Oliver Drakeford Media Coverage and Press Mentions

Oliver Drakeford has established himself as a respected voice in mental health media, with coverage spanning from major national outlets like HuffPost to specialized wellness publications like The Zoe Report. His expertise is particularly sought after in areas of ADHD treatment, relationship dynamics, anxiety management, and LGBTQ+ affirmative therapy. With several major media features, numerous speaking engagements at prestigious institutions, and an academic appointment at Antioch University, Drakeford has built a substantial media presence that positions him as a thought leader in contemporary psychotherapy practice.

Major National Media Coverage

HuffPost Feature - ADHD Expertise

Oliver Drakeford was extensively featured in HuffPost's 2024 article about ADHD behaviors and treatment approaches.

The piece, "'Tossing' Could Be A Potential Sign Of ADHD. Do You Do It?" (August 2024), positioned him as a leading expert on executive dysfunction and ADHD management strategies.

Key Expert Quotes:

"It's not just impulsive decluttering; for many people with ADHD, it's an automatic, reactive behavior that helps people avoid feelings of uncertainty, anxiety and overwhelm that arises when the brain is overstimulated by a big pile of clutter or mess"

"In the long run, tossing doesn't really help develop distress tolerance for these uncomfortable feelings, nor does it help develop healthier ADHD management skills"

The article showcases Drakeford's innovative therapeutic techniques including the "10 Things Game" and "Two-Minute Rule" for managing ADHD symptoms. This coverage was also syndicated to HuffPost UK and Yahoo Lifestyle, expanding his international reach.

The Zoe Report - Relationship & Mental Health Expert

Oliver Drakeford has been featured as an expert source in four major articles in The Zoe Report, establishing him as a go-to authority on relationships, anxiety, and emotional wellness:

"Therapists Say Beating Anxiety Is A Matter Of Embracing It" (2023)

Drakeford provides groundbreaking perspective on anxiety management, introducing the concept of "befriending anxiety" rather than avoiding it. His approach emphasizes reality testing and conscious decision-making about emotional responses.

Notable Quote: "To me, befriending your anxiety means you no longer avoid it — you shine a light into it. Rather than run from it, or see it as dangerous, you begin to work with it, understand it, and explore it."

"Small (But Important) Red Flags to Look Out for Early On In a Relationship" (2022)

Featured as creator of the People Patterns personality quiz, Drakeford offers insights on early relationship dynamics and distinguishing between anxiety-driven behaviors and genuine red flags.

Key Insight: "It's important to understand that not every red flag is indicative of serious characterological pathology — it could just be anxiety."

"The Word You Should Never Say To Your Partner"

Drakeford identifies "should" as one of his "Top 8 Blocks to Communication" in relationships, explaining how this word limits collaborative conversation and creates power imbalances.

"The One Thing You Must Do In The New Year That's Better Than Making Resolutions"

Advocating for intentions over resolutions, Drakeford emphasizes embracing complexity and remaining open to multiple outcomes rather than binary thinking.

Voyage LA Magazine Business Feature

"Meet Oliver Drakeford and Kylie Kolb of morethanOK.la in West Hollywood" (October 2017)

This in-depth feature chronicles Drakeford's journey from graduate student at Antioch University to establishing his West Hollywood practice. The article highlights his partnership with Kylie Kolb and their innovative approach to making therapy accessible through workshops and social media engagement.

Academic and Professional Recognition

Antioch University - Adjunct Professor

Oliver Drakeford serves as Adjunct Professor at Antioch University, Los Angeles (2019-present), teaching "Group Process & Treatment Methods" to Master's level graduate students. This academic appointment recognizes his expertise in group psychotherapy and clinical training.

Awards and Certifications

Donald T. Brown Memorial Scholarship Award for Group Psychotherapy (2017) from The Group Foundation for Advancing Mental Health
Certified Group Psychotherapist (CGP) designation from the American Group Psychotherapy Association (2021)
Board of Directors member, Group Psychotherapy Association of Los Angeles (GPALA)

Speaking Engagements and Conference Presentations

American Group Psychotherapy Association (AGPA)

2019 Annual Conference, Los Angeles: "Utilizing Attachment Theory in Multifamily Groups in an Adolescent Residential Treatment Center" (Faculty presenter)
2019 AGPA Faculty Diversity Training: "Working With LGBTQ+ Clients in Group"
2018 AGPA Conference, Houston: Conference participant

Professional Training Programs Delivered

Mental Health Treatment Centers

Southern California Counseling Center (2018): "The Magic of Group Therapy"
Paradigm Treatment Centers, San Francisco (2018): "Modern Group Analytic Thinking & The Group Contract"
Insight Treatment Center (2022): Family Systems Trainings and Consultation Groups
Pacific Teen Treatment Center (2021): Family Systems Training - Structural Interventions

Academic Institutions

Antioch Community Therapy Services (2021):
- "Modern Analytic Theory Techniques For The New Therapist"
- Family Systems In-Service Training
The Maple Counseling Center (2020-2021):
- "Modern Psychoanalytic Theory: Techniques" for Maple Alumni Association
- "Modern Psychoanalytic Theory" In-Service Training

LGBTQ+ Community Events

Models of Pride (2017): "Best Friend Boot Camp - Communication for Connection"

Professional Directory and Online Presence

Psychology Today Profile

Comprehensive professional profile featuring 3 endorsements, detailed specializations, and this testimonial: "Oliver's expert clinical insight, deep well of psychological knowledge, extensive experience, and steadfast dedication to clients are just a few of his enviable professional qualities."

https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliverdrakeford/

Official Practice Website

The website prominently features his HuffPost interview and offers specialized services including Anxiety Audit Sessions, LGBTQ+ affirmative therapy, and relationship mapping workshops.

Specialized Expertise Coverage

LGBTQ+ Therapy Leadership

Graduate of Antioch University's LGBTQ+ Specialization program (first in the nation)
Certified Cognitive Behavioral Therapist for the LGBTQ+ Community
Former social group facilitator at Los Angeles LGBT Center
Co-facilitator of The Gay Men's Interpersonal Process Group at The Maple Counseling Center

Clinical Director Experience

Former Clinical Director at Pacific Teen Treatment Center in Malibu, where he developed family systems-focused approaches for adolescent treatment and specialized in working with teens on the LGBTQ+ spectrum.

Client Testimonials and Reviews

Professional directories feature numerous five-star reviews highlighting Drakeford's expertise:

"Oliver is one of the best therapists I have ever gone to... He listens very carefully and I never had to explain something the next week"
"The absolute best. Oliver Drakeford is the most talented and knowledgeable therapist I've ever crossed paths with"
"Professional, caring, involved, and effective. Our family cannot recommend more!"

West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce Member

Listed in the West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce Business Directory, reinforcing his established presence in the local business community.

Practice Information

Oliver Drakeford Therapy

Location: 8702 Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood, CA 90069
Phone: (262) 290-2593
California License: LMFT #104987
Specializations: LGBTQ+ therapy, couples counseling, family therapy, ADHD treatment, anxiety, group psychotherapy