Dr. Tolulope Oko-Igaire, Executive Director of the Chartered Institute of Counselling in Nigeria (CICN), is a voice in professional counselling, mental wellness and human sexuality in Africa. Fondly known in professional circles as Dr Tolu – “The Fixer,” she is a clinical counsellor with extensive experience in depression treatment, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), human sexuality and dysfunctional behavioural therapy.

Dr. Oko-Igaire has dedicated her career to redefining how Africans understand emotional healing, intimacy and psychological wellbeing. Through private practice, corporate wellness programmes and national advocacy, she has supported thousands of individuals and couples, often navigating deeply rooted cultural taboos around mental health and sexuality.

At the heart of her work is the Chartered Institute of Counselling in Nigeria (CICN). Founded to bridge the gap between everyday emotional struggles and psychiatric intervention, CICN has grown into Nigeria’s authority in counselling education, licensing and mental health advocacy.

Speaking at the Institute’s 7th Graduation, Induction and Award Ceremony in Lagos, Dr. Oko-Igaire described the ceremony as more than an academic achievement. “Graduation psychologically marks an identity transition. You are not merely receiving certificates; you are assuming a new professional self. This is not the end of your journey. This is your becoming,” she told the newly inducted counsellors.

She cautioned Nigerians against relying on untrained social media advisers and religious figures for mental health support, stressing that professional counselling is no longer optional but essential for national wellbeing.
“We see too many self-acclaimed counsellors on social media today. Counselling is not about giving advice from your head. It is evidence-based, ethical and professionally guided,” she said.

According to her, less than one percent of Nigerians are aware that professional psychological help exists. She described this reality as a silent national crisis, noting that emotional distress, loneliness, anxiety and trauma are increasingly shaping daily life.

“What we practise is people-based, not social media-based. These are trained professionals who use research-backed methods to help people,” emphasising that therapy must be grounded in science, ethics and empathy.

Oko-Igaire challenged the belief that therapy is unnecessary, describing it as “ignorant and dangerous.” “You cannot say you don’t need a therapist any more than you can say you don’t need a doctor. Doctors take care of your body; therapists take care of your mind. Nobody should be doing life alone,” she said.

Under her leadership, CICN has trained and inducted hundreds of counselling and clinical family coaching professionals who are now working across Nigeria and internationally in areas such as trauma intervention, marriage and family counselling, sexuality education and corporate mental wellness.

The Institute’s programmes include certificate, diploma and short-term professional courses, as well as pro-bono counselling initiatives that provide free therapy services quarterly to underserved communities.

Reflecting on the Institute’s journey, Dr. Oko-Igaire spoke on building CICN from vision to global recognition. “There were seasons of resistance, financial pressure and personal betrayal. But through it all, God kept me and God kept CICN,” she noted.

In 2025, CICN officially became a Chartered body, a milestone that accelerated its national and international influence. “Our progress is not accidental. It is grace validated by discipline.”

She expressed deep appreciation to the Board Chairman, board members, supervisory faculty, CICN staff and institutional partners for their unwavering support. She also thanked her husband and co-founder, Mr. Kennedy Oko-Igaire, whom she described as “the backbone of CICN and a passionate believer in humanity.” “My family, sponsors, mentors and friends carried this vision with me. This achievement belongs to all of us,” she added.

Beyond institutional leadership, Dr. Oko-Igaire remains a prolific author whose books reflect her work in sex therapy, mental health and professional counselling.

She is the author of four books titled; Understanding the Business of Counselling: A Comprehensive Guide to Building and Sustaining Your Counselling Practice, When Love Languages Hurt: Healing the Gap Between Expectation and Emotional Reality, ABC of Lovemaking and What’s Really Going On Down There?: The Ultimate Guide to a Healthy Vagina.