Our roots go deep, shaping us in ways that are hard to put into words, like an iceberg with most of its bulk hidden beneath the surface. Trauma is a complex and deeply personal issue, which makes it hard to heal as well.
How does a person start their healing journey?
No one set way is best — it can be painting a masterpiece, hitting the pavement, or chatting on a therapist’s couch.
Dr. Olivia West, also known as Dr. O, is an International Psychologist, advocate, author, coach, consultant, licensed professional counselor, and hypnotherapist. She specializes in trauma, which gives her a unique perspective and makes her a great choice for those who have experienced developmental, historical, or race-based trauma.
While obtaining her Master’s degree, some things bothered her, and she shared: “Not only did I experience a lot of racism and discrimination from my institution’s staff and affiliated partnerships, the textbooks in which we were taught cultural competency were riddled with racist and sexist commentary and discrimination. I could not believe THIS is what we were being taught as future mental health professionals. As a social justice advocate, I was always advocating for the rights of minority students in the program.
Eventually, I decided that the content being taught did not align with my beliefs for equity and equality. The International Psychology program stepped away from Westernized views and practices of psychology and took a worldview approach. During this program, I was able to immerse myself into communities all across the world to learn about their culture and subcultures, the impact of trauma, and how to truly provide culturally competent mental healthcare.”
As a result, she decided to transition to an International Psychology degree program that aligned more with her beliefs and values.
Dr. O has traveled all around the world during her doctoral studies: Japan, The Philippines, France, Austria, Turkey, Ethiopia, Qatar, Johannesburg, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, Israel, and more, immersing herself in their cultures and communities.
Upon completion of her doctoral degree, she established ToGetHer Empowered, a not-for-profit organization with a mission to unite and empower women and girls globally. She then created Out of the Box Counseling, Coaching, & Consulting in 2019, where she now serves as the founder and clinical director.
Out of the Box Counseling, Coaching, and Consulting is a not-for-profit group private mental health practice with a mission to provide Quality and Affordable Private Practice mental healthcare to all despite socio-economic status, race, creed, color, identity, orientation, language, ability, disability, age, sex, or origin; while also maintaining a sublime Quality of Life for their clinicians. They currently have a staff of 24 clinicians providing services to an array of clients ages 3 and up.
Dr. O founded Out of the Box Counseling, Coaching, & Consulting to serve marginalized populations. If you’re dealing with something like this, please reach out. Getting help is the best thing you can do for yourself.