Aaron Howard's Journey to Psychotherapy
Aaron Howard is a Psychotherapist registered with the Australian Counselling Association. I first experienced personal and relationship issues early in my military career which resulted in me feeling lost, alone, confused, frustrated and angry. Unknown to me, I was experiencing a grief and loss response. I was not comfortable in seeking professional help, as I perceived that as weak. How wrong was I. After completing a Diploma in Counselling, specialising in grief and loss, my responses seemed increasingly normal, I wasn’t going crazy or alone.
Personal Growth and Professional Empathy
Working through my grief, I understood helpful and unhelpful thoughts and behaviours that impacted my relationships, professionally and privately. My many losses and experiences in my life contribute to further developing my empathy and compassion as a professional therapist. I believe in working together with my clientele, where we collaboratively outline the purpose and objectives within the therapeutic alliance.
Therapeutic Development
My transition to a confident, approachable and caring person occurred via shaping my future, which was accomplished through gradual steps, focusing on the thoughts and behaviours that were in my control. Expanding my communication skills, I learnt to actively listen and hear people while empathising with their thoughts and feelings. These are a few areas within my life that have contributed to and shaped me to become a healthier person and a professional therapist.