New to Grow
I’m Christina Duncan, LCSW, a licensed clinical social worker based in New York with four years of dedicated experience supporting individuals and families through life’s challenges. I provide virtual therapy to children, adolescents, young adults, and adults, helping them build resilience, insight, and skills for meaningful change. My work focuses on anxiety, emotional regulation, self‑esteem, behavioral challenges, and social or school‑related stressors. I’m also experienced in supporting individuals with autism and ADHD, working collaboratively on sensory and emotional regulation, executive functioning, self‑advocacy, and burnout. Together, we create a supportive space to explore strengths, build confidence, and navigate change with compassion and clarity. Therapy with me is rooted in neurodiversity‑affirming, strengths‑based practice. I blend evidence‑based methods with flexibility and warmth, adapting approaches to the unique needs and goals of each person and family. For children, I use play‑based techniques to foster safety and comfort; with teens and adults, I emphasize empowerment and insight, always honoring your experiences and voice in the process. I value creating a respectful, affirming environment where clients feel seen, heard, and supported. Our first session will focus on building connection, clarifying goals, and establishing a shared understanding of your needs and therapeutic priorities. I hold a BA from New York University and an MSW from Columbia University School of Social Work, and I’m licensed to practice in New York. I work with a range of issues including anxiety, family and relationship concerns, stress management, identity and LGBTQIA+ support, trauma, and more. I’m fluent in English and Spanish, and I’m committed to supporting diverse clients with compassion, empowerment, and culturally sensitive care.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
In your first session with me, you can expect a welcoming, low-pressure space where we focus on getting to know you (or your child), your concerns, and what you’re hoping to gain from therapy. We’ll talk through what’s been bringing you in, any challenges you’re currently facing, and what has or hasn’t been helpful in the past. I’ll ask thoughtful questions to better understand your experiences, strengths, and needs, while also making room for you to ask questions about therapy and my approach. For children and teens, this may include play-based or developmentally appropriate activities to help them feel comfortable and engaged. My goal is for you to leave the first session feeling heard, respected, and clearer about next steps, with a sense that therapy can be a supportive and collaborative process tailored to you.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
What sets my therapeutic approach apart is its flexibility, warmth, and strong focus on honoring each client’s unique identities and strengths. I use a neurodiversity-affirming, strengths-based framework that adapts to the developmental stage and needs of each client, whether that means play-based interventions for children or collaborative, insight-oriented work with teens and adults. Rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all model, I integrate practical skill-building with deeper emotional understanding, helping clients improve regulation, confidence, and self-advocacy in everyday life. Clients often appreciate that therapy feels supportive and empowering rather than rigid or pathologizing, and many work toward tangible outcomes such as reduced anxiety, improved emotional and sensory regulation, stronger executive functioning, healthier relationships, and a clearer sense of self.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I am best positioned to work with children, teens, young adults, and adults who are feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, emotional or behavioral challenges, identity exploration, school or life transitions, or difficulties with relationships and self-esteem. I especially support neurodivergent individuals, including those with ADHD and autism, who may be navigating sensory sensitivities, emotional regulation, executive functioning challenges, burnout, or a desire to better understand and advocate for their needs. Many of the clients I work with are thoughtful, curious, and motivated to better understand themselves, even if they feel stuck, misunderstood, or discouraged by past experiences. In therapy, we focus on building practical coping skills, increasing self-awareness, and strengthening confidence while honoring each person’s unique strengths and nervous system. My goal is to create a warm, affirming, and collaborative space where clients feel safe to be themselves and empowered to move toward greater balance, resilience, and meaningful change.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I have nearly 5 years of experience providing CBT and trauma informed CBT, and adjusting these evidence based practices to meet the needs of my clients. CBT involves challenging negative, automatic thoughts about oneself and learning concrete tools to manage anxiety, depression, and stress.
Eclectic
My therapeutic approach has always been rooted in eclectic therapy , as it allows me to tailor therapy to each unique client. If a certain therapeutic technique is not helpful, I am able to switch to a different technique or method, rather than sticking to something that is not helpful. One size does not fit all, and eclectic therapy allows me to provide personalized care and support.
Play Therapy
I have 5 years of experience providing virtual play therapy for children between ages 6 and 12. Depending on the child's interests and developmental level, I use digital games, online drawing, virtual sand tray, storytelling, and role play with toys at home to help therapy feel fun and engaging.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I use ACT as a treatment modality when CBT and challenging negative thoughts have not been helpful. I use mindfulness based strategies to allow uncomfortable feelings and thoughts letting them pass without control.
Family Therapy
I support families in improving their interactions and communication. I serve as a communication facilitator and neutral guide, observing patterns between family members that may be contributing to conflict and communication breakdowns. I teach practical skills such as teach skills such as active listening, emotion regulation, problem-solving, and boundary-setting, and help families practice these skills in session.