Welcome to the Ibi Ayo Blog
A space for insight, reflection, and growth. Mental well-being is a journey, and we’re here to provide guidance, support, and practical tools to help you along the way.Through thoughtful discussions on self-awareness, relationships and mental health, our blog offers a place to explore, learn, and find clarity.Whether you’re looking for expert insights from therapists, coping strategies, or simply a fresh perspective, this is a space to pause, reflect, and navigate life’s challenges with greater understanding.Wherever you are on your journey, you are not alone.
Blog Post
Why Your Brain Sometimes Lies to You: Understanding Cognitive Bias
Your brain isn’t trying to sabotage you , it’s trying to protect you. But sometimes, the stories it tells you aren’t the whole truth. In this post, we break down what cognitive bias really is, how it quietly shapes your thoughts, and how to catch it when it’s pulling you off course. If you’ve ever struggled with all-or-nothing thinking, over-personalizing situations, or constantly expecting the worst, this is for you.
Why Healing Is Messy
Healing is messy, unpredictable, and often full of setbacks. But that doesn’t mean you’re failing. Just like physical recovery, emotional healing takes patience, compassion, and support. Here’s why the chaos is part of the process and how to keep moving forward with kindness toward yourself.
Supporting Your Child Through Therapy: A Parent’s Guide
Seeing your child struggle can feel heavy, but therapy isn’t a sign you’ve failed, it’s a courageous step toward helping them thrive. Whether your child is dealing with anxiety, behavior challenges, or big feelings they can’t name, therapy offers tools to help them grow, heal, and build confidence. This guide will help you support your child through therapy with patience, hope, and practical steps for the journey ahead.
“See Your Mates”: Breaking Free from the Comparison Trap
"See your mate." If you grew up in Nigeria, you’ve probably heard this phrase and felt the sting of comparison. This post explores why we compare ourselves to others, how it harms our mental health, and practical steps to break free from the trap of constant comparison.
Different Types of Therapy & How They Work
Thinking about starting therapy, but unsure which approach is right for you? At Ibi Ayo, we understand that stepping into therapy can feel tender, especially when there are so many different paths to healing. We’ll explore what each one looks like, the kind of support it offers, and who it may be most helpful for.
Signs you might need therapy and how to take the first step
Ever find yourself asking, “Why do I feel this way?” or “Is something wrong with me?” You’re not alone and you don’t have to carry it all by yourself. This gentle guide walks you through common signs that therapy might help and offers compassionate, practical steps to begin your healing journey. Whether you're navigating sadness, anger, confusion, or a desire for clarity, this read is a safe place to start.
Why It’s Hard to Set Boundaries in Nigerian Families
If saying “no” makes you feel like you’re failing your family, you’re not alone. In many Nigerian homes, boundaries are mistaken for disrespect and choosing your emotional well-being can trigger guilt, fear, or shame. We unpack why boundary-setting feels so hard in culturally traditional families and how to do it gently, clearly, and without losing yourself in the process.
Men’s Mental Health in Nigeria: Breaking the Silence
In Nigeria, many men are taught to “tough it out”, but at what cost? From cultural pressures to emotional isolation, we explore why men’s mental health often goes unnoticed, and why opening up is not weakness. If you or a man you care about is silently struggling, this is a call to pause, reflect, and start the conversation that could change everything.
Ghosting Your Therapist: Why It Happens and What to Know
Ghosting isn’t just something that happens while dating, it happens in therapy, too. You might cancel a session and never reschedule. You stop replying to emails. You disappear.
If you’ve ever thought about ghosting your therapist (or have already done it), you’re not alone. It’s more common than most people realize. But while it might feel easier in the moment, ghosting can leave important work unfinished and create more confusion than closure.
Here’s why people ghost their therapists, what it means, and what to consider before cutting off contact.