Bola Musiwa is a multifaceted professional with a wealth of qualifications and experience in the field of counseling and psychotherapy. Holding a Master of Divinity degree, she is a registered Psychotherapist and Certified Life Coach. She has received training in Gottman’s Couple Therapy (Levels 1 and 2), DBT, and as a Prepare Enrich facilitator. Additionally, she possesses a Trauma Violence Informed Approach Certificate, demonstrating her commitment to providing sensitive and effective care to her clients.
With over two decades of experience, Bola’s background includes pastoral counseling, as well as roles in administration and accounting. She has also shared her insights as a guest lecturer at McMaster University, contributing to the education of future professionals in the field.
Driven by a deep-seated desire to assist others in achieving their goals and leading meaningful lives, Bola approaches her work with compassion and dedication. She firmly believes in the resilience of the human spirit, offering hope and healing to those facing life’s challenges. She is passionate about helping individuals break free from destructive patterns, insecurity, and feelings of unworthiness, empowering them to embrace their true potential and live authentically. Clients consistently praise her for creating a safe and non-judgmental space where they can openly express themselves and work towards positive change.
Bola provides specialized mental health evaluations and assessments tailored to support refugee claims, pre-removal risk assessments, and Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) applications. She obtained specialized training to perform these assessments, offering comprehensive evaluations to help individuals present compelling evidence regarding their mental health needs and the potential risks they face if returned to their country of origin.
Furthermore, she attends Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) hearings upon request to support individuals during stressful times, ensuring they have access to the support they need, regardless of their financial circumstances, as they seek refuge and safety in Canada.
In addition to her work with immigrants and refugees, Bola provides counseling services to victims of most violent crimes through the Victim Quick Response Program (VQRP). Her compassionate and dedicated approach ensures that individuals receive the care and support they need during their most difficult times. Outside of her professional pursuits, Bola values quality time with her children and enjoys cooking, finding joy and fulfillment in nurturing both her family and her passions outside of work.
Bola is also a Registered Psychotherapist, author, Pastor, and New Immigration Evaluation Specialist. She began her career as an accountant before becoming the Senior Accounts Payable Supervisor. Upon relocating to Canada, Bola transitioned to a healthcare career, driven by her passion for improving people’s quality of life and ensuring they utilize accessible healthcare resources. She earned her Honors in Health Studies and Gerontology at McMaster University and initiated several programs to inspire and support others in pursuing their dreams:
–Youth Ignite: Inspires, educates, and ignites youths to live purposefully.
–Inspired Innovative Talent: Identifies, nurtures, and develops talents early.
–SEPP (Self-care Spiritually, Emotionally, Physically, and Psychologically): Addresses various aspects of women’s lives through meetings, dinners, painting, and discussions on health issues.
–Refined Gold: Supports abused women and single parents, helping them find their voices and overcome challenges.
Bola also assists women with mental health challenges using a strength-based approach. She provides support counseling for couples, relationship coaching, and, as a Certified Life Coach, empowers individuals in goal setting, time management, stress management, and financial management through programs like SAFE for teen girls and REST for teen boys. She runs FaithHealthConnect (FHC), highlighting the relationship between health and religion. Her passion for gerontology, stemming from her father’s illness and the family’s caregiving experience, led her to initiate the program Aging and You.
Bola has held numerous conferences, seminars, and talks on various health topics, inspiring many women through her story. She encourages women to share their stories through her group Naked and Not Ashamed. Known for her excellent leadership qualities, Bola has benefited many organizations and businesses with her wisdom, expertise, and work ethic. Dedicated to raising leaders, Bola has a proven record of integrity, commitment, diligence, and excellence in her leadership style.
She holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Management and served as a guest lecturer at McMaster University for two years. In ministry since 2002, Bola has served in various roles, including choir coordinator, worship leader, and head of the prayer ministry. Ordained in 2006, she currently Pastors Trash to Treasure Christian Center. Bola’s relationship with God is her most cherished asset. She describes herself as saved by grace, forgiven by mercy, and called to be a blessing to this generation.
Her story is one of God’s unfailing love, mercy, compassion, and grace. She passionately serves, raising standards, restoring destinies, and healing the wounded and hurting. Currently pursuing her doctoral program, Bola authored “Naked And Not Ashamed,” a biography detailing her personal journey and God’s faithfulness. In addition to her many roles, she is a trained chef. Bola’s counseling outfit is Treasure In You Counseling Centres. She also leads a not-for-profit organization, Life Redefined Outreach, and a charity, Trash to Treasure Ministries, registered both in Canada and in Nigeria, which caters to widows, single parents, and their children.
Bola continues to evolve, having overcome abuse and denied opportunities. She encourages others to thrive and invites them to join her in pursuing greatness through Trash to Treasure Ministries, reaching out to the broken and embodying a passion for God, His will, and helping people fulfil their divine callings.