitioned from ICU nursing to mental health because I wanted to make a deeper impact on patients' lives. Seeing the positive changes in my patients' mental health and overall well-being motivates me to continue. I am passionate about helping people navigate their mental health challenges and find lasting solutions that improve their quality of life.
Hello, I’m Alecia DeAngelis, a dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) based in California. I have a deep passion for mental health care and believe in compassionate, patient-centered service. I completed my Master’s Degree in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing as well as hold a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing. With years of experience as an ICU nurse, I transitioned to mental health to make a difference in my patients' lives. My key areas of expertise include medication management, individual therapy, and crisis intervention. Specializing in the treatment of anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and psychotic disorders, I am dedicated to providing tailored and effective mental health care. I am also committed to patient education and cultural competence, ensuring every patient receives the best personalized care. I am fully licensed and certified, including PMHNP, DEA, and ANCC Board Certification. When I’m not at work, I enjoy staying active with various professional affiliations, including APNA and ANA. I look forward to partnering with you on your journey to better mental health and well-being.
Madison LoweM

Madison Lowe

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 own journey with both life and mental health struggles. I received great healing and growth from the therapeutic process. I have a passion to help others who may be going through their own struggles. Seeing others grow despite both internal and external difficulties motivates me to continue as a therapist. 
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of South Carolina. I have a passion to help individuals thrive and understand themselves on a deeper and more intimate level. I believe that self-awareness is the key to change. Along with being an LPC, I am also a certified Equine-Assisted Psychotherapist and enjoy incorporating the role horses can play in an individual's healing journey. I hold an M.S. in Clinical Counseling from Charleston Southern University. I also earned a B.A. in General Psychology from the University of North Carolina Asheville, where I also competed in cross-country and track at Division-1 level. I am currently earning my Ph.D. in Counseling and Psychological Studies through Regent University. I have worked with a variety of populations, but especially enjoy working with children, teens, young adults and families. I have spent many years as an Early Interventionist and I continue to find a passion in helping parents navigate the world of parenthood. I specialize in working with individuals who struggle with OCD, ADHD, anxiety/depression, eating disorders and low self-esteem. I also work closely with clients that need help in navigating through grief/loss, who have experienced trauma, and are struggling with difficult life transitions and interpersonal conflict. 
Jelilat BuhariJ

Jelilat Buhari

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online & In-Person
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I became a therapist because I’m passionate about helping people heal and grow. What motivates me to continue is seeing the positive impact therapy can have on someone’s life and their ability to overcome challenges. That transformation is what drives me every day.
"Hi there! I’m Jelilat Buhari, a Nurse Practitioner based in Dallas, TX, dedicated to providing holistic, patient-centered care with a focus on mental health and wellness. My approach is all about treating the whole person, not just addressing symptoms. I take the time to listen to your concerns, understand your health history, and work closely with you to develop a care plan that fits your unique needs and goals. As a specialist in Psychiatry, I work with patients facing a variety of challenges, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorders, schizophrenia, PTSD, ADHD, pediatric psychiatry, and mood disorders. My goal is to empower you by equipping you with the knowledge and tools to take charge of your health and well-being. I know that visiting a healthcare provider can sometimes feel overwhelming, which is why I strive to create a comfortable and welcoming environment. Compassion and empathy are at the heart of my practice. I’m always approachable and ready to answer your questions, ensuring that you feel heard, understood, and supported. My style is informal yet professional, building trust through open communication so that you feel confident every step of the way on your healthcare journey. "
Shumeka HillS

Shumeka Hill

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online Therapy
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I became a therapist to empower individuals in cultivating resilience against mental health challenges. Witnessing the transformative impact of tailored telepsychiatry services, addiction counseling, and medication-assisted treatment motivates me to continue guiding clients on their path to recovery and comprehensive healing.
Welcome! I'm Shumeka Hill, your dedicated Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Specialist. With a compassionate heart and a steadfast commitment to your well-being, I specialize in nurturing the mental health of individuals grappling with challenges such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and substance addiction. My approach is personalized and holistic, focusing on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) to craft a path to recovery that respects your unique needs. By integrating the latest evidence-based practices into our sessions—conveniently available via Zoom—I ensure that you receive care that's both effective and accessible. Beyond mental health, my expertise extends to providing comprehensive primary care, including chronic condition management and complex wound care, all while keeping your goals at the forefront. My educational journey, marked by a consistent 4.0 GPA across multiple degrees in Nursing, reflects my dedication to excellence and lifelong learning. As I work towards my Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), my mission is to empower you through education about your health, promote independence in managing your care, and advocate for mental health advancements. Together, let's embark on a journey towards healing and hope.
Lily LuL

