In this episode of the Power To Live podcast, host Ryan Blake is joined by Iden Obahiagbon, a trainee therapist at Power to Live with a powerful story of growing up between cultures and finding her path into psychotherapy. Iden shares her journey from a mixed-heritage upbringing, navigating the stigma and taboos around mental health in Nigerian and West African communities, to becoming a therapist who seeks to bridge those cultural divides with compassion and authenticity.

She discusses her work supporting marginalised communities, the challenges of underrepresentation in the therapy profession, and why diversity in mental health care matters. With openness and warmth, Iden reflects on her own training, her commitment to working with Black and minority ethnic clients, and the personal lessons she’s learned about authenticity, resilience, and cultural sensitivity.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• How cultural traditions and taboos shape conversations about mental health.

• Why representation in therapy matters — and the impact of not seeing yourself reflected in professional spaces.

• The challenges of navigating systemic barriers and mistrust of mental health services.

• How Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP) and CBT can be adapted to better serve diverse clients.

• Practical lessons about self-care, balance, and bringing your authentic self into therapy.

Resources & Links

• NOVA New Opportunities – empowering communities through education and employment.

• Black Minds Matter UK – making mental health services more accessible for Black communities in the UK.

• The Black, African and Asian Therapy Network (BAATN) – supporting therapists of colour and improving access for clients.

• Contact Iden directly: Iden Obahiagbon

Iden
”You are enough. Therapy doesn’t ask you to be someone else — it works with who you already are, with the culture and strengths you bring into the room.”

⁠⁠⁠⁠The Power to Live Foundation⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ is a charity committed to breaking down financial barriers to therapy. We believe everyone deserves access to support that helps them live a meaningful life.

Our services include evidence-based behavioural therapies tailored to your income level, available online or at our clinic in⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Bishopsgate, City of London.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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