Initiative for Cognitive Therapies and Mental Health

Initiative for Cognitive Therapies and Mental Health We are dedicated to advancing evidence-based therapies for mental health in Nigeria and Africa.

Join us in destigmatizing mental health issues and promoting well-being.

27/09/2025

September 2025 Webinar Edition
TODAY'S FOCUS: The Role of Community and Support Systems in Su***de Prevention

Su***de prevention is not just an individual effort - It's a collective responsibility. A strong support system made up of family, friends, peers, and community resources can make all the difference.

For more insight on all we do, kindly visit our website:
www.cognitiveng.org

Upcoming Webinar: The Role of Community and Support Systems in Su***de PreventionSu***de remains one of the most pressin...
25/09/2025

Upcoming Webinar: The Role of Community and Support Systems in Su***de Prevention

Su***de remains one of the most pressing public health challenges of our time. Behind every statistic lies a life, a family, and a community forever impacted. Research consistently shows that strong community ties and reliable support systems play a vital role in reducing risk, fostering resilience, and saving lives.

This is why the Initiative for Cognitive Therapies and Mental Health (ICTMH) is hosting a timely conversation on:
The Role of Community and Support Systems in Su***de Prevention

Date: Saturday, 27th September 2025
Time: 6:00 PM (WAT)
Venue: Online via Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube

We are honored to feature an exceptional panel of experts:
Dr. Stephanie Okolo – Clinical Psychologist, Army Chaplain, and Founder of ICTMH

Dr. Haruna Yakub – Consultant Psychiatrist, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital

Dr. Grace Otu Effiong – Educational Leader, Health Systems Strategist, and Communications Expert

Guiding the conversation will be our thoughtful moderator:
Ese Ogheneovo

This webinar will shed light on how families, schools, faith communities, healthcare providers, and peer networks can come together to create a culture of care and connection—one where no one feels alone in their struggle.

Join us to:
Learn practical strategies for building community-based support.

Understand the protective factors that reduce the risk of su***de.

Discover how YOU can play a role in prevention and healing.

Together, we can strengthen our communities, break the silence, and stand as a lifeline for those who need it most.

Save the date, spread the word, and invite someone you care about.

***dePrevention

Weekly Mental Health Training Alert!The Initiative for Cognitive Therapies and Mental Health (ICTMH) is excited to invit...
22/09/2025

Weekly Mental Health Training Alert!

The Initiative for Cognitive Therapies and Mental Health (ICTMH) is excited to invite you to yet another impactful session of our weekly mental health training series.

This week’s focus is on a topic that touches the lives of so many young people and families:

"Navigating Peer Pressure and Social Media Anxiety: A Mental Health Perspective and Guide for Caregivers and Teens"

Facilitator: Dr. Grace Otu Effiong
Date: 26th September, 2025
Time: 8:00 PM (WAT)
Venue: Zoom https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/6Oo-jdHBRQmNuXYp9Cs_tw

In a world where likes, shares, and online trends shape self esteem, it’s becoming more important than ever to equip both teens and caregivers with tools to handle peer pressure and social media anxiety in healthy, constructive ways.

During this session, you’ll learn:
- How social media influences mental health in young people.
- Strategies for caregivers to support teens facing peer pressure.
- Practical tools for teens to build resilience and self-confidence.
- Insights on balancing digital life with mental well-being.

Note: A Certificate of Participation will be issued to all attendees, completely FREE of charge!

Don’t miss this empowering conversation that could change the way you and your loved ones navigate the digital world.

Register today, save the date, and be part of the conversation.

ONLINE MENTAL HEALTH TRAININGManaging schizophrenia goes beyond medications, it requires compassion, structure, and stro...
18/09/2025

ONLINE MENTAL HEALTH TRAINING

Managing schizophrenia goes beyond medications, it requires compassion, structure, and strong family support. Families play a vital role in ensuring the recovery journey is not faced alone.

The Initiative for Cognitive Therapies and Mental Health (ICTMH) invites you to a transformative training titled:

The Roles of Families in Managing Schizophrenia
Facilitator: Dr. Haruna Yakub
Date: 19th September, 2025
Time: 8:00 PM (WAT)
Venue: Online via Zoom

Join via Zoom:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83751478442?pwd=7jTtjGJFVLYaJmGL7U0SR1YhPysQC2.1

This training is designed for families, caregivers, mental health advocates, and anyone who wants to understand how support systems can improve outcomes for people living with schizophrenia. Together, we will learn practical strategies to foster resilience, reduce stigma, and build healthier communities.

Free Certificate of Participation will be issued to all attendees!

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and make a difference.

Breathe to Reset MondayMondays can feel overwhelming — the start of a new week, new tasks, and fresh challenges. But rem...
15/09/2025

Breathe to Reset Monday

Mondays can feel overwhelming — the start of a new week, new tasks, and fresh challenges. But remember, you hold the power to reset your mind and body at any moment.

