ABOUT ME

I don’t recall much from Pinocchio except for Jiminy Cricket, the tiny companion meant to serve as the puppet’s conscience. I remember envying Pinocchio for having this ever-present guide—someone to offer wisdom whenever he faced a dilemma.

I often wondered why people didn’t have such figures in their lives to help them reach their goals and become the best versions of themselves. Over time, I discovered psychology and later, social work. I began my career as a victim-witness advocate and later worked as a paraprofessional clinician. In those early years, I often felt frustrated by the gap between what my clients desired and my role as a mental health professional. Seeking to bridge this disconnect, I pursued further education—earning my master’s degree in social work from the University of Georgia and a doctorate in community psychology from Michigan State University. Through this journey, I arrived at two key conclusions:

1. People and their environments are not inherently "toxic." Rather, challenges arise when there is an incongruence between an individual’s disposition and the conditions around them.

2. While the medical model is essential for treating mental illness and brain disease, many struggles stem from poor person-environment fit—something we often address today through life coaching.

As a wellness professional, my goal is to help you reach your full potential and experience fulfillment. We’ll work together to identify your strengths and remove or overcome obstacles—whether in your career, education, or personal relationships.

I will help you develop skills in money management, problem-solving, and boundary-setting—without alienating yourself or others. We’ll practice assertive communication to break cycles of codependency. The techniques I teach also support breaking unhelpful habits, identifying fixed action patterns, and managing self-destructive impulses.

Let me help you become you.

Dr. Eyitayo Onifade
Ph.D., Community Psychology, Michigan State University
MSW, Social Work, University of Georgia
Certificate in Life Coaching, University of Georgia