Medication is an act of self-care: an interview with Grace Oluluto

Grace Oluluto is a dedicated psychotherapist with 6 years of experience specializing in trauma-informed care. Outside of her work, Grace is an avid fan of DC Comics. In this interview, she shares insights into her practice and her thoughts on the future of therapy and mental health.

Please introduce yourself. Mention your years of experience, areas of speciality, interests, and an interesting fact about you.

My name is Grace; I’ve been a psychotherapist for 6 years. My areas of specialization include stress management, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, coping skills, psychoeducation, navigating unconventional lifestyles, improving interpersonal relationships, and self-actualization. All of my work is trauma-informed. Interesting fact about me: I’m a huge fan of DC Comics.

How did you join MyTherapist.ng, and how has your experience been so far? 

I found out they were recruiting, expressed an interest, and was interviewed. It’s been an interesting experience thus far; it continues to facilitate my evolution as a professional and as a person.

What do you think sets MyTherapist.ng apart from other mental health platforms?

I think the mental health practitioners have more professional autonomy, for one, which is super important to me. Plus, the admins are authentically curious about user experiences (of the professionals and the clients in equal measure) and about how to improve them.

Throughout your years of practice, what are the most common issues you’ve encountered? 

• Difficulty navigating interpersonal relationship
• Depression and anxiety
• Emotional dysregulation and overwhelm
• The need for coping skills and psychoeducation.

What have been the most significant learning experiences in your career as a therapist?

I’ve had to learn to discard my savior complex, tend to my curiosity, get out of my own way and trust the process, and approach my work with humility and awe.

Trauma recovery is one of your areas of specialization. How do you handle situations where a client’s trauma is deeply intertwined with their culture or societal values?

In scenarios like this, it becomes important to explore/discover what the client’s personal values are, and to develop an awareness of how the trauma impacts them in the here and now. This offers a way to navigate their lives in a way that feels true to them, particularly when their personal values oppose societal values. This approach also helps create new neural pathways so that such a client doesn’t live and make decisions reactively from their wounds or persist in maladaptive behavior patterns. 

What are some strategies you recommend for managing anxiety and stress in daily life?

1. Recognize your limits and capacity, and don’t push past them. 
2. Get acquainted with your sphere of control (know the things under and out of your control). This is also useful for knowing when you’re at risk for burnout.
3. Know your triggers. 
4. Practice self-compassion; it’ll help you handle self-abandonment or self-neglect.

What are your thoughts on the role of medication in treating mental health conditions?

Medications can be a useful tool when coupled with therapy. If you need medication to help with your mental health, think of it as an act of necessary self-care. It doesn’t make you weak or diminish your personhood.

What advice would you give to someone considering seeking therapy for the first time?

Look for ethics, empathy and professionalism. Have an idea of what you’re looking for in a therapist. Some of us are more informal; others are more formal. Some of us are non-directive and more focused on client autonomy while others are more directive. In essence, we all have distinct approaches, training, areas of strength, and personalities. It’ll serve you well to seek out what feels aligned to you so you can get the most value out of therapy.  Lastly, understand that it could take time to find a therapist who’s a good therapeutic fit.

How do you envision the future of therapy evolving in the next decade?

I try not to predict anything with absolute certainty. But I hope to see people gain more access to therapeutic support and the ability to invest heavily in their shadow work and self-actualization.

If you could have dinner with any three people, living or dead, who would they be?

Dr. Scott Eilers (clinical psychologist, podcaster, and author), Durand Bernarr (singer, songwriter, and producer), and Hailey Magee (life coach and author).

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Grace’s commitment to trauma-informed care and thoughtful insights into mental health provide valuable guidance for both new and seasoned therapy seekers. 

For our readers, whether you’re facing stress, anxiety, or trauma, remember that help is available and that the path to healing is a journey worth taking. MyTherapist.ng can help you on this journey. Reach out to us and take the first step towards your mental well-being today.