Charles Ellis, LCSW, LCSW-C
About me
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker licensed to provide mental health services in California, Nevada, and Maryland, with over 30 years of experience as a psychotherapist. I have enjoyed working with clients with various concerns, including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, OCD, and ADHD. I specialize in working with people who have experienced psychological trauma or emotional abuse. I have worked for years with the Department of Veterans Affairs, helping Vietnam Veterans find their way home and the psychosocial-emotional balance needed to navigate the effective life they desire. I have also worked with gang members in LA County, individuals, and families in Hollywood, California, Las Vegas, Nevada, and Baltimore, helping clients build meaningful and purpose-filled lives. My book, Beyond the Wound, Finding Balance in an Unbalanced World, can be found on Amazon, Xlibris publishing, and many other book outlets. You can read more about this book on my website, www.healingstrategiesforlife.com, where I hope to provide many more healing strategies for clients. I discuss in this book some of the approaches and techniques I have used effectively for years in helping clients.
My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in something we call self-efficacy; that is, I respect my client's inner wisdom, and I believe that while the problems people confront rest within them, so does their road to recovery or healing. Therefore, my style is to be that instrument that guides clients to their problems and the road toward their recovery and healing. I have learned that respect, compassion, and sensitivity are paramount to an effective working relationship, and I believe this is another one of my strengths. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, dialectical behavioral therapy, and psychodynamic psychotherapy, which I have found exceptionally effective over the years. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs.
It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps toward change. I promise to support and empower you if ready to take that step.
I look forward to working with you!
Professional experience
Additional areas of focus: Addictions, LGBT, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Grief, Intimacy-related issues, Eating disorders, Parenting issues, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Coping with life changes, ADHD, First responder issues, Gender dysphoria, HIV / AIDS, Hoarding, Hospice and end-of-life counseling, Infidelity, Intellectual disability, Jealousy, Veteran and Armed Forces Issues, Multicultural concerns, Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD, Paranoia, Personality disorders, Polyamory / non-monogamous relationships, Prejudice and discrimination, Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling), Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Self-harm, Sex addiction, Sexual assault and abuse
License information
CA LCSW 19143
MD LCSW-C 26960
NV LCSW 5980-C