Meet Onyi Oriji-Dor, LCSW-S | Licensed Therapist & Private Practice Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Onyi Oriji-Dor, LCSW-S and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Onyi, what do you attribute your success to?
Being authentically myself is definitely the most important factor behind any success I’ve had. The saying “they can steal your recipe but the sauce won’t taste the same” is one of my favorites because it’s 100% true. When deciding to start something new it is human nature to want to look around to see what others are doing. But the fact of the matter is no one can do what you do, the way you do it. This is especially true as a therapist. We all have similar training, continuing education requirements, and all use evidence-based practices. But every therapist brings a little bit of themselves into the therapy room and that’s what really makes all the difference. Whenever I have moments of doubt, I remind myself as long as I am being authentically myself and doing what’s right for me I’ll be successful.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?

I’m the owner of Merite Counseling & Consulting Services. I’m a licensed therapist with 7 years of clinical expertise. I truly believe that everyone deserves quality culturally competent mental health care. I believe an individual’s culture and family of origin have a huge impact on their way of showing up in the world and showing up in relationships.

I’m passionate about helping couples iron out communication road bumps, in-law issues, life adjustments, and parenting challenges as well as many of the other issues that arise in relationships. I also specialize in working with individuals who are experiencing peer/romantic relationship concerns, stress, difficulty coping with life transitions & women’s issues. Most recently, I have had the amazing opportunity to expand my Practice by adding two wonderful clinicians to my team.

In addition to therapy services, I am also a Board Approved Social Work Supervisor. I offer individual and group supervision to Licensed Master Social Worker’s looking to gain clinical hours towards their clinical license.

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 food! So when friends come to town we spend most of our time eating. Some of my favorite places to eat are Baby Barnaby’s, Taste Bar & Kitchen, The Breakfast Klub, Trendy Dumpling, Burns Burger Shack, Blue Nile Ethiopian Restaurant, The Funnel Bar, and last but definitely not least Lotus Seafood.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
By far my biggest supporter is my husband. From applying to graduate school to opening my Private Practice he has been my biggest hype-man. He’s believed in me when others doubted me and when I doubted myself. He’s supported me when I wanted to move on from jobs that were no longer a good fit. In the difficult transition back to work after having our son, he provided me with the practical and emotional support that I needed so much. He is an amazing partner and father and I am extremely grateful and blessed to do life with him. I couldn’t have built my business without his unwavering support and confidence in me.

Website: https://meritecounseling.clientsecure.me/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meritecounseling/

Image Credits
Brandi Ali Photography (family photo)