Meet Bisola Adediji | Licensed Relational Psychotherapist, Public Speaker, and Content Creator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Bisola Adediji and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bisola, what are you inspired by?
I am inspired by the resilience of humanity. We often get sucked into the hustle and bustle of life, and forget how far we have come, how much we have overcome, and how much we do know, and often, get right. There’s something to be said about the way in which we are all dealt different cards in life, and how many of us create beautiful lives, despite challenging circumstances. I am in the practice of helping people to cultivate peace within themselves and in their relationships, but I am often astonished by just how adaptable people truly are.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
If you’ve grown up in a West African family, then you know that Doctor (MD), lawyer, or engineer are often the only 3 careers options that your parents present to you, once you become a freshman in high school. They might throw nursing into the mix, too, as an honorable mention. I come from a family of healthcare professionals, so I immediately assumed that I would, naturally, become a physician (a dermatologist, to be exact). In my final semester of undergrad, I was finally honest with myself and decided that I couldn’t become a medical doctor. I simply had no interest or passion for it.

I was graduating with my bachelor’s a year early, so this decision seemed rather abrupt. “What was I going to do?”, I thought, especially because it seemed like time was running out. I knew I couldn’t tell my parents of this decision without a plan, but I didn’t really have one. I’ve loved psychology ever since I took AP Psych in my junior year of high school, and I had excelled as a Psych major in college. I knew I wanted to continue with psychology, but I was not sure what my options were. I thought I could obtain a master’s in clinical psychology, but it seemed a little “dry”. I knew that I wanted to work with people directly and become some sort of clinician. I didn’t want to be a researcher. I thought that maybe I could become a therapist, but I didn’t know anybody who had done this before. I didn’t know a therapist, and at that time, I had never even gone to therapy myself. It seemed unattainable, and between master’s programs in clinical mental health counseling, professional counseling, and marriage and family therapy, I was confused.

As I did more research on the various master’s and majors, I was particularly drawn to marriage and family therapy. I love systems theory, and its notion that people do not generally conceptualize or understand themselves outside of their relationships with others and their environment. This was especially true for me, growing up the child of Nigerian immigrants, in the Deep South. I became very curious about the correlation between the experience of dysfunctional relationship patterns and the development of abnormal psychopathology in individuals. I personally believe that whatever happens on a societal level happens within family systems and within our relationships. I quickly learned that pursing a Master of Science in marriage and family therapy would allow me explore the impact of social constructs (such as racism, colorism, sexism, etc.) on people’s understandings of themselves, and on their relationships. I was also excited because pursuing this degree meant that I would be equipped with the education and skills needed to help people. I knew that my work would be impactful and meaningful.

But with all, I was still scared. My parents were extremely supportive, but I knew that they were still unsure of what this journey would entail. I remember saying a prayer going into my last semester at Georgia State University. I told God that if I was meant to be an MFT, He should put someone on my path to help me as I applied to schools, and to show me the ropes. To my surprise, I ended up taking an elective class called “African American Family”, and my professor was a Jamaican American Black woman. She happened to be a licensed marriage and family therapist, too. That was my sign. Dr. Janie Francis Asante would meet with me occasionally after class, teaching me about the field, and helping me with my applications. After graduating with my bachelor’s, I did a short internship at Parakeleo’ Counseling in Montgomery, AL, with Alicia Crum, LPC-S, and really saw the world of psychotherapy for the first time. I graduated in May of that year, moved to DFW in July, and started my M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy at Texas Wesleyan University in August. The rest has been history.

This journey was not easy, but it is easily one of the best accomplishments of my life. Learning to be a therapist is tough. I often tell my clients that your relationships will expose everything that in unhealed in you, and learning to be a therapist is quite similar. Everything that was unhealed in me was exposed and doing this at such a young age (I started my master’s a month after my 22nd birthday), was challenging. The imposter syndrome was too real! I had to humble myself to receive constructive feedback from my professors, colleagues, and even my clients. I had to humble myself and become a client for the first time and attend my own therapy. I had to let go of pride, to understand that I cannot do this work without the leading and guidance of the Holy Spirit. I had to be vulnerable and transparent, understanding that (1), I cannot require of my clients anything that I am not willing to do, and (2), my effectiveness as a therapist is tied to my own wellness and personal development. I am most proud of the ways that I have grown through this process, with grace, openness, and lots of gratitude.

