10 Questions with Denise Howells

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

• I have had a lifetime interest in well-being, personal growth and development. I have had many wonderful work opportunities and these opportunities led me to understand that I wanted work in the helping profession.
  
  When I began studying counselling & psychotherapy, I knew I was in the right place.

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

• I am very interested in unconscious processes ie those actions or behaviours that seem to be out of place.
  
  I find the exploration of these impulse behaviours fascinating. I enjoy working with people to help them understand themselves better and to have more choice and control over how they treat themselves and others.

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

• I am most interested in developing healthy & respectful relationships. I believe we are hard-wired to be social beings. To live, work and play alongside others. I am interested in helping people develop meaningful connections with others.

• What method/s do you use?

• I use psychodynamic approach to connect with my clients. I draw on systems theory, look at attachment styles, use narrative techniques and emotion focussed work to help clients think and feel differently about the life they live. I also draw on my understanding of the unconscious mind and use Object Relations Theory to help me think about what might be going on for my clients and use this information to assist clients to their thoughts, feelings and behaviours.

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

• The client usually notices a change when an interaction with another is "different". Their approach is different and therefore the outcome is different. Sometimes this can happen within a few sessions, other times it can take longer. Every client's experience is unique. There is no one way to experience therapy or the changes that occur.

• How has therapy made you a better person?

• I have become a more thoughtful and understanding person. I am more accepting of difference and understand that everyone has a valuable life story.

• What do you like most about being a therapist?

• The interaction with the clients and witnessing their growth and development. I also like it when people make big decisions to give themselves better opportunities in life. I enjoy seeing relationships strengthen and deepen.

• Do you ever have 'bad hair' days?

• YES! I'm having one today. It could be the weather or the early morning start. Either way it's just hair and not all of me!

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

• Accepting difference.

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

• I like the power of Katy Perry's song Roar.