Akintunde Taiwo Olayinka

Name
Akintunde Taiwo Olayinka.

Qualifications
Professional Diploma In Occupational Therapy.

Job Title
Occupational Therapist.

What is your background and how did you get into Mental Health?
I qualified as an Occupational Therapist in  2016. I started voluntary service for organizations like Special Olympics Nigeria and Child and Adolescent Mental Health Unit where I developed robust passion for the profession and this widened my horizon to be practically oriented as a well equipped therapist.

I worked at the Prince of Peace Specialist Clinic in the same year where we treated people with conditions like Schizophrenia, Bipolar Affective Disorder, Stroke, Dementia, Personality Disorder and Substance Misuse.

Who are your professional role models?
I have many people I’m looking up to, people like Dr. Frederick Covington, whose level of intellect fascinate me hitherto. He has set the standard for future occupational therapist. He’s well organized and innovative. Other role models of mine are Dr. Keir Harding, Dr. Wale Lagundoye and Dr. Olufemi Oluwatayo.

What inspires you?
I am inspired by people who believe in me and make me feel worthy, accepted and approved. People who if I make a mistake or if things don’t go well the first time, can point this out with a sense of ” it didn’t go well this time” or “you will do better next time”.

I am most inspired when people trust my ability to learn, change and improve.

What is your vision for The Retreat?
As Nigeria’s first purpose built private psychiatric hospital, whose mission is to promote optimal mental health, The Retreat is already changing lives. It is a gift of friendship to individuals with a serious mental illness. It is educating the public about mental health and mental illness working to eliminate stigma and prejudice.