Our Woman Crush Wednesday, Anthonia Bisola Otunla is not just a mental health clinician; she is a force of nature in trauma-informed care. As a specialist in neurology, neuropsychology, and traumatic stress, she has dedicated her life to helping individuals and communities heal from the invisible wounds of trauma. With almost two decades of experience, Anthonia is respected in her field.
As the Clinical Director of Thrive Metamorphosis Healthcare in Lagos, Anthonia creates safe spaces where people feel empowered to share their stories, process their emotions, and cultivate resilience. A Certified Trauma Specialist and Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) Practitioner, she blends expertise in traumatic stress, counseling, and nonviolent communication to support those navigating grief, PTSD, depression, anxiety, and emotional dysregulation. She is particularly passionate about using evidence-based methods to treat those suffering and under immense stress from different challenges.
Her passion for trauma recovery is deeply personal. A survivor of domestic violence and childhood adversity, Anthonia brings not just clinical knowledge but also lived experience, allowing her to connect with others on a profound level. Her work is rooted in empathy, advocacy, and a deep commitment to seeing people reclaim their lives.
Anthonia’s academic and professional credentials span continents. She holds a postgraduate degree in rehabilitation, a certification in traumatic stress studies, and an advanced diploma in professional counseling. As a Mandela Washington Fellow and Trauma Research Foundation Scholar, she has honed her skills at institutions such as the College of Medicine, University of Lagos; Duquesne University, USA; and the University of Keele, UK. Her expertise has earned her prestigious scholarships, including the Keele International Students Scholarship, the Trauma Research Foundation Scholarship, and the Unyte Health 2024 Social Impact Grant.
Beyond clinical practice, Anthonia is an advocate for mental health awareness through digital platforms and the arts. She runs Thriving Minds Spaceship, a WhatsApp channel dedicated to mental health education, where she shares weekly insights on trauma healing. Her creative impact extends to stage productions tackling critical social issues. In collaboration with Just Theatre Hub, she has produced plays such as Well Done, Sir, which highlights men’s mental health, and The Human Angle, an exploration of infertility. In March 2025, in honour of International Women’s Day, she will debut Blood and the Smile, a compelling production on maternal health and the importance of spousal support, set to be staged in Lagos and Abuja.
Anthonia’s commitment to community health is equally inspiring. Through Reachout for Health, she provides free health consultations to underserved communities in Lagos. She also serves as the Vice President of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, Lagos Central Council of Nigeria, and is an active member of the International Leadership Association and the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund Volunteer Network.
A clinician, advocate, publisher, producer, and servant leader, Anthonia Bisola Otunla is transforming lives, one healed heart at a time. Her mission is clear: to empower individuals to thrive beyond trauma and adversity that why she is our Pride Woman Crush.