Dr. O has traveled the world studying international populations and the impact of trauma. She seeks to understand how cultural values and beliefs influence the treatment of diverse populations. While many therapists are trained to provide culturally competent treatment, Dr. O realized that treatment modalities are often rooted in Westernized concepts. Her goal has always been to immerse herself in various cultures to truly understand how their values and beliefs shape thoughts and behaviors. She strives to avoid a cookie-cutter approach to treatment and instead offers informed, culturally sensitive care.

Although she acknowledges the enormity of this task, Dr. O has spent her career conducting research and immersing herself in different countries and cultures. She understands that there is always more to learn, and she is committed to continuously expanding her knowledge. By bridging the gap between Western and international perspectives on psychology, Dr. O provides treatment that goes beyond cultural competency to address the unique needs of her clients.

In addition to her global approach, Dr. O conceptualizes treatment through a trauma lens. Studies show that over 70% of the U.S. population will experience a traumatic event in their lifetime. Dr. O explains that while many people associate trauma with extreme events such as war, assault, or abuse, trauma is simply overwhelming stress. When stress becomes so severe that it impacts daily functioning, it can manifest as depression, anxiety, anger, fear, exhaustion, personality or mood disorders, eating disorders, relationship problems, or sexual dysfunction.

Dr. O emphasizes that trauma is individualistic—its impact varies greatly from person to person. While not every traumatic experience results in PTSD, unresolved trauma can have lifelong effects. Dr. O helps clients identify and address the root causes of their challenges, guiding them through the process of healing. With empathy and understanding, she supports clients in their journey toward lasting change.

With over 10 years of experience, Dr. O has shared her expertise in psychology, trauma, and diversity-related issues by providing supervision, educational seminars, workshops, and training. She is also a content expert and motivational speaker. Her topics include understanding and coping with trauma as a trauma worker (addressing vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue, and burnout), coping with traumatic experiences such as post-traumatic stress, sexual abuse, physical or domestic abuse, death, divorce, natural disasters, international trauma, and war and conflict. Dr. O also conducts workshops and seminars on diversity and inclusion, resolving discrimination issues in the workplace, cultural competency, colorism, religion, and effective communication with diverse populations.

Dr. O takes a holistic approach to therapy, incorporating wellness and harmony of the mind, body, and personal affairs. In addition to her therapy practices, she offers health, wellness, and business coaching services. Her approach is often described as unorthodox, as she steps away from traditional methodologies to partner with each client in stepping “outside of the box” and into their future.

Dr. O is passionate about supporting individuals, couples, families, children, adolescents, organizations, and communities through life’s transitions and challenges. She is also an advocate for equality across nations. Her compassionate demeanor is shaped by her multicultural background and personal experiences with trauma. In her free time, Dr. O enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, traveling, writing poetry, dancing, and working out.