- Guilt and shame work
- Psychodynamic perspective
- CBT and narrative tools
About Charles
Dr. Charles Hoy-Ellis is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in Washington with 21 years of clinical experience. He works with people who are dealing with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, depression, and concerns related to sexual and gender diversity. He also focuses on issues such as forgiveness, guilt and shame, isolation and loneliness, and questions about life purpose.
He sees how social forces shape personal struggles. He talks with clients about how norms and expectations from family, faith, and culture can influence what people believe about themselves. That includes how early experiences lead to habits and defenses that once protected a person but now get in the way.
His basic view comes from psychodynamic and phenomenological ideas. He explains how feelings and behaviors can grow out of past experiences and the meanings people give them. He also uses straightforward techniques drawn from cognitive behavioral, narrative, and rational-emotive-behavioral approaches when they fit the work.
He frames therapy as a mutual exploration rather than a search for blame. Sessions typically look at patterns, the stories people tell about themselves, and practical skills to change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. He pays attention to the ways stigma and social pressures affect mental health for sexual and gender diverse people.
He prefers short, practical steps alongside deeper reflection. He encourages clients to notice what still protects them and what no longer serves them, and then try different ways of responding. To begin, he asks people to complete a brief matching questionnaire and schedule a first session.
Approaches used and how online sessions work
Dr. Hoy-Ellis draws on psychodynamic and phenomenological perspectives to look at how early experiences and the meanings people attach to them shape current feelings and behavior. This approach helps when guilt or shame feel rooted in long-standing patterns or in messages from family, faith, or culture. He also uses cognitive behavioral and narrative techniques to identify and change unhelpful thoughts and to revise the stories people tell about themselves.Picking the right mix of approaches is part of the work. He treats the process as collaborative and will help clients decide whether deeper exploration, skill-based change, or a combination makes the most sense for their goals and concerns.
Session formats are not listed in the biography, so confirm current options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into busy days, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and remove travel time. Licensed professionals can use online meetings to combine reflective conversation with practical exercises and homework, so clients can practice new ways of thinking and acting between sessions.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Experience
21+ years
Listed in
Washington
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does he help with?
He works with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, depression, and issues common among sexual and gender diverse people. He also addresses forgiveness, guilt and shame, loneliness, and life purpose.
How does he approach feelings of guilt or shame?
He explores how past experiences and social messages shape the meanings people give themselves, and combines that exploration with practical techniques to shift unhelpful thoughts and behaviors.
What is his professional background?
He has 21 years of clinical experience working in community and private practice settings and research examining how social structures affect mental health.
What credential does he hold and where is he based?
He is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) licensed in Washington State and practices in the Puget Sound region.
Does he work in languages other than English?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the United States work with him?
He does not accept international clients at this time.
How are sessions paid for and what does it cost?
Cost varies by location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin a first session?
Use the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger or thinking about harming yourself, use the crisis numbers.