Sonja Keller

A conversation with Sonja Keller

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

  I was drawn to psychotherapy and counselling because of a deep desire to help people navigate life’s difficulties and find healing. Early in my personal and professional experiences, I witnessed how transformative it can be to have a compassionate, supportive space to process pain, trauma, and growth. I was inspired by the resilience I saw in others and wanted to be a part of that journey — to provide guidance, understanding, and tools for change. Choosing this profession felt like a meaningful way to combine my passion for social justice, empathy, and mental health, allowing me to make a positive difference in individuals’ lives every day.

• Which philosophical approaches have influenced your professional development?

  My professional development has been influenced by several key philosophical approaches that shape how I understand and engage with clients. Humanistic philosophy has been foundational, emphasizing the inherent worth and potential of every individual, which aligns with my commitment to providing a compassionate, nonjudgmental therapeutic space. Existential philosophy also informs my work, encouraging exploration of meaning, personal responsibility, and authentic living — themes that often arise in therapy. Additionally, trauma-informed care principles, which focus on safety, empowerment, and understanding the impact of trauma, have deeply shaped my approach. Together, these philosophies guide me to see clients as whole people navigating complex experiences, and inspire me to support them with empathy, respect, and collaborative partnership.

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

  I am deeply interested in the ways individuals navigate healing and resilience throughout the human journey, especially in the context of trauma, mental health challenges, and personal growth. I’m passionate about supporting people as they work through anxiety, depression, and the lasting impacts of difficult life experiences, helping them rediscover a sense of safety, meaning, and empowerment. Additionally, I’m drawn to exploring how relationships, identity, and self-awareness evolve over time, and how these aspects contribute to overall well-being. Ultimately, my focus is on helping people move from surviving to thriving, fostering hope and strength at every stage of their journey.

• What methods do you use?

  I use a range of evidence-based methods tailored to each client’s unique needs, with a strong emphasis on trauma-informed care. One of the primary approaches I utilise is EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), which is especially effective for processing and healing from trauma. I also use DBT (Dialectical Behavioural Therapy) which focuses on the foundations of Distress Tolerance, Emotional Regulation Skills, Interpersonal Effectiveness, Self Compassion and MIndfulness. I also draw on cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and reframe unhelpful thought patterns and develop practical coping skills. My method is flexible and client-centered, aimed at empowering individuals to heal, grow, and build resilience.

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

  The timeline for clients to start feeling progress varies depending on their individual circumstances, goals, and the nature of the challenges they’re facing. Some clients may notice positive changes within the first few sessions, such as feeling heard, gaining new insights, or experiencing relief from overwhelming emotions. For others, especially those working through complex trauma or deep-rooted issues, progress might be more gradual and unfold over weeks or months. Importantly, progress isn’t always linear — it can include small steps forward, moments of reflection, and even setbacks. Throughout therapy, I work closely with clients to set realistic goals, celebrate their strengths, and recognise shifts in awareness and coping skills, helping them see and feel their growth along the way.

• How has therapy made a difference in your life?

  Therapy has profoundly shaped my personal growth and self-awareness. It taught me the importance of compassion — not only for others but also for myself — and helped me develop healthier ways to process emotions and navigate life’s challenges. Through my own therapeutic experiences, I gained insight into the impact of trauma and learned valuable tools for resilience and healing. This journey deepened my empathy and strengthened my commitment to creating a safe, supportive space for my clients. Ultimately, therapy has been a catalyst for transformation, enabling me to live more authentically and connect more deeply with those I support.

• What do you like most about being a therapist?

  What I like most about being a therapist is witnessing the strength and resilience that people discover within themselves throughout the healing process. It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of someone’s journey as they gain insight, overcome challenges, and build a greater sense of hope and well-being. I value the deep connections that develop in therapy — the trust, openness, and collaboration — and the opportunity to create a safe space where clients feel truly seen and heard. Being able to support meaningful change and empower people to live more fulfilling lives is what makes this work deeply meaningful to me.

• Do you ever have 'bad hair' days?

  Of course! Bad hair days are part of common humanity :)

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

  The tremendous pressure we put on ourselves to achieve more, to be perfect in every way and pack as much as we can in to the point of burnout.
  
  With the fast pace of this world, we have become "mind travellers" where we are overthinking and catastrophising about the future, or we are ruminating about the past. We do not allow ourselves time in the present moment, where there is no good or bad, there just is.
  
  If we all learnt to do this, the world would be a better place for all.

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

  Drop Dead Fred greatly influenced and inspired me. I love the comedy, but also find the underlying emergence of individuation a key area that requires our attention.