My life as a mental health practitioner —Oyinkansola Alabi, CEO Emotions City

You recently launched the free counseling line. What inspired this?

Since the government is yet to either take full responsibility for the mental health industry nor create a mental health portfolio, we, the mental health practitioners, have to keep creating and sustaining mental health projects and platforms. If we don’t, many more people will commit suicide; be depressed; be overwhelmed by life; be helpless and will be clueless. This initiative has made us discover many things people encounter. We have also used this avenue to save or restore many lives.

How has it been setting up this initiative, even as a woman?

I didn’t even know I was the first woman to pioneer an emotional intelligence academy affiliated with the Six Seconds Emotional Intelligence Network, United States of America (USA) until I was told.  I am consumed by the desire to help individuals and organisations learn how to attain emotional stability, increase their productivity, deepen their peace and increase profitability. So, I will keep initiating projects that drive the truth about the fact that emotions drive people, people drive performance.

At what point in your life did you discover you have a passion for this?

My authenticity is my differentiating factor. Authenticity means how deep you are true to yourself. My authenticity helps me walk my talk. I have always known that I was created to give life where death looms. I, however, didn’t know the fragrance or flavour of problems I was created to solve. I love where I am now and the role I play as an emotions doctor. I am also willing and available to embark on the next chapter of my life.  We serve the rich, the poor, the vulnerable, outcasts and everyone. As long as you have a soul, Emotions City is willing and available to listen to you and help you solve your emotional instabilities.

What are the challenges you usually encounter in your field?

I am in a field plagued my men. Men who have been programmed to think it’s their birth right to lead. Men who support other men and will choose other men before they remember women exist. They do this not because they hate women but because they have been scripted to reach out to other men before women. The second interesting challenge is the fact that some clients feel entitled to your time and expertise. They feel it is your responsibility to serve them for free once they reach out to you. Most of them haven’t been trained to take responsibility for their mental health. They have been trained to request for freebies so once your invoice welcomes them to reality, they freeze and some resort to emotional blackmail. This really doesn’t bother me because I am aware I can’t help everyone. I will only help those I desire to.

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How have you been able to combine the home front and your career?

I prefer to refer to it as work/ life integration. I am getting better at synchronising all the elements that make me happy. I am improving daily and I love the results we are experiencing already.

What is your take on vulnerable women in the society?

I stand to be corrected, but I have observed that Nigeria has a patriarchal culture. A culture that subtly believes that leadership belongs to men. As long as this narrative exists, women will only try, but may still not be giving the privilege to lead at some high level engagements.

Which project are you working on presently?

Our newest project is called: The Midnight Listeners, a coaching and therapy platform that runs at midnight in Nigeria. So, while others close for the day, we run a 24-hour mental and emotional hub. We are also the first round the clock mental hub in Africa.

Are you satisfied with the level of women’s involvement in politics?

I am thankful that I am presently regarded as one of the leading voices of mental health in Nigeria. I am also consumed by the passion to equip more people with tools on how to increase their productivity, happiness and profitability.

What do you consider the strongest point in a woman?

A woman’s strongest point is her soul, her energy, her voice, her authenticity. An attack on her soul is an attack on her essence.

If you have your way, what would want to change about yourself and women in general?

Maybe, I would like to be a little more outgoing. I really don’t enjoy networking or attending large events. I prefer intimate gatherings. I am an introvert who plays extroverted roles.

Your favourite sport?

I doubt I have a favourite sport, but I love swimming, cycling, dancing and walking.

Beauty regimen

I have none. But I try visiting my masseuse once a month, watching my calorie, exercising and hanging out with my close friends on Friday evenings.