Naija Minds Speak: Exploring Mental Health Care in Nigeria

In this episode, we speak with Sendi Danjuma Dafwat, a Nigerian psychologist and mental health advocate with expertise in trauma-informed care, particularly in addressing insurgency-related trauma. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master of Science in Social and Terrorism Psychology.

Sendi is a recognized advocate with experience in humanitarian leadership. She specializes in addressing gender-based violence in crises and is committed to raising awareness, challenging stigma, and creating safe spaces for intersex individuals across Nigeria and beyond.

To learn more about her

* Linkedin

Organization mentioned in the Podcast

* Intersex Nigeria

* Website

* Instagram

* Facebook

* Youtube Channel

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit naijamindsspeak.substack.com

In this episode, we speak with Moshobalaje Sheriff, a licensed Clinical Psychologist and founder of Positivity Reign Psychological Services. With years of experience supporting mental health in Nigeria and beyond, Sheriff shares insights on providing affirming, compassionate care for LGBTQ+ individuals in a context where stigma and discrimination often stand in the way. We explore the importance of inclusive therapy, the challenges faced by key populations, and what it means to offer care without conditions.

To Learn more about Conversion Practices and their impact , click below

* The Nature, Extent and Impacts of Conversion Practices in Nigeria

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In this episode, we speak with Miracle Ihuoma, a highly qualified clinical psychologist with a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology, a family life therapist with over a decade of experience, and a pastor.

We gain insights into the role of religion and mental health in Nigeria, exploring the topic through the lens of his dual roles as a therapist and a pastor.

🔗 Connect with Miracle Ihuoma:

* Instagram

* Personal Website

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit naijamindsspeak.substack.com

Today on the Podcast, we will be talking about the role of religion on mental health in Nigeria with our guest, Funmto is a Clinical Psychotherapist and founder of Ibi Ayo Therapy and Wellness Limited, a mental health private practice located in Lagos, Nigeria.

She holds a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and is a National Certified Counselor (NCC). Specializing in trauma, anxiety, depression, and life transitions.

To learn more about her practice, Ibi Ayo, and get connected with her for counseling, click the link below

* https://www.ibiayo.com/

Also, you can follow her work on

* Instagram

* Tik Tok

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit naijamindsspeak.substack.com

In this episode of Naija Minds Speak, we’re joined by Ganiyat (Olukemi) Kareem — a seasoned social work and development professional with expertise in mental health counselling, career counselling, product and program management as well as research in improving lives, health, and wellbeing of people and communities. She is the Founder of Mindful Well-being Foundation, a trauma-informed non-profit organisation providing mental health and psychosocial support to survivors of trauma among children and young people.

Through her leadership at Mindful Well-being Foundation — officially registered in 2023 but active since 2020 — Ganiyat advocates for survivors of violence, displaced persons, homeless youth, and vulnerable communities.

Tune in as we explore how social work in Nigeria—often overlooked and undervalued—remains essential to strengthening communities and supporting vulnerable populations.

To learn more about Ganiyat and the work she does, follow her on

Facebook:

* Mindful Well-Being Foundation

* Ganiyat O. Kareem

Instagram

* @houseofarraka

* @themwf_

Organizations mentioned

* ​Nigeria Association of Social Workers (NASoW)

* https://www.nasow.org/home

* The Chartered Institute of Social Work Practitioners of Nigeria (C-ISOWN)

* https://www.c-isown.org/

* NSCDC:

https://nscdc.gov.ng/

* Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare

* https://www.health.gov.ng/

Nigerian Council for Social Work Act 2022 Publication [GAZETTED]

Some terms explained

* MHPSS: Mental Health Psychosocial Support

* Counseling VS Psychotherapy

* Although used interchangeably, counseling is often referred to as mental health services for people with mild to moderate mental health issues, whereas psychotherapy is often provided for people with moderate to severe mental health issues

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit naijamindsspeak.substack.com

On today’s Podcast, we will discuss the difference between Coaching and Therapy with our guest, Josephine. She is a clinical psychologist, life purpose coach, and trauma recovery specialist with nearly a decade of experience in psychotherapy, care management, and relationship therapy. She integrates therapy and coaching to help individuals heal, grow, and find meaning in life. She also hosts the Diary of a Doctor’s Wife Podcast, runs the Pain to Purpose Coaching Program, and shares personal growth insights through her Encouragement Series on YouTube.

Josephine’s Diary of a Doctor’s Wife Podcast:

To learn more and book the Services She provides follow the links below:

* Therapy & Coaching Services

Follow her on Instagram

* theencouragercg

* psychologistjosephine

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit naijamindsspeak.substack.com

Bosede Christiana Oyelakin (M.Ed, Guidance, and Counselling) is a Mental Health/Child and Adolescent Counsellor. Her passion is to help people heal from abuse, identity crises, and mental health difficulties so they can live resilient and fulfilling lives. For 6 years, she provided services as a school counselor in different schools, supporting students, parents, and teachers. In the last 4 years, her passion to help more men, women, and children live a fulfilled and resilient life, has transitioned her into practicing as a Mental Health Therapist.Her services include counseling, therapy, public speaking, and consulting with a focus on mental health and wellness, child and adolescent development, and self-development.

Linkden: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bosedechristianaoyelakin/

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit naijamindsspeak.substack.com

In this episode, we interview Sandra Anyahaebi, a Nigerian mental health stakeholder from the nonprofit sector. She is a psychologist in private practice at Insight Wellness Therapy, a lecturer, a social entrepreneur, and a speaker.

Sandra is also the founder of Psychebabble Foundation, an initiative dedicated to raising mental health awareness in Nigeria, particularly among young people. The foundation aims to destigmatize mental health, encourage youth to seek treatment when needed, and connect service users to appropriate mental health care.

To learn more about their events, and projects, or to donate, visit:

🌐 Website: psychebabblefoundation.com

📘 Facebook: Psychebabble Foundation

📸 Instagram: @psychebabbleng

▶️ YouTube: Psychebabble Foundation

🐦 Twitter/X: Psychebabble Foundation

For sponsorships and donations, contact:

📧 Email: [email protected]

📞 Phone: 09013841781 | 08154106520

💳 Donations: 1214691529 | Psychebabble Foundation | Zenith Bank

Sandra also runs Insight Wellness Therapy, a private practice offering psychotherapy services and mental health resources.

📸 Instagram: @insight.wellnesstherapy

🌐 Website: paystack.shop/insight-wellness-therapy

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit naijamindsspeak.substack.com

A basic guide to navigating mental healthcare in Nigeria. Hope it helps :)

For examples of basic ethical guidelines all mental health professionals are required to follow read this ethical guideline from

* The American Counseling Association: https://www.counseling.org/docs/default-source/default-document-library/ethics/2014-aca-code-of-ethics.pdf

Also here is a link to the National Mental Health Act 2021 [GAZETTED]

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/63438980e505485cb3299aad/t/63f39b465a87b9639c5ff2f5/1676909382894/National+Mental+Health+Act+2021.pdf

For more info on mental health policies in Nigeria visit

https://www.nigerianmentalhealth.org/

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This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit naijamindsspeak.substack.com

Welcome to Naija Minds Speak a podcast exploring mental health care in Nigeria. In this episode, I’ll introduce myself and give you some insight into what inspired me to start this podcast and what to expect.

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This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit naijamindsspeak.substack.com