Schedule your FREE Consultation with Bukola HERE
Bukola Olode, LMSW, is a Nigerian American psychotherapist with a passion for empowering individuals and promoting positive change. Growing up in Nigeria, her parents emphasized the importance of education, leading her to attend the University of Ilorin and graduate in 1996. She later pursued her Master of Social Work (MSW) degree at Fordham University in 2004. Bukola's commitment to continuous growth is evident through her ongoing certification courses to obtain her Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
Bukola's journey in counseling and social work stemmed from her natural ability to connect with others and create a comfortable environment for personal growth. Early in her career, she worked at a residential program, supporting adults with dual diagnoses of mental illness and substance abuse. Recognizing her innate talent for bringing out the best in her clients, Bukola was encouraged by her supervisor to pursue the MSW program.
Her counseling experience expanded as she joined the Institute for Community Living as a counselor and case manager, assisting vulnerable New Yorkers with public benefit applications and addressing employment barriers. Simultaneously, Bukola took on the role of an on-call counselor at the Institute while working with the City of New York. During her time in graduate school, she interned with the Office of Domestic Violence, providing safety plans and resources for women experiencing domestic violence.
Following her graduation, Bukola became the director of the program where she completed her internship, overseeing it for over a decade while also practicing psychotherapy part-time. In this role, she mentored MSW students during their field placements, further contributing to her commitment to the growth of others.
Bukola's professional experience runs the gambit, including work as a life coach, divorce mediator, mental health professor, and includes running programs as a Director.
Bukola's dedication to working with people of color stems from her understanding that many therapists may not fully comprehend their unique experiences. She aims to bridge this gap and provide comprehensive support, particularly to black individuals, empowering them to embrace the opportunities life offers rather than settling for less. In the face of racism, Bukola confronts it by maintaining excellence in her work, demonstrating her competence regardless of preconceived biases.
Her clinical approach centers around a strength-based perspective, utilizing solution-focused therapy and incorporating elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy. Although trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), she has not utilized it in her practice.
Throughout her career, Bukola has received heartfelt messages from past clients whose lives she positively impacted, including troubled teens and families who have gone on to achieve great things. Her belief in her clients, even when they lacked self-belief, remains a cornerstone of her therapeutic approach. She is particularly passionate about empowering women and coaching them in building healthy relationships. For those in toxic relationships, she assists in creating safe exit plans and financial stability. Bukola has also contributed to podcasts and seminars on domestic violence and women's issues.
In her free time, Bukola indulges in reading self-help books and biographies, further enriching her knowledge and staying connected to personal growth.
Schedule your FREE Consultation with Bukola HERE
