Duncan Long

I hold a space that is safe, non-judgemental, empathetic and compassionate. Our work together is collaborative with the goal of helping you move forward towards positive change in your life, to gain a clearer sense of self and to have a handle on your mental health. I work with depression, anxiety, addiction, abuse (sexual, physical, emotional and mental) and relationship issues, but I am not limited to these areas. I am a qualified fitness instructor which enables me to bring physical fitness alongside my therapeutic approach as I strongly believe optimum physical health is a contributing factor to sound mental health. We are looking to build on your self-worth and self-esteem, and to positively affect belief systems that no longer serve you, so that you feel more engaged with the world around you. Clients frequently present with feelings of loneliness and of not belonging. We look to gently transform these experiences in to having a greater sense of who you are and your place in the world My own lived experience as a gay man, alongside my professional training and experience allows me to work with a number of struggles that our community come up against. I work with issues around sex, intimacy, relationship, chemsex (the sexualised use of sex and drugs). Therapy is not a “quick fix” or a sticking plaster over a wound, but a space in which we can explore your patterns around self-destructive behaviours. I work with clients to develop self-compassion, to quieten the critical mind and to experience a calmer and more peaceful life. It is about learning to accept the very nature of being human. The journey will be challenging at times and this is where growth lives; you will also have many moments of feeling a deep sense of relief and empowerment.

As a result of working therapeutically through the challenges faced in my life, I developed a deep desire and discovered my calling to support others through their pain, trauma and addictions. I went on to train in Psychosynthesis Psychotherapy – an integrative and humanistic approach to healing which allows your story to be told, your voice to be heard and helps to give power to that voice.