One does not become enlightened by imagining figures of light, but by making the darkness conscious.
- Carl Jung

Duygu Balan, LPCC, LMHC, MS Ed, CCTP

I am a psychotherapist licensed in New York and California, specializing in familial trauma, attachment injury, grief, anxiety, shame, and relational issues.

I am a PACT-trained Couples Therapist (Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy) and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, working with both individuals and couples. I integrate attachment science, somatic awareness, depth psychology, and narrative approaches to help clients identify recurring dysfunctional patterns, explore the narratives that no longer serve them, integrate parts of themselves they have compartmentalized, and develop healthier communication and conflict resolution skills.

My practice draws from existential and relational theories and emphasizes the therapeutic relationship as the most powerful catalyst for change. Through this process, I help clients uncover unmet needs, repair early wounds, and rediscover the capacity for closeness, trust, authenticity, and joy.

I incorporate narrative therapy to help clients give voice to untold stories, somatic approaches to reconnect mind and body, and creative expression and mindfulness to integrate emotional experiences.

With authenticity, intuition, humor, and empathy, I meet clients where they are and help them uncover resilience, meaning, and deeper connection in their healing journey.