Alex Cenem
Psychologist • Author • Creator of the DNA Programme™
The DNA Programme™ in Practice
The DNA Programme™ was shaped through practical application across different contexts, including child-focused creative projects, professional and personal development, and observed outcomes in educational and individual settings.
Projects That Shaped my Work Today
Before the DNA Programme™ was formally structured as it is today, its early principles were applied in child-focused creative and developmental projects exploring confidence, expression, learning, and direction. These early applications helped shape the framework through action, experimentation, and real-world use.
Crisis UK — Skylight Café
At Crisis UK’s Skylight Café, I developed and managed a café-based employability training programme within one of the UK’s pioneering social-enterprise services for people experiencing homelessness and others facing complex barriers to employment.
My responsibilities included creating training modules and trainee assessments, contributing to business and operational planning, and introducing health and safety, HACCP, budget-control and workplace procedures.
During my first twelve months as the project manager, from July 2006 to June 2007, the project records show that 53 people were interviewed, 23 started training and seven moved into employment—four after completing their training and three before completion comapring to previews years of a total of 7 people trained and none progressed to employment. Following my departure in July 2008, I was informed that five further trainees who had participated in the programme progressed to new opportunities: two were accepted into Jamie Oliver’s Apprentice Programme at Fifteen, and three entered education. These subsequent outcomes are based on follow-up information received after I left and are not included in the documented figures above.
The DNA Programme™ had not yet been formally structured. However, this work helped shape ideas later developed within it: understanding each person’s circumstances, recognising their capacity and capabilities, adapting support and assessing realistic next steps rather than prescribing the same pathway for everyone.
An Applied Educational Example
Following an invited talk in a school setting in Brazil, eight students who were uncertain about their future direction took part in three follow-up sessions supported by an early version of the DNACe Matrix™ questionnaire and structured guidance based on the DNA Programme™. According to the teacher who followed their progress, the students showed improved motivation, stronger self-confidence, and greater clarity about their next steps after the sessions.
What People Reported
Testimonials and Case Example
The DNA Programme™ has been experienced across personal, professional, and educational contexts. These reflections and observed examples show how the framework has supported clarity, motivation, confidence, and direction in practice.
Working with Alex through the DNA Programme™ helped me understand my emotions and challenges from a clearer perspective. Over time, I felt more confident, comfortable, and assertive in how I approached what I was experiencing.
What stood out to me was the thoughtful structure of his approach and the way it helped me reflect on my own life in a practical and meaningful way. It gave me greater clarity in facing personal challenges, and I am grateful for the support I received.
— Charm, former Director of The Psychosynthesis Trust
Alex helped me organise my thinking and bring structure to my business idea. His DNA Programme™ approach gave me greater clarity, helped me identify what was relevant, and allowed me to move forward in a more focused and strategic way.
— Amanda Cipullo, Creative Professional
After inviting Alex to speak with my students, a number of them continued with short follow-up sessions using his early DNA Programme™ approach. From what I observed afterwards, they became more motivated, more self-confident, and clearer about their future direction.
— Anita Daspett, Teacher