Fishtown Wellness Center helps individuals and families create, cultivate, and sustain the life they want to live.
Charles is a Licensed Associate Professional Counselor (LAPC), Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC), and holds a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Pennsylvania Western University.
Charles became a therapist after personally experiencing the challenges of finding an affirming and understanding provider. As a queer, non-binary human, Charles is passionate about creating the kind of safe & inclusive space for all types of exploration.
Charles specializes in supporting individuals exploring their sexuality, gender identity, intimacy, desire, trauma, and non-monogamous relationship structures. Charles works with clients who are seeking to better understand their sense of self. They provide a compassionate and non-judgmental space for clients who feel constrained by rigid labels or who are seeking to feel more at home in their body, relationships, or identity.
Charles recognizes that conversations about sex and intimacy can be difficult, particularly in a culture where shame and stigma are prevalent. They view sexual health and exploration as a fundamental component of overall wellness. Charles works with clients facing concerns related to arousal, mismatched desire within relationships, sexual identity, sexual pleasure and feeling disconnected from your body, and kink exploration. All of our work together is approached with curiosity, respect, and a commitment to affirming care.
As someone who has personally navigated the process of unlearning harmful societal messages, Charles offers therapy informed by both lived experience and clinical expertise. They understand the emotional toll of surviving systems not designed for queer and trans individuals and offer therapeutic support to help clients better navigate those systems.
Charles practices from a trauma-informed, non-pathologizing perspective that honors all aspects of a person’s identity. Their clinical work draws from Internal Family Systems (IFS), mindfulness, queer theory, feminist theory, and other evidence-informed approaches that create space for clients to explore and integrate their full selves.
Clients can expect an authentic human experience that looks like lots of empathy, humor, and collaboration. Charles brings a grounded and approachable presence, often using straightforward dialogue and practical ways to move through challenging situations.
Ryan is committed to breaking down social and financial barriers to therapy.