Duncan R. Brooks is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Alaska. He graduated from the University of Alaska Anchorage in May 2007 with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology. Duncan is enrolled at Walden University to complete his doctorate (Ph.D.) in Social Psychology.
Duncan spent the early part of his career working with severely emotionally disturbed youth aged 5-18. Over the next several years, he worked with various populations in different settings, including developmentally disabled adults, outpatient substance use treatment, and chronically homeless adults.
For five years, he has provided emotion-focused therapy to individuals, couples, and families. He completed his externship training in Emotion-focused Couples Therapy (EFCT) in September 2020 and continues to work towards becoming a certified EFT provider.
Emotionally focused therapy (EFT) is a type of therapy that concentrates on the emotional experiences of individuals and how these emotions impact relationships and behaviors. It aims to help individuals explore and understand their emotions while providing tools and strategies to improve communication, build stronger connections, and create more fulfilling relationships. Moreover, in EFT, the focus is on identifying and addressing negative patterns of interaction that lead to conflict and disconnection in relationships. EFT can be particularly beneficial for individuals who struggle with emotional intimacy, communication difficulties, relationship conflicts, and unresolved trauma. Overall, EFT can help individuals, couples, and families develop a deeper understanding of their emotions, improve their emotional well-being and relationships, and create a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
When patients (clients) are seen in individual psychotherapy (counseling), as an experienced EFT provider, Duncan helps them identify and explore their emotions, understand the underlying patterns and triggers, and develop strategies to navigate and regulate emotions in a healthy way. Furthermore, he also helps them identify and challenge negative thought patterns, develop self-awareness, and build emotional resilience. Through individual sessions, homework assignments, and experiential exercises, Duncan guides his patients (clients) in building stronger emotional connections with themselves and others.
Similarly, when patients are seen in couples or family psychotherapy, as the EFT-based provider, Duncan assists couples and families in navigating relationship challenges, improving communication, deepening emotional connections, creating a safe and supportive space where they can explore their emotions, understanding their relationship dynamics, and cultivate more secure and fulfilling bonds. Duncan helps couples or family members recognize and express their underlying feelings and needs through a structured, evidence-based approach while fostering empathy and understanding between partners. By uncovering and transforming these emotional barriers, couples can build stronger emotional bonds, improve communication, and create a more secure and loving relationship.
On a personal note, I am originally from Chicago, IL, and moved to Alaska in March 1993 for my first tour of duty in the USAF. I have been married since 1997 and have 7 children. I enjoy spending time with his family, cooking, learning, and most types of board and card games. I consider myself more “spiritual” than “religious.” My other areas of interest include social, cultural, and gender influences on human behavior.
I approach my work with individuals, couples, and families with compassion, empathy, and a nonjudgmental attitude. I create a space where patients, couples, and family members feel heard, understood, and supported in their journey toward greater intimacy and connection. I believe that all relationships have the potential for growth and transformation. I am dedicated to helping my patients (clients), couples, and family members unlock their emotional potential, heal past wounds, and build a stronger foundation for a healthy and fulfilling partnership.
In addition to being an emotion-focused therapist, I also incorporate a “systems theory” approach that includes attachment science and key features of Positive Psychology.
Through these approaches, I am honored to witness the transformation and healing of individuals, couples, and families that I worked with experience as they learn to communicate more effectively, deepen their emotional connections, and create a more secure and loving relationship. I am committed to supporting my patients (clients) in overcoming challenges, strengthening their bonds, and fostering deeper intimacy and connection in their relationships. I am fortunate to continue to have opportunities to grow and evolve so that I can better support the therapeutic needs of my patients (clients), couples, and families.