My Approach

Everything I do is based on the idea that a comprehensive therapeutic approach should aim to work both “top-down” and “bottom- up.”

But what does this mean for you?

  • By working with the thinking brain, we can allow clients to understand better the role their life experiences have played in getting them to the stage they find themselves in. In turn, this allows the body to settle and our feelings to calm.

  • By working with the body’s innate intelligence, we can help calm the nervous system and reduce chronic stress. This leads to feelings of calm and a reduction in overthinking and rumination.

  • We get great results by supporting clients to work in both directions, from top down to bottom up. Using powerful mind/body techniques starts the process. But by also giving clients tools to take away to help them deal with difficult thoughts and emotions, we can begin to see amazing progress.

Undigested Life Experiences

From birth, we lay down a matrix, a blueprint for life, contained in our DNA. However, along the way, life takes its toll on us. From early experiences in our family life, through to going to school, forming new friendships and developing intimate relationships; life makes its mark on us all.

We develop ways to cope with our circumstances, hardwiring patterns into our nervous system designed to keep us safe from harm and within the security of our tribe. This is a primal adaptive response.

However, these patterns can also restrict us later on in our lives, and it is these “undigested life experiences” that my work tries to resolve. If we can access the somatic, emotional and cognitive intelligence within us all, then incredible change can be made.

Neuroplasticity allows us to create powerful new patterns of thought, feeling and action. As we create new pathways, so old ones fall away.

This process is known as synaptic pruning. Neurons that are used frequently develop stronger connections. Those that are rarely or never used eventually die. By developing new connections and pruning away weak ones, the brain can adapt to the changing environment.

This is at the heart of the work I do with my clients.

“Trauma is the invisible force that shapes our lives. It shapes the way we live, the way we love and the way we make sense of the world. It is the root of our deepest wounds.”

— Gabor Mate

Andre Duquemin, Bsc (hons) Ost, Dip BCST

I qualified as an osteopath in 2001 and opened my practice in Guernsey in the same year. Over the next 15 years I treated more than 4000 people for various physical ailments. But my interest was leading me into other areas.

I took a professional coach qualification in 2008 and then studied for two years to get a diploma in Biodynamic Cranio-Sacral Therapy (BCST). I studied under the expertise of the world-renowned teacher Franklyn Sills, who also became my supervisor for several years.

I have taken post-grad training in trauma therapy and have spent several years studying and working with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which I often use with my clients.

For the past three years I have also been a therapist for Guernsey Mind, helping clients from all walks of life find more ease and build resilience.

I was born and raised in Guernsey and returned here to open my osteopathy practice after studying in London.

In 2020, I opened The Health Space, a clinic on the Grande Rue, St Martins.

In 2021, I launched Three Brain Training, a mental fitness programme based on my 20 years of working with the mind and body.

I am married to Lynne, and we have one 18-year-old daughter, Bella. Oh, and don’t forget Margo, our crazy working cocker spaniel.

We enjoy keeping active, playing padel, skiing holidays and socialising with friends.

FAQ

  • I have worked with more than 5000 people now and have a good idea of who I can help. I offer a free 30-minute conversation to make sure that we both agree I am the right therapist for you.

  • As a general rule, I don’t believe insurers cover BCST. However, a couple of clients have recently been reimbursed in full for their sessions. I suggest contacting your insurer prior to treatment.

  • My clinic is in the Grande Rue, St Martins. You can find directions on the “contact” page in the menu above.

  • I do work with many clients who can not see me face to face, but obviouslyIuse Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and somatic and trauma therapy techniques that I have worked with during my training. Please get in touch if you would like to know more.