A conversation with Christine Bennett

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

  I experience practicing as a relationship and marriage counsellor to be a most rewarding and meaningful career. Helping couples navigate through the many challenges they may face is very satisfying and fulfilling. It provides me with an opportunity to make a real difference in my client's lives.
  As a marriage counsellor, I have the chance to help couples work through complex issues and come to a place of greater understanding, communication, and intimacy.

• Which philosophical approaches have influenced your professional development?

  One philosophical approach to my professional and personal development is existentialism. This approach emphasizes individual freedom and choice, and encourages individuals to take responsibility for their own lives. An existentialist approach encourages individuals to take an active role in their relationships and to recognize the importance of their own choices in shaping the course of their relationships.
  
  Another philosophical approach is humanism. This approach emphasizes the inherent worth and dignity of individuals, and encourages individuals to strive for self-actualization and personal growth. A humanistic approach encourages individuals to prioritize their own well-being and to recognize that healthy relationships are built on a foundation of mutual respect and support.

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

  I am interested in all aspects of health encompassing mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health. This holistic approach to health recognizes the interconnectedness of all aspects of health and wellness, and emphasizes the importance of treating the whole person, rather than just addressing individual symptoms or conditions.
  
  Mental health refers to the state of your emotional and psychological well-being, including the ability to cope with stress, manage emotions, and maintain positive relationships. Physical health, on the other hand, refers to the state of your physical body, including overall fitness, nutrition, and ability to engage in physical activity. Emotional health encompasses your ability to understand and manage your emotions, express yourself effectively, and maintain positive relationships with others. Finally, spiritual health refers to your sense of purpose and meaning, and your connection to something greater than yourself.
  
  By recognizing the interconnectedness of all aspects of health, a holistic approach to health and wellness can help you achieve optimal health and well-being. This may involve engaging in a variety of practices, such as regular exercise, healthy eating, stress management techniques, therapy or counseling, and spiritual practices such as meditation or prayer. By taking a comprehensive approach to health and wellness, you can improve your overall quality of life and achieve greater levels of health and happiness.
  
  
  Real-Time Dataterested in all aspects of health encompassing mental, physical, emotional and spiritual health.

• What methods do you use?

  I practice the Imago Relationship model of counselling for couples which identifies triggers for wounding that originated in childhood and are manifesting in the current intimate relationship which results in disconnection of intimacy.
  I facilitate couples in identifying these wounds, how they are triggered, and how to resolve them.
  An effective strategy is to recognise what needs are not being met and learning how to negotiate effectively for a win/win solution.
  By identifying what is not working in a relationship is the first step in working towards a new way of relating so that both partners have their needs met.

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

  From client feedback, I believe that a positive change may be experienced in one session. For maximum opportunity for this to occur I recommend that the first session be 90 minutes.

• How has therapy made a difference in your life?

  Therapy has made me a better person with improved self-awareness. I am more aware of my thoughts, feelings, and how I behave as a result. This increased self-awareness has helped me better understand myself and my motivations, which has led to personal growth and positive change.
  
  I believe I have increased empathy for my clients as well as a more compassionate outlook on life. I also believe I have better coping mechanisms, particularly under stress. This enables me to pass these skills onto my clients.
  
  During my training and ongoing professional development, I have learned to communicate more effectively with others which leads to better relationships and a greater sense of connection with others.
  
  Therapy has also helped develop a more positive self-image and increase self-esteem. This leads to greater confidence and a more positive outlook on life.
  
  Overall, therapy has helped me become a better person by providing me with the tools and support needed to make positive changes in my life which can then benefit my clients.

• What do you like most about being a therapist?

  What I like most is facilitating positive change in my client's relationships. From being emotionally disconnected to once again experiencing understanding and intimate emotional connection, provides a rewarding experience for me and of course, my clients.

• Do you ever have 'bad hair' days?

  As a real human having a human experience, I do occasionally have a "bad hair" day. To me, this is an indication that I need some time out for appropriate self-care to recharge by batteries.

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

  The most significant problem I believe we face in the world today is social isolation and lack of community.

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

  Bruce Lipton inspires me with his three books and readily available YouTube videos on changing negative beliefs and living your best life.
  brucelipton.com