Take a pause today. Inhale deeply… hold… then exhale slowly.
This simple act isn’t just breathing — it’s grounding. It calms your nervous system, lowers stress, and clears space for focus and clarity.

When you allow yourself to reset through mindful breathing, you set the tone for a more productive, intentional, and fulfilling week ahead.

So today, give yourself permission to pause, breathe, and reset. You deserve peace as much as progress.

Let’s take this week one breath at a time.

Follow us on all social media platforms or visit our website www.cognitiveng.org for more mental wellness tips.

Welcome to a New Week!At the Initiative for Cognitive Therapies and Mental Health (ICTMH), we believe every week is anot...
08/09/2025

Welcome to a New Week!

At the Initiative for Cognitive Therapies and Mental Health (ICTMH), we believe every week is another opportunity to grow, learn, and heal.

This Friday, 12th September 2025, we invite you to join us for our Weekly Mental Health Training as we shine a light on a very important topic:

“Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): From Trauma to Recovery”

The session will be facilitated by Fr. Joseph Bature Fidelis, who will guide us in understanding how trauma affects the mind, body, spirit, and most importantly, how recovery and healing are possible.

Date: Friday, 12th Sept. 2025
Time: 8:00 PM (WAT)
Venue: Online via Zoom
🔗 Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84160585941?pwd=5FMfRV1YfHv12LNCTkbrW0wpYJJbIE.1

A Free Certificate of Participation will be issued to every participant who attends the training.

Whether you are a mental health professional, someone supporting a loved one, or personally navigating trauma, this session will provide insights, tools, and encouragement on the journey from surviving to thriving.

Let’s come together to learn, share, and build a stronger, healthier community. You are not alone, healing is possible.

Join Us for a Powerful Mental Health Training Session!Life is full of changes—some exciting, some unexpected, and others...
02/09/2025

Join Us for a Powerful Mental Health Training Session!

Life is full of changes—some exciting, some unexpected, and others deeply challenging. But what happens when these transitions become overwhelming, triggering emotional struggles that feel hard to manage? Let’s talk about it.

The Initiative for Cognitive Therapies and Mental Health (ICTMH) invites you to an insightful online training session titled:

“Adjustment Disorders: When Life Transitions Trigger Mental Health Struggles”

Date: Friday, 5th September, 2025
Time: 8:00 PM (WAT)
Platform: Zoom
Join via Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87008502470?pwd=HN2VD2ey3nb4R0llWkookKBj8K8vp8.1

Special Perk: A FREE Certificate of Participation will be sent to all attendees who join the session!

We are honored to be felicitated by Dr. Nafisatu Hayyatudeen, a highly respected Consultant Psychiatrist, who will guide us through understanding Adjustment Disorders—what they are, how to identify them, and practical ways to support ourselves and others during life’s difficult transitions.

This training is perfect for:
- Mental health professionals seeking deeper insight
- Students and trainees in psychology and psychiatry
- Caregivers and advocates
- Anyone passionate about improving mental well-being

Together, let’s create a supportive space to discuss, learn, and empower ourselves with strategies to navigate life’s storms with resilience and hope.

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain knowledge that can change lives. Invite a friend, colleague, or loved one who could benefit.

30/08/2025

WELCOME TO OUR MONTHLY WEBINAR (AUGUST EDITION)

This month's focus:
MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCACY IN PLACES OF WORSHIP

The Initiative for Cognitive Therapies and Mental Health is dedicated to advancing evidence-based therapies for mental health in Nigeria and Africa

- Join Us in destigmatizing mental health issues and promoting well-being.

For more insight on all we do, kindly visit our website on www.cognitiveng.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter - or call us on: +234-706-287-4416.

Happy Birthday, Dr. Stephanie Rocky Okolo!Today, we celebrate not only the gift of your life but also the remarkable leg...
29/08/2025

Happy Birthday, Dr. Stephanie Rocky Okolo!

Today, we celebrate not only the gift of your life but also the remarkable legacy you continue to build every single day. As the President and Founder of the Initiative for Cognitive Therapies and Mental Health (ICTMH), your vision, dedication, and relentless passion for mental health advocacy have touched countless lives, especially in Nigeria and across Africa. Through your tireless efforts, you have championed mental health awareness, broken down stigmas, and given hope to so many who once felt unseen or unheard.

You are a lecturer, a clinical psychologist, a researcher, and a US Army Chaplain—roles that reflect your strength, wisdom, and compassion. Yet beyond your impressive titles, it is your heart for service, your humility, and your unwavering commitment to uplifting humanity that truly set you apart. You embody excellence and intentionality, reminding us all that mental health matters and that healing is possible.

On this special day, may your heart overflow with joy, laughter, and fulfillment. May your journey ahead be filled with even greater accomplishments, deeper peace, and endless opportunities to touch lives. The seeds you have sown through your work are already blooming, and your legacy is one of light, courage, and transformation.