My clients enjoy working with me particularly because I am relatable and authentic. I work primarily with mother-daughter dyads, Generation Z, sexual assault survivors, and high conflict BIPOC families and couples. I represent a people and population that is often overlooked by the system. I believe that my clients see that I am intentional about creating a space where they can just be unapologetically themselves, while getting tailored support and psychotherapeutic services. I am not your typical, “cookie-cutter” psychotherapist. I am human, and I bring much of my personality and humanity into session. You will get all the realness, backed by evidence-based approaches and clinical expertise.

@the.therapydoll on Instagram is my baby. On that account, the emphasis is on social science and all things girly. You’ll get a ton of psychoeducation, and you’ll also get lots of pink and makeup and “Barbie” things. And that’s truly me. I’m a psychology nerd who loves a good “beat” and a fly outfit. I enjoy creating the content there and believe that I am bringing something new and fresh to the field. We’re girly girls who are also highly educated, productive, and learning to thrive—not survive, in career, family, marriage, and friendship.

When I am not working with clients or making content, I enjoy speaking on podcasts or presenting to groups on intersectionality within mental healthcare, amongst other pressing topics. Next week, I’ll be on a panel with 3 other healthcare professionals, speaking to a class of undergraduate students at University of North Carolina Greensboro on culturally relevant healthcare. I’m excited for that!

I am currently a licensed marriage and family therapist-associate, by the state of Texas. I am accepting new clients for family, couple, and individual (ages 11 and up) therapy at Resilient Roots Counseling and Consulting, PLLC in Garland, TX. I see clients both in-person and online, across the state of Texas. At RRCC, we are supervised by our founder and clinical supervisor, Kristin Ross, Ph.D., LMFT-S. We have a wonderful team of associates and student interns, and pride ourselves on providing the best psychotherapeutic services for clients struggling with a range of mental health and relational challenges. We are particularly passionate about serving BIPOC communities and providing culturally competent and trauma-informed care. All are welcome–we provide care to our clients, regardless of religion, sexual orientation, race, or gender. Each of us have different niches and specialties, and I invite you all to explore the site and check us out! I started out in community mental health and agency, so to now be in private practice full-time is surreal.

This is truly just the beginning. I’m looking forward to the journey ahead, and where my career takes me. I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity to do what I love, day in, and day out. I’m honored that my clients pick me as their therapist. I don’t take our work together lightly.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love this question! I grew up in Montgomery, Alabama, but spent many summers and holidays in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, where my family is originally from. I have also lived in New York City, Arkansas, and Atlanta, Georgia, but the Dallas Fort-Worth Metroplex is easily the best place I have ever stayed. When I got here in 2022, it felt like home, and I’m always excited when my family and friends come to visit. I think DFW has some amazing Asian food, so when I have company, we usually go to Koreatown in Carrolton. They have so many good restaurants and bakeries! I also enjoy Ka Thai in Uptown Dallas. I’m a matcha latte kind of girl, and I think Cuppa Espresso Bar in Irving Bible Church has some of the best. For a night out, my girls and I enjoy grabbing dinner and drinks from The Charlotte American Bistro. There are a lot of cute bars and lounges in that area, so you could catch us at a few! DFW has a great West African nightlife scene, so when I’m up for it, I might check out an event or two. For more chill vibes, I like visiting the Bath House Cultural Center and viewing the artwork.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My first Shoutout is to Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. Without Him, my achievements are irrelevant. I am grateful for the gift of salvation and for the anointing that has been placed on my life. Secondly, I would like to thank my family and friends, for listening to all my complaints and crying spells, for delighting in me, and for celebrating all the big wins. You all are one of my biggest blessings, and I am often in awe of how beautiful my tribe is. We’re not perfect, but we are perfect for each other. I would be remiss if I did not Shoutout my mentor, Dr. Ulrica. L. Kassar, LPC of CHOSEN Counseling and Coaching Services, PLLC. Dr. Tasha, as I call her, has been more than a mentor. She’s worn the hat of mother, therapist, clinical director, supervisor, teacher, and friend. I am so grateful for your guidance and love. Lastly, a huge Shoutout goes to Texas Wesleyan University School of Health Professions! I had the best time being a student of the Graduate Counseling Program. I will never forget my professors and colleagues for such a transformative experience.

Website: https://www.resilient-roots-counseling.com/meet-the-team/bisola-adediji

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.therapydoll/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bisola-adediji-m-sc-lmft-associate-964875252

Other: Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/bisola-adediji-garland-tx/1244818

Image Credits
Photos by Vera Obeng Photography and Audrey Kay Photography