10 Questions with Deborah Schou

• What led you to choose psychotherapy or counselling as a profession?

• It's been a long journey. I did a psychology degree in my 20s, and as a sub-major studied philosophy and religious studies subjects. I learnt so much, but had serious issues with the diagnostic and labelling approach of psychology in those days, was young, still finding my way in life, and was enjoying my working life as a Hansard reporter. After having children, I returned to study. My social work degree was a wonderful experience, allowing me to further my inclination towards helping individuals not just at the personal level but also through advocacy and political pathways. In my work as a social worker, I met people who opened my mind and heart, and found myself learning something new everyday. I then did a Masters, learning new techniques and approaches in areas that interested me, and helping me feel authentically ready to be a therapist.

• Which philosophical approaches have influenced your professional/personal development?

• Existential, humanist, post-modernism, Buddhism, Nietzsche, and a host of others.

• Which particular aspects of health or the human journey are you interested in?

• I am interested in how people survive and overcome setbacks, abuse, trauma and adversity - and are capable of so much. I find this inspirational.

• What method/s do you use?

• Mindfulness - I love it when the client and I both connect in a mindful way. Schema therapy - which includes CBT, attachment and Gestalt elements - the richness of imagery work and helping clients identify and challenge their schemas helps clients find a new emotional experience. EMDR - when appropriate, it really helps clients make a break-through when they may have been a bit stuck. CBT - it's always important to tease out the negative thoughts and unhelpful behaviours.

• When do you think the client will start to feel that progress is being made?

• I think clients often feel progress is being made from the first contact - by their own initiation, taking that first step. Then I hope they feel we are making progress with each session. Obviously this varies, and clients have different goals.

• How has therapy made you a better person?

• It keeps me anchored to my values, and reminds me that I've got a lot to learn, as each client presents a new story and requires me to be the best therapist I can be for them.

• What do you like most about being a therapist?

• I like the journey into another's story.

• Do you ever have 'bad hair' days?

• With hair like mine, that's not hard! Yes, we are all human. And there's much to be learned from these experiences.

• What do you think is the most significant problem we face, in the world today?

• Thinking we know the answer, when we haven't even fully posed the question. I worry about injustice and inequality, and how ineffective our political, economic, financial and social structures are to deal with the enormous problems we face. Why is it so hard to make this world a fairer place?

• Can you share the name of a book, film, song, event or work of art that inspires you?

• Book: 'The God of Small Things' by Arundhati Roy.
  Music: J.S. Bach
  and lots of other things....