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From Actor to Therapist—Reclaiming Identity & Embracing Self-Energy with Adeshola Nnamdi, LMFT
Episode 146: From Actor to Therapist—Reclaiming Identity & Embracing Self-Energy with Adeshola Nnamdi, LMFT
What does it look like to live with deep intention—and how can our past lives, creativity, and cultural roots shape the therapists we become?
In this episode of The Innovative Therapist Podcast, I had the absolute pleasure of talking with Adeshola Nnamdi, MA, LMFT—an actor who made a pivot into clinical psychology and psychotherapy, is IFS-trained, and deeply passionate about storytelling, healing, and identity. Shola is the first male guest on the podcast—and the first to serenade us too!
We covered so much in this heartfelt, funny, and powerful conversation:
From the Stage to the Therapy Room
Before becoming a therapist, Shola had a rich acting career—appearing in many films and on television, including on a hit NBC sitcom called The Single Guy that aired between Seinfeld and Friends, working with Spike Lee (check out the video just below this paragraph!), and even hanging out at Saturday Night Live. But despite his outward success, he found himself burnt out, disconnected, and chasing applause rather than purpose.
Eventually, through sobriety and soul-searching, he found a new path: one rooted in service, meaning, and connection.
“What would my life look like if I stopped seeking validation and just trusted?”
Therapy as Art: The Performance of Presence
Shola’s artistic background deeply informs his work as a therapist. He describes therapy as a kind of performance art—not because we’re faking it, but because we’re bringing our full selves into the room and responding in real time.
“Bad acting is pushing… having an agenda. That can happen in therapy too.”
IFS, in particular, allowed him to slow down, be present, and trust in both his clients and himself. Instead of working from parts that strive or fix, he now leans into the power of Self-energy—and it’s transformed his clinical work.
Why He Changed His Name—and What It Means
Shola also shares the powerful story of changing his name from Shawn Michael Howard to Adeshola Nnamdi, a decision rooted in personal healing and cultural reclamation. After George Floyd’s murder and years of reflection, he realized he no longer wanted to carry a name passed down from a history of enslavement.
“I didn’t want to die with a slaveholder’s name on my tombstone.”
The name Adeshola means “he brings prosperity” and Nnamdi means “my father lives.” It’s a name he carries with honor, intention, and power.
Creativity, Joy, & the Therapist’s Zone of Genius
We also explored how creativity plays a crucial role in the therapist’s life—not just through hobbies, but through presence, flexibility, and flow.
“We’re creating in there. It’s art.”
Shola’s Zone of Genius is connection. Whether on stage or in the therapy room, he brings joy, attunement, and aliveness to the people around him. He’s passionate about helping others do the same—both professionally and personally.
Want to Feel More Alive in Your Work?
If you’ve ever questioned your career path, felt boxed in by your therapist role, or longed to bring more you into your work—this episode is for you.
Looking for a Therapist in California or Arizona?
Shola offers individual, couples, and group therapy and brings warmth, wisdom, and a strong grounding in both EFT and IFS.
🌐 Learn more: idigtherapy.com
Want More Support & Connection?
💡 Join my email list for therapist resources, creative community, and upcoming retreats! [Sign up here]
Disclaimer:
This blog and podcast are for informational and educational purposes only. They do not constitute medical or mental health advice and are not a substitute for professional consultation or treatment.
View all episodes
By Dr. Shawn Hondorp, PhD, ABPP
4.9
5454 ratings
Episode 146: From Actor to Therapist—Reclaiming Identity & Embracing Self-Energy with Adeshola Nnamdi, LMFT
What does it look like to live with deep intention—and how can our past lives, creativity, and cultural roots shape the therapists we become?
In this episode of The Innovative Therapist Podcast, I had the absolute pleasure of talking with Adeshola Nnamdi, MA, LMFT—an actor who made a pivot into clinical psychology and psychotherapy, is IFS-trained, and deeply passionate about storytelling, healing, and identity. Shola is the first male guest on the podcast—and the first to serenade us too!
We covered so much in this heartfelt, funny, and powerful conversation:
From the Stage to the Therapy Room
Before becoming a therapist, Shola had a rich acting career—appearing in many films and on television, including on a hit NBC sitcom called The Single Guy that aired between Seinfeld and Friends, working with Spike Lee (check out the video just below this paragraph!), and even hanging out at Saturday Night Live. But despite his outward success, he found himself burnt out, disconnected, and chasing applause rather than purpose.
Eventually, through sobriety and soul-searching, he found a new path: one rooted in service, meaning, and connection.
“What would my life look like if I stopped seeking validation and just trusted?”
Therapy as Art: The Performance of Presence
Shola’s artistic background deeply informs his work as a therapist. He describes therapy as a kind of performance art—not because we’re faking it, but because we’re bringing our full selves into the room and responding in real time.
“Bad acting is pushing… having an agenda. That can happen in therapy too.”
IFS, in particular, allowed him to slow down, be present, and trust in both his clients and himself. Instead of working from parts that strive or fix, he now leans into the power of Self-energy—and it’s transformed his clinical work.
Why He Changed His Name—and What It Means
Shola also shares the powerful story of changing his name from Shawn Michael Howard to Adeshola Nnamdi, a decision rooted in personal healing and cultural reclamation. After George Floyd’s murder and years of reflection, he realized he no longer wanted to carry a name passed down from a history of enslavement.
“I didn’t want to die with a slaveholder’s name on my tombstone.”
The name Adeshola means “he brings prosperity” and Nnamdi means “my father lives.” It’s a name he carries with honor, intention, and power.
Creativity, Joy, & the Therapist’s Zone of Genius
We also explored how creativity plays a crucial role in the therapist’s life—not just through hobbies, but through presence, flexibility, and flow.
“We’re creating in there. It’s art.”
Shola’s Zone of Genius is connection. Whether on stage or in the therapy room, he brings joy, attunement, and aliveness to the people around him. He’s passionate about helping others do the same—both professionally and personally.
Want to Feel More Alive in Your Work?
If you’ve ever questioned your career path, felt boxed in by your therapist role, or longed to bring more you into your work—this episode is for you.
Looking for a Therapist in California or Arizona?
Shola offers individual, couples, and group therapy and brings warmth, wisdom, and a strong grounding in both EFT and IFS.
🌐 Learn more: idigtherapy.com
Want More Support & Connection?
💡 Join my email list for therapist resources, creative community, and upcoming retreats! [Sign up here]
Disclaimer:
This blog and podcast are for informational and educational purposes only. They do not constitute medical or mental health advice and are not a substitute for professional consultation or treatment.