Meet Rachel Duncan | Financial Therapist & Art Therapist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rachel Duncan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rachel, career-wise, where do you want to be in the end?
I’m simply obsessed by the topic of money and how we all perceive it and interact with it. Financial Therapy isn’t only super practical (sometimes life saving), but it also uncovers psychological healing that traditional forms of therapy aren’t able to bring in. I’d like to have my work and my business fundamentally help many people finally interact with money authentically, without triggers, without shutting down or spending it all. Form what I can tell, using art therapy within financial therapy is unique to my work, and I’d like to train other therapists in this powerful blended modality. My hope is that my work will spread through the growth of the Money Healing Club, as well as writing, speaking and research. I certainly have a book or two in me, stay tuned! I’m proud to be part of a growing movement of financial therapy that is finally bringing the emotional side of money to the mainstream.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
After an early career in business administration and operations, I went to graduate school for art therapy. At the beginning, it felt like a 180 degree turn. But my love of numbers and money never waned, even while working as an art therapist. When I learned about financial therapy it was like I was handed a permission slip to integrate my two loves: healing through imagery, and the topic of money.

Here’s an example:
1. Imagine this: Describe your money as a creature. Go with your first instinct, without judgement.
2. Notice where it is, what it’s doing, and how you feel towards it.
3. Now ask the creature what it needs to feel complete. Give it to the creature.
4. Ask the creature what it would like to tell you. Receive that information.
5. Make an image of your experience.

This one exercise can do far more to help someone get their money organized than sitting down with a spreadsheet or app can ever do. The direct access that visualization and image-making has on our subconscious makes it a really practical skill for thinks like personal finance. This is just one of the many creative exercises I lead in the Money Healing Club.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I used to live in Carbondale, and while it’s a trek from my home in Denver, the drive through Glenwood Canyon alone is worth it! Lunch at True Nature in Carbondale, maybe a soak in Glenwood hot springs.
If staying on the front range, a hike at the west entrance of Falcon Park is an easy family hike and gives great views.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Financial Therapy Association: https://financialtherapyassociation.org/
Antioch University Seattle Art Therapy Program
My husband Alex

Website: https://moneyhealingclub.com

Instagram: @moneyhealingclub.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelduncanfinancialtherapist/

Other: Podcast: moneyhealingclub.com/podcast