Christina Kiernan, Ph.D.
Clinical Psychology Postdoctoral Fellow
In-Network: Aetna, Columbia University, NYU, FIT, Pratt Student Insurances
I am a Clinical Psychology Postdoctoral Fellow who is well-trained, thoughtful, and deeply compassionate. I provide individual, couples, family, and group psychotherapy to children, adolescents, and adults who struggle with anxiety, depression, panic, social anxiety, identity issues, and the sequelae of trauma. I also work with people facing difficult life transitions, family, work, and relationship conflict, grief and loss, imposter syndrome, life stress, and burnout. As a mother of two, I certainly resonate with the joys and struggles of the journey to becoming a parent, and I am keenly interested in working with those dealing with the challenges of fertility, pregnancy, miscarriage, parenting, and other pre- and post-natal mental health issues. I have also worked with persons struggling with obsessive-compulsive disorder, such as those who deal with overthinking, tortuous decision-making, and perfectionism.
My approach to therapy is flexible and tailored to each individual’s unique needs. Central to all of my work is the recognition that our relationship, one that is based on acceptance, trust, safety, and transparency, is key to the process of healing and growth. Thus, I strive to provide an empathic and non-judgmental space in which I will listen deeply to your concerns, engage you with curiosity and respect, and explore what may be coming up between us that can get in the way of our collaboration. I strongly believe in meeting you where you are and will respect your needs, preferences, and pace.
I use an integrative therapeutic approach, including evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Exposure/Response Prevention, Meditation, Mindfulness, and Psychodynamic Therapy. In sessions, we may explore your life experiences to gain insight. We may uncover and face together challenging realities to be confronted so that I may help you move past them. Or I may l introduce you to various personalized tools to bring relief and empowerment while highlighting your strengths. We will work together to overcome challenges and conflicts to help you live a more joyful, balanced, and fulfilling life.
I earned my Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at the Derner School of Psychology at Adelphi University and completed my master’s degree in Clinical Psychology at Columbia University. I completed my predoctoral internship at Madison Park Psychological Services. I obtained training and clinical experiences in various settings, including an early childhood education center, college counseling centers, community clinics, and crisis support hotlines. I have experience working with diverse individuals of all ages.