Hi. I’m Dr. Omari, but most of my clients call me Dr. O.
Before you continue reading, please know that I am not your “everyday” kind of therapist.
I’m not going to devote a majority of this section to list all of my credentials. After all, your treatment is not about me, it’s about you. Besides, I know that what you really want is to know a) who am I to trust myself with helping you and b) what inspires me to work with trauma clients. I’ll briefly summarize the answer to the 2nd question for you, but let’s start with the good stuff first.
I love working with clients with these struggles because I’ve been there. I get it both personally and professionally and it’s a major reason that I wanted to provide counseling.
I knew that I wanted to provide people with something that was not available to me years ago, and that is a listening, nonjudgmental ear, with healthy, supportive, and unbiased interventions.
Through my own challenges, I have learned many skills designed to promote wellness and I believe that no matter how hard things can get, everyone has the ability to “overcome,” including you. Sometimes, we just need a little help.
And I can help.
I’ve learned through experience, the importance of validation and support, and know more than anything, that that’s what all people look for when they are looking for help.
I take considerable pride in my innate ability to provide such support for others, and I am extremely honored to have been able to enhance upon that ability with clinical expertise. Nothing gives me greater joy than sharing these skills with the world.
What makes my approach unique, is that like all people, I’ve been through adversity. But like a true visionary, I have no problem using my adversity to help others.
I believe that it is through the capacity to connect with others, that individuals can experience true growth. But rest assured, I don’t hold back on any of my own stuff, and am willing to share it in an effort to validate your experiences, and support you as you navigate your way through yours.
DON’T WORRY… YOU WON’T HAVE TO LAY ON MY COUCH, BECAUSE YOU CAN LAY COMFORTABLY ON YOUR OWN COUCH!
Besides, laying on my couch while I talk to you would totally undermine the intimacy and the connection of the therapeutic atmosphere that I provide.
By using your space, in the area that you feel most comfortable with, I roll up my sleeves and walk beside you on your journey through self discovery.
I have no problem confronting you, but note that I can take as much is I give out. In fact, I welcome confrontation, as it will not only help me be more therapeutic, but will empower you with the skills that you need in order to manage yourself outside of the therapeutic setting.
We’ll laugh (a lot). I’m not afraid to talk about anything you need to talk about. Money? Racism? Incest? Cellulite? Fornication? Constipation? After so many years in this field nothing surprises me!
And to answer the very first question: Yes, I do know what I’m doing. I love what I do and I’m good at it.
Now for the traditional “About Me” stuff:
I graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2006 as a double major in Psychology and African-American Studies. I later received my Master of Arts and Master of Education in Psychological Counseling from Teachers College, Columbia University. Finally, I hold a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from Regent University where I defended my dissertation entitled: Marital Attitudes and Expectations Between Whites and Blacks in America. I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional and hold a certificate in Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Hypnosis. I also hold a certificate in Telemental Health Counseling and Supervision so that I can provide ethically sound and effective telemental health services to my clients. I have been working with people who have been experiencing trauma, depression, and anxiety since 2007. After working at a rape crisis center in Jersey City, New Jersey, I created an anger management program for the hospital. I have had mental health practices in North Carolina and Virginia. I have also been featured on national television as an expert witness for Fatal Attraction, which was a documentary that examined race, class, and sexual abuse dynamics of Crystal Mangum, the black woman who accused three Duke lacrosse players of rape. I am also an avid writer and an Amazon, best-selling author for my book Sacred Journey to Ladyhood: A Woman’s Guide through Her Write of Passage. In fact, I have an online bookstore which can be found here: Book Store. Proceeds from my work go to my nonprofit, Ladies In Training, which supports girls and women in Africa.
I love working with people facing trauma, because they tend to be some of the most resilient people in the world. I am consumed by the human mind and its ability to simply persevere after being faced with such mentally and/or physically threatening positions. I find trauma survivors to be inspirational and motivating individuals who are capable of accomplishing so much, once their stories are heard for what they are, and validation is provided. I enjoy working with children, teenagers, and people in their twenties, and thirties because establishing healthy communication and appreciation of self early allows people to enjoy their lives much more. I also enjoy the gift of helping free up my clients over 40 from what has been a lifetime of self defeating patterns of behavior. I’m so grateful to guide people through their trauma histories and I look forward to doing this line of work for many years to come.
When I’m not being inspired by my extremely courageous clients, I enjoy journaling and doing art work, drinking exquisite coffee and teas, eating culturally diverse foods, red and white wines (and any other colors that I may not yet know about), running behind my bilingual daughter’s extremely extra curricular lifestyle, and traveling around the world with my family.
Testimonials
I enjoy counseling with Dr. O and her communication is well. She is enthusiastic and amazing. I love her desire to help others and give back to others with her knowledge and understanding.” – T.H.
Dr. O has always been extremely professional with myself and children. Dr. O is amazing with many walks of life. My son even mentions “where would I be without Dr. O “. Thank you Dr. O !” – B.T.
Qualifications:
National Counseling Association – member since: 2010
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Years in Practice: 11 Years
School: Regent University
Year Graduated: 2018
License No. and State: 7919 North Carolina; 0701006172 Virginia; LPC010678 Georgia; 6 Registration Number – Florida