Dr. Stephanie, thank you for being a beacon of hope to so many and a voice for change in a world that desperately needs it. May this new year of your life be your best yet—a season of growth, renewed strength, and unshakable joy.

Happy birthday once again! You are celebrated, cherished, and deeply appreciated.

With love from All of Us

Monthly ICTMH Webinar: Mental Health Advocacy in Places of WorshipThe Initiative for Cognitive Therapies and Mental Heal...
28/08/2025

Monthly ICTMH Webinar: Mental Health Advocacy in Places of Worship

The Initiative for Cognitive Therapies and Mental Health (ICTMH) is thrilled to invite you to our August 2025 Monthly Webinar – a thought-provoking and timely conversation you won’t want to miss!

Date: Saturday, 30th August, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM WAT
Live on: Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube

This month’s topic, “Mental Health Advocacy in Places of Worship,” will take a deep dive into the crucial role faith-based spaces play in mental health awareness, support, and healing. Places of worship are often where many find community, hope, and guidance—so how can we make these spaces more mentally healthy, inclusive, and supportive?

We’ve brought together an incredible panel of mental health advocates and thought leaders to guide this discussion:

Dr. Maureen Salami – A leading voice on mental health education

Mr. Samtanye Yerima Balla – A Pastor, mental health advocate and community development specialist

Mallam Saidu Minin Mohammed – A lecturer and a faith leader passionate about holistic well-being

Dr. Stephanie Okolo – Clinical psychologist, researcher, and our moderator for the evening

This is more than a conversation—it’s a call to action. Whether you’re a faith leader, mental health professional, community member, or simply curious, this session will:
- Break down stigma surrounding mental health in faith-based communities
- Explore strategies for advocacy and safe spaces within religious settings
- Inspire practical steps for collaboration between religious leaders and mental health experts

Mark your calendars, invite your networks, and join us LIVE! Together, we can transform the narrative around mental health in our communities, one conversation at a time.

Streaming Live: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube
Saturday, 30th August 2025 | 6:00 PM WAT

Let’s make mental health a priority everywhere—even in our places of worship. See you there!

ONLINE MENTAL HEALTH TRAINING – THIS FRIDAY!Are you passionate about personal growth, emotional wellness, or supporting ...
26/08/2025

ONLINE MENTAL HEALTH TRAINING – THIS FRIDAY!

Are you passionate about personal growth, emotional wellness, or supporting others on their healing journey?

Join The Initiative for Cognitive Therapies and Mental Health this Friday, 29th August 2025, for an empowering online session that dives deep into the science of attachment and its profound impact on adult relationships, mental health, and healing.

Topic: Understanding Attachment: The Doorway to Adult Healing – Part 2

Facilitator: Dr. David Thompson – an expert in cognitive therapies and emotional health, with years of experience helping individuals and communities heal.

This is not just another mental health webinar—this is a transformational learning opportunity for:
- Mental health professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of attachment theory
- Counselors, therapists, and coaches looking for actionable insights
- Parents, caregivers, and educators who want to foster secure relationships
- Anyone curious about emotional patterns, trauma healing, and building stronger, healthier connections

Date: Friday, 29th August 2025
Time: 8:00pm WAT
Online via Zoom
Zoom Link (No Registration Fee):
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/I_RYyIszSLycixDzrIb4AA

BONUS: All attendees will receive a FREE Certificate of Participation – a valuable addition to your professional development portfolio!

Let’s come together to explore how understanding attachment is truly a doorway to adult healing. Invite your colleagues, friends, and anyone on a journey toward emotional wellness.



VOICES UNMUTED: EMPOWERING NIGERIAN YOUTHS FOR MENTAL WELLNESS & RESILIENCEThe Initiative for Cognitive Therapies and Me...
21/08/2025

VOICES UNMUTED: EMPOWERING NIGERIAN YOUTHS FOR MENTAL WELLNESS & RESILIENCE

The Initiative for Cognitive Therapies and Mental Health (ICTMH) is excited to invite you to a transformative mental health training designed exclusively for all youth.

Too often, conversations around mental health are silenced — but it’s time to unmute our voices. This training creates a safe, empowering, and engaging platform where young people can learn practical strategies to build resilience, nurture their emotional well-being, and thrive in today’s challenging world.

Facilitator: Dr. Mfon Bassey
Date: Friday, 22nd August 2025
Time: 8:00 PM (WAT)
Venue: Online (Zoom)
Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/DPsTlrW8RCm9FHXUVp5asQ

Why should you attend?

100% FREE participation

Learn directly from an expert in mental health and cognitive therapies.

Gain practical coping strategies for stress, anxiety, and everyday challenges.

Connect with other young people passionate about growth and wellness.

Receive a FREE Certificate of Participation (emailed to all attendees).

This is more than just a training — it’s a movement towards breaking the silence, promoting resilience, and empowering Nigerian youths to take charge of their mental well-being.

Don’t keep this to yourself — tag a friend, share widely, and let’s unmute the voices together.

Address

Lagos

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