Duje Culic is a counsellor in North London

What attracted you to become a therapist?

My fascination of human experience, of how we are affected by our emotions and how complex we can be in relating to others and to ourselves. I have always been fascinated by our response to life's traumatic and difficult events and dynamics. During a personal crisis, I entered therapy, and it was immensely valuable and meant that I suddenly had clarity and hope. My relationship with my therapist was very healing and empowering.

Where did you train?

Holloway, London

What sort of people do you usually see?

I have clients from very wide and different backgrounds. Lately it seems that lot of younger people are also becoming more open to therapy which is very encouraging.

What do you like about being a therapist?

Being part of someone's emotional world in such an intimate way, and being part of the process in which they make changes, become more fulfilled and authentic, is an extremely humbling and rewarding experience. I get a very deep sense of satisfaction in helping someone get meaning and hope in their lives. I love that I am part of something so important and empowering for my clients. It's an immense sense of honour that I could never envisage feeling in any other type of work. That's why I consider myself very lucky to be able to do what I do with such passion and commitment.

What is less pleasant?

Unfortunately therapy is still not valued as much as it should be, so most therapists turn to running their own private practices which can take some time to build and can be challenging at times.

How long have you been with welldoing.org and what do you think of us?

I have only recently come across welldoing.org and what I like so far is how holistic your approach is.

Do you ever suggest books or apps to clients?

Yes of course, but not until well into the therapeutic process, when I know my client well enough to be certain that the suggestions would be beneficial to them.

What you do for your own mental health?

I spend time in nature a lot and I find that connecting to it is very healing and energising and extremely beneficial to my own mental health. I also meditate and practice yoga. I give myself time and space to just be and feel. I engage in my personal relationships that are nurturing and positive and enrich my life.

You are a therapist in Stoke Newington, what can you tell us about it?

I live and work in Stoke Newington which is very diverse and almost slightly bohemian. There is a sense of independence in the area and there are a lot of creative people and freelancers living and working here which I really like.

What's your consultation room like?

It's nice, peaceful and comfortable. It's located in a quiet residential area.

What do you wish people knew about therapy?

I wish people knew that therapy is an amazing and a unique opportunity to develop a better relationship with yourself and others. It's a chance to explore the landscapes of your life and get a better and deeper understanding of yourself as a person. It can help you become the 'you' that you truly want to, wish to and CAN be. It can give you the grounding and the tools that enable you to get closer to the life you really want to live. Therapy can be empowering and life-changing. It's a bit like mapping out your own life and learning to navigate that map in the best way you can in order to reach your destination.

What did you learn about yourself in therapy?

One of the things I learnt initially was how to be more compassionate, kind and loving to myself. Once I did that, I was suddenly made aware that anything was possible.