7 Questions With Whole House's Diana Uthenwoldt
1. What is your therapy background?
I started in this field 6 years ago as a Case Manager at Greater Cincinnati Behavioral, then as a drug and alcohol counselor at a Methadone clinic in Northern Kentucky. I learned a lot about the need for mental health services in the community, as well as treating substance abuse. While earning my Masters, I interned as a therapist at Central Clinic in Clifton where I worked with parents that had open CPS cases. In 2017, once I graduated with my Masters, I began work at Community Behavioral Health in Hamilton as a mental health therapist and assessor. This is where I met Cinnamon whom I consider a mentor. I learned more about how trauma impacts individuals from her and developed an interest in this work. I got involved in Mobile Crisis response in Clinton County and rode around with police officers in Blanchester, OH and Wilmington, OH. I experienced first hand what first responders deal with on a daily basis and my passion to help intensified. In early 2019, I began working part time at Whole House and joined full time in 2020.
2. Why did you decide to become a therapist?
I have always enjoyed learning about individual’s behaviors and trying to figure out why they did what they did. I think it was in High School when I developed a real interest in mental health therapy. It later developed into a love of helping individuals through this journey we call life.
3. What do admire most about first responders?
How hardworking they are despite everything that is thrown at them. They have tough, and even dangerous jobs, but they show up each shift to get the job done. And I have witnessed firsthand, while riding around with police officers or during my work with other first responders, that this can take a physical and mental toll.
4. What is your favorite part of working with first responders?
Initially my favorite part was providing a service that is so needed in the Greater Cincinnati Area. We have such limited resources and it is great to be part of a team that offers treatment for first responders. I am grateful to be able to work this specific population because these hard jobs can take a toll. I am able to offer a safe place for these individuals to work through that.
5. What is most rewarding about your job?
Everything. I go home most nights thinking “Wow, I absolutely love my job.” Any time that I am able to witness a client improving or making positive change is incredibly rewarding!
6. What is something most people don't know about you?
I have a cat named Henry that is a female.
7. If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?
Probably a cat. I can lounge around all day being lazy, get affection on my own terms, bite people when I don’t want them petting me anymore, and I can zoom around the house at 3am to annoy my owners.