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 provide psychotherapy for individuals and couples specializing in developmental trauma, adverse childhood experiences, attachment injury, shame, grief, and relational issues.

I am a PACT (Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy) Level II trained Couples Therapist, and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional.

I have dedicated numerous years assisting the community with outreach and counseling of the homeless, mentally ill, and substance using populations on the margins of society.

I have provided counseling and emotional support to individuals at the clinics affiliated with Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx.

I have authored a chapter on personality disorders for the bestselling medical textbook Big Book of Emergency Department Psychiatry and am first author of Re-Write: A Trauma Workbook of Creative Writing and Recovery in Our New Normal.

In my practice I draw from a range of psychological theories and teachings and incorporate existential and relational approaches. I view the therapeutic relationship as the most important avenue to healing.

I believe that through the therapeutic relationship we are able to identify our unmet needs and find new ways of relating to ourselves that will foster deeper connections outside the therapy room.

Additionally, I incorporate narrative therapy techniques to allow the expression of untold painful stories so they lose their power.  

I believe in the connection of the mind, body and spirit and use a holistic treatment approach that combines Western therapeutic techniques with ancient healing practices.

I bring creativity to the therapeutic process by drawing from my background in dance, yoga, writing and poetry.

With authenticity, intuition, empathic listening, and humor, I meet my clients where they are in their healing journey.