My Practice
I'm Ashleigh Duncan, founder of the practice. Alongside me, my associate counsellor Andrea Black holds her own sessions at the clinic.
About
Offering clients a soft place to land when things are hard, that's my ethos, in every session, every modality, every conversation.
Personal Statement
I have a genuine passion for supporting healing, personal growth, self-discovery and recovery from within. At the heart of my work is the professional, warm relationship I build with my clients, a relationship of mutual trust and safety based on a strong sense of compassion.
I aim to provide a compassion focused, trauma informed therapeutic approach that seeks to understand and respond to the impact of trauma on people's lives. This emphasises physical, psychological and emotional safety, supporting you to re-establish control, connection and safety in your own life.
I hold a firm belief that, given the right conditions and support, each person holds the inherent ability to heal. My role is to understand you, appreciate your personality, listen without judgement, and use my skills in holistic and psychological therapies to help you find a way forward together.
The Framework
Each session is different, because each person is different. I adapt standard therapeutic models to create a more individual framework, meeting you exactly where you are, whether that's talking therapy, somatic work, coaching or reiki.
Space to feel without judgement or rush.
Understanding thought patterns that hold you back.
Working with the nervous system and the body.
Meaning, belief and connection, on your terms.
Values
My tone of voice, and the way I hold a room, is soft but assertive. Talking can feel too clinical for some, so my work blends gentler modalities with clinical rigour, creating a space where you feel supported, safe and held in your pain, whatever that pain looks like.
Written Work
I am a published writer, contributing regular mental health articles and blogs for local and national publications including Mindsum.org, Belfast Live Psychology Net, and RSVP Magazine. In 2024 I released my first self development book, A Stripper Called Bambi, which reached No.3 in Amazon's Health & Lifestyle bestsellers.
My studies into how trauma impacts the body also led me to found Newtownabbey's first infrared sauna studio, Elements Wellness Studio, offering heat, light and salt therapy alongside talking and somatic work.
Training & Ethics
I'm professionally registered with the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP), adhering to their ethical framework for good practice. I keep developing through regular supervision, training and continued professional development.
Currently completing a four year postgraduate clinical training programme in Somatic Experiencing (6th Cohort, SE Ireland), under clinicians trained by Dr Peter Levine, alongside attendance at Trauma Summit 2021 and 2024.
Rooted in the Community
Conveniently located next to Physiotherapy Associates on Antrim Road in Glengormley, we offer a serene and private environment for your sessions, ensuring comfort and confidentiality.
Together, we provide the community and beyond with therapeutic support tailored to a diverse range of clients, fostering healing and recovery from within.
Book Your Session
I offer sessions mornings, afternoons, evenings and weekends, face to face, by phone or by video, whatever fits around your life.
You can also find me on the Counselling Directory and Psychology Today.
Associate Counsellor
Therapy offers a calm space to make sense of what feels heavy. My clients come to me with anxiety, low mood, stress, trauma, relationship struggles, or simply a sense that something isn't right. I help them slow down, understand their emotions and find steadier ground.
I use an integrative approach, drawing on person centred, psychodynamic and CBT practice, and I tailor therapy to each person's needs, pace and goals. Together we explore what's going on, build emotional understanding and develop practical tools for coping and resilience, so you leave feeling steadier, clearer and more able to move forward.
With more than 15 years of experience and over 6,000 supervised clinical hours, I've worked with all age groups through historical issues, grief and loss, relationship and family difficulties, and the pressures of everyday life such as work stress, caring responsibilities and burnout. I believe we all deserve a safe place to talk, but more importantly, to feel heard.
"Counselling is always a brave choice, giving you the time to explore your options in a safe, non judgemental, caring space." (Andrea Black)
How I Work
I will always tailor the therapy I offer to suit the needs of each individual, drawing on the approaches that fit you best.
A warm, non judgemental space led by your pace, so you always feel heard.
Gently noticing how the past can shape the present, at a speed that feels safe.
Practical tools for the thought patterns that hold you back, built into everyday life.
What Sessions Can Support
Life can be challenging and complicated, and counselling offers the ability to reflect, take a breath and focus, away from the stressful environment. The results can often be life changing.
Book Your Session
I manage my own practice and diary, and I'm available for sessions in the clinic on Tuesday mornings, Wednesday evenings and weekends.
You can also find Andrea on Psychology Today and the National Counselling Society.