Hannah Duncan

Practitioner Statement

Overview:
I believe strongly that therapy should work: it is such a huge psychological and financial investment in ourselves – seeing a return on this investment feels central to my work and values as a practitioner. I have a hands on and involved approach: both the therapeutic relationship and progress within it is reviewed regularly. I incorporate psychoeducation and theory into the conversations that I have with clients. I most love to work in relationships where my clients are prepared to take risks, put in the additional work to try things out or be open to being a proactive part of the work. Getting unstuck often involves a lot of passion and commitment from both of us! The therapy room (both in person or virtual) is not a place for uncomfortable silence, but collaboration and experiencing both our somatic, rational and unconscious selves. I should also add that I really enjoy working online (as well as in person).

Background:
My original training (qualified in 2006) supported a passion for working in an Integrative, Relational way and I quickly began to specialise in the myriad of presentations that stem from working with Compulsivity and Addiction. I ran a charity therapy centre in Bristol for many years (The Swan Project), where I also supervised the work of many other therapists, both in training and qualified. I also supervised the staff of Bristol Drugs Project from 2013 – 2021. Since 2021, I decided to focus solely on my Private Practice and next to my work with couples and individuals, I also work for a few companies in this capacity, (The Donkey Sanctuary, Oxfordshire Rape Crisis (OSARCC), One25). I continue to supervisee therapists in Private Practice, which is work that I find deeply enriching and ensures I continue to learn from peers and the wonderful work they do.
I completed my Certificate in Counselling Supervision in 2012. Over the past 6 years, my approach to working has become more hands on as I have moved to incorporate more direct approaches to working with Trauma and an understanding of neuroscience and how our brains respond to threat and historic life events. I completed a Certificate in Trauma in 2020 and am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional CCTP. In 2019 I gained a Certificate in Couples and Other Relationships, where I incorporate aspects Imago theory and techniques for improving dialogue and understanding. To add to this, I also completed a Certificate in Psychosexual Psychotherapy in 2022 and a Certificate in Embodied Practice in September 2023.

Whilst I do sometimes hold a waiting list, I have availability for some supervision work and spaces in the Sometimes, Trauma Online Therapy Group which runs on a Monday evening from 6.45 to 8.15. This group complements one to one work and is a very practical space for embodied practice and psychoeducation around Trauma. I work long days on Monday and Tuesday and daytime on Wednesday and Thursday. I do not work on Fridays.