Meet the Team
About
Oladunke “Ola” Paseda
Hi! My name is Ola Paseda and I am a Clinical Mental Health Counseling Intern who works with adolescents and adults. As a Humanistic counselor, I provide counseling services for individuals who are seeking personal growth, struggling with life transitions, and/or working to foster a deeper sense of self-awareness, authenticity, and meaning in their lives. I have experience working with clients who are struggling with Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, grief, and other difficult transitions. My goal is to support my client’s growth and well-being while respecting their pace and encouraging them to become more empowered.
My Journey To Becoming a Therapist
My journey to becoming a therapist has been shaped by my personal experiences as an immigrant who moved to the U.S. at the age of eight. It was at this time that I encountered one of my earliest and most significant transitions. The cultural dissonance that came with living within two cultures led me to feel as though I was caught between two worlds, unseen and unheard.
Growing up, I faced many more challenges, not just as a child of immigrants but also as a black woman, which forced me to grapple with my sense of self. As I sought healing for the me that needed extra care, I knew that I wanted to be of service to others in the same way. This realization is why I decided to be an agent of change in the mental health space.
My Life Experiences are What Lead Me to Become the Therapist I Am Today
My journey toward personal growth and mental well-being taught me that change, while difficult, is always possible. There are times when we can handle life’s challenges on our own. There are also times when it’s important to seek outside help to gain new tools for facing these challenges.
Through my experiences, I learned that empathy, acceptance, and a genuine connection are powerful tools for helping people make the changes that they want to make and live their lives authentically.
I have a natural ability to:
- Help clients learn how to use their strengths to nurture growth
- Create a non-judgmental space that allows for genuine expression
- Help clients explore their deeper emotions and feelings
- Accept people for who they are and in their current life circumstances
- People who know me say that I have a strength for creating an atmosphere of warmth, generating open dialogue, and understanding people at a deeper level.
Our Sessions Are Focused On You
In our sessions, I will provide a warm, safe, and nonjudgmental space where we can collaborate at a pace that is comfortable and healing for you. You are the expert in the therapeutic space and my role is to offer guidance and support as you work through challenges and gain insights. Together we will explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences using therapy that is tailored to your unique needs.
As A Therapist, I Embrace The Following Philosophies
- I believe that you are the expert in your own story
- I believe that you are worthy of love and care
- I believe that self-awareness and self-acceptance are key to growth and healing
- I believe that change is always possible
- I believe that therapy should address the person as a whole – their mind, body, and spirit
Let’s Discover How I can Help
No matter where you are on your journey, I’m here to walk alongside you as we take the next step together. Email me today at oladunke@fit-counseling.com
Professional Background
I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Public Health Studies from Johns Hopkins University. I am currently completing my final year in the Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at The George Washington University.