About Elaine A. Duncan, M.A.

My core belief is that all human beings are magnificent, whole, and good, regardless of disability, past traumas, or regrets. I believe that all people have the right to a satisfying life, and I take this belief into the therapy session. All those with whom I have the privilege to work are treated gently and respectfully, and with a focus on strengths rather than weaknesses.

I graduated from Antioch University Seattle with a Master’s degree in Psychology/Mental Health Counseling in 2005, and was credentialed in the state of Washington as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in 2007. Early in my program, I began working for a private psychology practice which specialized in developmental disabilities. I began my career in autism spectrum disorders for this practice as a vocational counselor. Other part-time work while I was attending graduate school included addiction counseling for a smoking-cessation program, and grief counseling (as a volunteer) for Evergreen Hospice.

I have also worked with the geriatric population, providing counseling in a nursing home. Conditions most commonly treated in that setting included anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders. Grieving over current, and past, losses is also often present in this population.

In working with individuals on the spectrum, I treated a range of mental health issues such as depression, psychosis, suicidality, anxiety, stress and anger management difficulties. In addition to individual work, I ran groups for teens and adults on the spectrum. In groups, I focused on self-esteem, a sense of belonging, and development of social skills.

I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Washington in 1980. Upon graduation, I embarked on a career in Human Resources, being particularly drawn to recruiting and employee relations work.  Over the course of 20+ years, I worked in a variety of industries, including software programming, electronic manufacturing, biotechnology, steel construction, and retail. I interviewed and placed people into such diverse positions as software programming, accounting, sales, marketing, engineering, electronic assembly, scientists, retail management, and executives. For several years, I was a consultant, which included career and outplacement counseling, training, as well as high-tech recruiting.

Today, I am very happy to be in private practice, with a general mental health practice treating adolescents and adults, with specialties in autism spectrum disorders, career counseling, and Internet addiction. I know what it feels like to be doing one’s “right” work.