About
Clinician, educator, and founder of The Returning Place.
Uche Okolie, LCSW is a trauma-informed clinician, educator, and speaker whose work sits at the intersection of psychology, creativity, and culture.
Credentials
- LCSW — California #100810
- LICSW — Massachusetts #123186
- LCSW — Texas #118920
- MSW, Boston College School of Social Work
- Specialties in Veterans and Military Families & Trauma
- 10+ years in clinical practice & program design
My work centers a simple truth: healing is about more than symptoms — it’s about returning to yourself.
I provide virtual therapy for adults navigating trauma, anxiety, identity, and relational healing, bridging evidence-based treatment with holistic, community-centered care. Through The Returning Place, I extend mental health beyond the therapy room; integrating sound, creative restoration, and collective resilience practices that honor both body and story.
I’ve developed and led trauma-informed training, resilience workshops, and creative wellness programs for institutions including Massachusetts General Hospital, the Home Base Veteran Program, the California Conservation Corps, domestic violence agencies, and other healthcare, higher-education, and community organizations across California and Massachusetts.
My approach draws on CBT, DBT, IFS, CPT, Prolonged Exposure, and CBT-I, alongside mindfulness, somatic exploration, and narrative healing — emphasizing nervous-system regulation and sustainable wellbeing in high-impact environments. Whether in individual therapy, guiding groups through sound, or teaching on trauma and belonging, the mission is the same: to restore safety to the body and voice to the self.
Heritage & lineage
The work has roots.
As a Nigerian American woman of Igbo heritage, I hold a scholarly and personal interest in communal healing traditions and the intergenerational legacies of collective trauma. This shapes how I understand culture and development of self and identity as part of, and the lens for healing.
It also shapes the framework I’ve developed: The Returning Model, and its components- The Interrupted Self.
Collaborations & partnerships
Where this work is needed.
Clinical & healthcare
Healthcare systems, veteran programs, and behavioral-health organizations building trauma-informed capacity.
Individual & Personal
Individuals navigating traumatic events, building skills, exploring identity and trauma-informed capacity.
Education & leadership
Universities, training institutions, and leadership teams translating research into practice.
Community & humanitarian
Nonprofit, humanitarian, and workforce-development programs focused on resilience and belonging.
Partnership interests include consulting, training, research, and collaborative program development — particularly in global mental health, trauma-informed education and leadership, and community resilience.
In their words
“Having Uche as my therapist has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. She helped me process some pretty difficult trauma, holding my hand the entire way.”
— G.M.
“One of the most caring and attentive therapists I have ever had the pleasure of working with. The difference in my life is immeasurable.”
— Shea O.
Let’s talk.
For therapy, speaking, or collaboration, reach out — you’ll hear back within 48 hours.
Contact