Olayinka Dykes,
LCMHC

Specialties & Focus Areas
- Chronic Illness
- Anxiety & Stress
- Depression
- Trauma
- Life Transitions & Changes
- Relationship Challenges
- Grief & Loss
Work with Olayinka
- Location: Virtual (NC)
- Insurance: BCBS, Aetna, Optum/UHC, Medcost, Traditional Medicare, Tricare Certified Provider
- Accepting New Clients
- Availability: Mon: 9-7, Tues: 9-7, Weds: 9-7, Thurs: 9-7
- Schedule An Appointment or Free 15 Minute Phone Consult
Therapy for Adults Navigating
Anxiety, Identity,
and Life’s Turning Points
You might be showing up every day, doing what you need to do – but underneath, it’s a lot.
The anxiety that keeps you up at night.
The frustration of managing a chronic condition that no one else seems to understand.
The pressure to hold it all together, even when part of you feels lost or disconnected.
Whether you’re facing a big life change, carrying long-standing emotional pain, or struggling to feel like yourself in the middle of it all, you don’t have to do this alone.
Therapy can be a place to pause, talk things through,
and start making sense of what’s weighing on you.
Meet Olayinka
I work with adults who are doing their best to keep going – but inside, they’re overwhelmed, anxious, or feeling like they’ve lost their sense of direction.
With experience in community mental health, hospitals, and private practice, I’ve supported people facing some of life’s toughest challenges – anxiety, depression, chronic illness, trauma, and major transitions.
I also have extensive experience working with underserved communities, people coping with chronic illness, and grief and loss – whether that’s an actual loss or the loss of independence or identity.
Clients often tell me they feel heard, respected, and safe in our work together. I take a whole-person approach and meet you where you are, with no pressure to be anything but yourself.
Outside of sessions, I enjoy cozy movie nights, crocheting, and spending time with my family and friends. Travel is a big part of my life – whether it’s exploring the U.S., visiting Europe or Jamaica, or the rich heritage of Africa. I’m also a firm believer in the power of regular exercise, not just for the body but for the soul too.
“I have always believed in the resilience of the human spirit and the potential for growth that resides within each individual.”
How I Help
In our sessions, you can expect honesty, compassion, and real tools to help you manage what you’re facing.
We’ll focus on what’s getting in the way, whether that’s anxiety, life stress, or unresolved patterns. Then we’ll work on building practical tools you can use each day to feel more steady and clearheaded.
My approach draws from:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
To help identify and challenge thought patterns that contribute to anxiety and low mood.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Helps strengthen emotional regulation, increase self-awareness, and build resilience during stressful moments.
Whole-Person Approach
I recognize that your emotional health is deeply connected to your physical health, environment, and identity.
Talk Therapy & Strengths-Based Counseling
Offers a supportive space to process what’s going on and recognize the inner strengths you already carry.
Education & Training
- Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, where I graduated with honors from South University in High Point, NC.
- Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Fourah Bay College in Freetown, Sierra Leone.
That means making room for your values, your culture, your experiences, and your pace.
“Mental health isn’t weakness – it’s part of being human.
My goal is to create space where you feel understood, not judged.”
What We Can Work on Together
The people I work with are often holding more than they let on. They might look like they have it together, but underneath, they’re feeling anxious, discouraged, or unsure where to go next. Our work together focuses on helping you feel more in control and more connected to yourself.
In therapy, we'll start building tools that actually work in real life. We’ll focus on helping you:
- Build healthier ways to respond to stress
- Communicate more clearly and assertively
- Reconnect with your values, identity, and sense of purpose
- Feel less overwhelmed and more grounded in your daily life
- Understand what’s triggering your anxiety or emotional stress
I understand that sometimes the hardest step is reaching out,
but by working together, we can explore
your journey towards healing.
Have questions or want to know what to expect before getting started?
Our New Client Guide walks you through what to expect in therapy, how scheduling works, and what to know about insurance and fees.
