Tamilore Odimayo, MA LCPC CADC
Where are you located? What are your credentials? What population do you work with and which disorders do you primarily focus on?
I am located in Springfield, Illinois. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and a Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor. I am also in the last phase of earning my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology.
I primarily work with young adults and enjoy working with individuals with personality disorders, depression, and anxiety.
What is your theoretical orientation? Why did you choose that orientation?
I would argue that I’m both a Gestalt therapist and an Existential therapist. I find myself leaning towards Existentialism because I like to guide my clients to find meaning in life. My motto is to be yourself, live with intention, and trust your instincts. All three principles can’t work without the other.
What is a mental health “golden nugget” you can give over?
Your body and mind will fight you if you’re not doing the things it was created for, if you’re not with the person you’re supposed to be with, and if you’re not in the environment that’s designed for you. Everyone is different. If you can find out why you are, you can find out who you are. When you find out who you are, you can be yourself. When you are the true version of yourself, you’ll begin to attract the right people and situations in your life. Hence the principle of being yourself, living with intention, and trusting your instincts.
What type of coffee do you enjoy best and how do you like your coffee? (If you don’t drink coffee that is fine too!)
I don’t drink coffee anymore but when I drank coffee, I loved it black (no sugar, no milk, just caffeinated awesomeness)
When/How did you first become interested in a career in psychology? Why did you choose your specialty?
Since childhood, I’ve always loved talking to others and guiding people to solve their individual issues. I used to also skip class to read what I now know was the Diagnostic Statistical Manual. However, it wasn’t until I began college that I realized that psychology had to be it. I won’t say I chose my specialty. I’ll say my specialty chose me.
What aspects of clinical work do you enjoy most and why?
I enjoy it when a client tells me, “I know who I am now”. It is the most blissful statement I look forward to hearing. When a client can finally see themselves from a holistic point of view, it is very gratifying.
What aspects of clinical work do you least enjoy and why?
Documentation. Lol, but we have to do it.
Do you work alone or are you a part of a group practice?
I’m part of a group practice.
What are your hobbies?
I love to bike, workout, write novels, and debate.
What do you do for self-care?
I workout daily, spoil myself with some good food, go on a mindfulness bike ride, and binge-watch Game of Thrones.
Do you have any published works?
I have published 7 books. Game of confessions, Olivetti trilogy (3 books), How to be a Mental Health Savage, Diary of a Psychopath, and Relationship Code.
You can check out these books at https://www.tamitalks.com/home
Do you have any blog/podcast/other media people can follow?
Yes. Mental Health Savage is available on Instagram
Do you have any book recommendations?
“The Secret” by Rhonda Byrne
and
“The Power of Positive thinking” by Norman Vincent Peale (It changed my life)
You can visit Tamilore at https://www.tamitalks.com/home
