Exploring Life & Business with Ricky Duncan of Converge Therapy

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ricky Duncan.

Ricky, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin? 
I truly believe that our environment plays a crucial role in the direction of our lives. Our environment can motivate us to be greater, or it can take us down a path of self-destruction. For me, half of my childhood was spent being raised in the state of New York. Growing up in project housing in the 80s was a time that I can only say you had to be there. But to add context, imagine in environment riddled with drugs and violence. But as faith would have it, we were evicted from the projects which brought me to Virginia along with my mother. Shortly after moving to Virginia, my mom passed away of breast cancer leaving my grandmother to be my caregiver. I must say moving to Virginia not only changed my life but back to the importance of environment; I would venture to say it saved my life. I excelled in the classroom and in sports. Along the way, teachers and coaches were pivotal in my success. Because of those who were so helpful in my upbringing, I knew early that whatever I did in life, it would involve helping others and giving back. While at NC State University where I was a member of the track team, I decided to major in social work. After spending 15 years in child protection with Durham County DSS, I decided to change direction and focus more on clinical work. I completed my MSW program at UNC-chapel Hill in 2008 and started my clinical journey shortly after. Part of my life’s mission is to be a champion for cancer research. This is in honor of my mother who died of breast cancer when I was just 11yo. Over a decade ago, I decided to start a major fundraising push through the American Cancer Society and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer campaign. To date, I have raised nearly $100,000 for research and local assistance to cancer patients in the triangle. My events include On a Cancer Strike, which is a bowling event, and Paint for a Cure which is a sip-and-paint event. 

I also enjoy staying active as I still compete in road races, and as a hobby, I do photography on the side. 

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I wish I could speak on the many obstacles and challenges along the way, but ultimately, I find that everything happens for a reason. There will always be challenges and obstacles in life. Finding ways to not only grow from those challenges but also learn has truly been the joy of it all. The journey is the thrill, not the destination. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
My practice Converge Therapy was birthed from contract work I did with Grow Encourage Empower, which is a practice owned by Gretchen Campbell. Working with GEE allowed me to not only gain a better understanding of running a private practice but more importantly I realized there was a population that was being neglected tremendously. This population is black males from teenage to young adulthood. However, I have clients that range from every race, gender, and age, I wanted to ensure that I had a focus on black males from teens to young adulthood. 

Are there any books, apps, podcasts, or blogs that help you do your best?
I’m currently in a book club called Black Lit which has been an awesome experience to make time to read outside of professional literature. I do a lot of traveling, so find myself listening to a variety of podcasts that focus on professional growth, like Counselor Toolbox and Anxiety Slayer to comedy and sports podcasts. 

Self-care is pivotal, so when I am away from the work I truly disconnect and focus on self and the things that make me happy. 

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