Lily Lu

LMFT
Online & In-Person
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I love being with people and understanding their dreams and concerns. As a therapist, I have more skills and tools to help people achieve their dreams and manage their concerns. To see my clients getting well and feeling better is very rewarding for me.
Being an avid advocate for behavioral health, I love teaming up with teens, adults, couples, parents and families to improve their overall mental wellness. I specialize in anxiety, ADHD, addictions, depression, OCD, and trauma. I also help couples and families with communication issues and parenting. When you come to see me, we will work together to find a therapeutic approach that suits you and is tailored to your needs. Being client-centered and strengths-oriented, I use different treatment styles - Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Gottman and Emotionally Focused Couples - to help you meet your goals. Prior to counseling, I was in high tech marketing and worked for Fortune 100 companies as well as innovative start-ups in the Silicon Valley. This unique experience gives me insight into some of the issues that many of my clients have due to a high tech environment. As a firm believer in community support, I spoke at libraries and community events to raise awareness of the importance of behavioral health. To address more specific concerns, I volunteered as an editor for the Los Gatos Community Against Substance Abuse and a Meetup organizer to enhance couples' relationships. I also manage clinical consultations among fellow therapists to foster collegial development and growth. My credentials include:​ *Certification and training in ADHD, Anxiety, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Unipolar & Bipolar Depression & OCD using CBT, DBT, and ERP *Training in EMDR *Externship in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy *Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy *Internship in Internet & Sex Addictions
Mike CotayoM

Mike Cotayo

Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Online Therapy
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I became a therapist to help others find healing and empowerment through life’s challenges. Seeing clients grow, overcome obstacles, and discover their strengths motivates me daily. Witnessing their resilience and transformation is both inspiring and deeply rewarding.
Looking for a Sex-Positive Therapist Who Gets It? Here I am! :) Hello there! I’m Mike Cotayo, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience helping people navigate life’s complexities. I earned my MSW from NYU in 2000, and in 2007, I embarked on a transformative journey to become a Gestalt Therapist, further refining my skills to provide compassionate, effective care. As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, I bring a unique perspective to my work, specializing in sexuality, relationships, and identity. My practice is rooted in a commitment to embracing diverse lifestyles and choices. Whether you're exploring kink, polyamory, or the intersection of disability and sexuality (a focus of my Ph.D. research), I’m here to support you with empathy, humor, and zero judgment. Laughter can be a powerful tool for healing. I believe every session should be a safe space where you can be yourself and even find moments of lightness on your journey. Let’s work together to create a life that feels authentic, fulfilling, and uniquely yours. Ready to take the first step? Reach out today—I’d love to help! Licensed in AZ, CT, NJ, NY, FL. *Treatment philosophy At Healing Our Parts, I believe in a holistic, patient-centered approach to mental health. My focus is on building a strong therapeutic relationship, where each client's unique experiences are valued. I specialize in emotional regulation, anger management, and anxiety reduction, creating tailored treatment plans that align with individual goals. I embrace diversity and work with clients facing various challenges, including trauma and addiction. Laughter and creativity play key roles in my practice, fostering healing and resilience. Together, we will navigate your journey to emotional wellness, ensuring you feel heard, supported, and empowered every step of the way. *Treatment approach •Holistic Approach to Mental Wellness •Emotional Regulation Techniques •Anger Management Strategies •Anxiety Reduction Methods •Crisis Intervention Skills •Trauma-Informed Care Practices •Harm Reduction Psychotherapy •Culturally Sensitive Interventions •Client-Centered Treatment Planning •Evidence-Based Therapy Techniques •Psychodynamic •Strength-Based •Gestalt •Experiential Therapy •Cognitive Behavioral (CBT) •Attachment-based •Coaching •Eclectic •Family Systems •Humanistic •Solution Focused Brief (SFBT) •Somatic •Clinical Supervision and Licensed Supervisors •Telehealth sessions *Practice description At Healing Our Parts Group Psychotherapy Practice, we focus on nurturing emotional health and wellness. Led by Michael Cotayo, LCSW-R, our practice offers compassionate outpatient therapy for adolescents and adults, both in-person and via telehealth. We specialize in emotional regulation, anger management, and anxiety reduction. Our diverse clientele includes individuals navigating challenges related to HIV/AIDS, PTSD, addictions, and personality disorders. We create personalized treatment plans tailored to each client's unique goals. Let us support you on your journey to healing and growth in a safe, understanding environment. Your well-being is our priority.