Obaogodara (Preference:Dara) Oluwasanmi

Compassionate, collaborative care for life challenges

LMHC New York

Experience: 6 years in practice
Focus areas: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Self esteem
Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Client-Centered Therapy
Languages: English

About Obaogodara

Obaogodara (Preference: Dara) Oluwasanmi is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) practicing in New York with six years of clinical experience.

Background and approach

Dara has worked extensively with people facing a wide range of concerns including anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, addiction, relationship difficulties, grief, trauma and abuse, and challenges related to self-esteem and intimacy. Her background also includes work with persistent and severe mental illnesses and additional focus areas such as codependency, chronic illness, and eating and anger-related issues.

She favors a collaborative, respectful approach that prioritizes building rapport and a strong therapeutic alliance. Dara integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) alongside client-centered and mindfulness techniques, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused strategies to tailor treatment plans to each person's needs.

Her practice emphasizes empathy, clear goals, and practical coping skills to help clients manage stress, navigate life changes, and work toward meaningful improvement. Clients can expect individualized care that honors their experiences while emphasizing collaboration and attainable steps forward.

Dara encourages those taking the step toward therapy and invites prospective clients to reach out to explore whether her approach aligns with their goals.

Therapeutic approaches and what online sessions offer

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps people identify and change unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors by developing practical skills and coping strategies; it is often used for anxiety, depression, stress, and mood concerns. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on creating a respectful, empathic environment where the therapist follows the client's lead and supports personal growth through understanding and acceptance. Mindfulness Therapy teaches present-focused awareness and nonjudgmental observation of thoughts and feelings, which can reduce reactivity and improve emotion regulation.

Dara approaches treatment as a collaborative process and will work with each client to determine which methods best match their needs, goals, and preferences. Finding the right mix of techniques is part of therapy itself, and clients can expect ongoing discussion and adjustment as progress is made.

Online sessions are offered by video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging, providing flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These formats make it easier to attend regularly, practice skills between sessions, and maintain continuity of care when in-person meetings are not feasible.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns can I bring to therapy?

Dara works with a broad range of issues including stress, anxiety, addictions, bipolar disorder, depression, grief, trauma and abuse, intimacy and relationship concerns, self-esteem, eating and anger-related problems, ADHD, and other listed focus areas.

How would you describe the therapeutic approach and style?

Therapy is collaborative and goal-oriented, with an emphasis on building rapport, respect, and empathy. Techniques include client-centered work, CBT, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused strategies.

What is Dara's professional background and experience?

She holds six years of clinical experience and has spent additional time working with individuals who have severe persistent mental illnesses in a full-time facility role.

Where is Dara licensed and based?

She is licensed as an LMHC in New York with license number NY LMHC 011010 and maintains a practice serving clients in New York.

Which languages are available for sessions and are international clients accepted?

Sessions are conducted in English and she is not currently accepting international clients.

In what formats are sessions offered?

Appointments are available via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to accommodate different communication preferences.

How is cost handled for therapy sessions?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

What are the steps to begin working together?

To start, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule an appointment according to the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, Anxiety Addictions Self esteemBipolar disorderDepression

Also works with

LGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuse GriefIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersAnger managementCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes Compassion fatigue ADHD

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAging and geriatric issuesAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesAvoidant personalityBody imageChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependencyControl issuesDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)Divorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHoardingImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMood disordersMulticultural concernsNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCD Panic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobiasPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSexualitySmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingSolution-Focused Therapy

Experience

6+ years

Licensed

New York

Languages

English