Healing arises from a dynamic relationship between the therapist and the patient.
I have thirty-five years of extensive education and experience in psychotherapy. My degree and background is in child and family therapy. Please visit my QUALIFICATIONS page for more detail. I also practice the following therapy techniques.
I have extensive clinical experience working with children and adolescents and adults providing individual psychotherapy. I also provide couples’ therapy and family therapy. I am also able to provide clinical supervision. Please visit my THERAPY SERVICES page and INSURANCE & FEES page for more detail.
I pay careful attention to your current life, and the reason you decided to start therapy with me. I work to stay attuned to what you communicate, crystallizing often, to make sure we are of the same understanding, as we progress in your therapy.
I focus on what happens between us in the present moment and what happens between you, your family members, or your partner.
I practice paying attention to the ways your behavior contributes to the difficulties you report, and we look at how your specific choices affect you on a daily basis.
I’ve heard it said that, “Technique is what leaves the room when the therapist enters.” Yes, technique is absolutely important; the reality is, however, technique is only effective in light of the totality of the therapeutic relationship.
It is my responsibility to create a safe place within which you feel you can discuss the issues that impact your life. My experience and advanced training allows me to see the root cause of behavior in your life that lends itself to continued problems.
Psychotherapy can take varied lengths of time. At times, traumas start early in life and requires a longer course of treatment. Struggles with drugs or alcohol can further complicate emotional difficulties. If there is a history of trauma or problems with active alcohol or drug use, it tends to indicate a longer stay in treatment.
“I had the good fortune to work with Charles Iker in my adolescence and young adult years. As a young person I was lost at sea and in need of some serious guidance and self work. Mr. Iker was not only a very talented therapist but proved to be a professional with the highest level of integrity. Mr. Iker helped me unpack the issues that brought me to therapy but also worked to develop a lasting sense of self that has sustained me while in the world on my own. Working with Mr. Iker I felt comfortable, important, and the process was organized and very professional. Mr. Iker has many years of experience while continuing to stay on the cutting edge in his field. I recommend Charles Iker to the highest degree for anyone seeking a therapist.”
"My daughter struggles with a specific Body Focused Repetitive Behavior (BFRB) called Trichotillomania. We'd already experienced a year of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy sessions that resulted in little positive change. Exploring hypnotherapy, I engaged Mr. Charles Iker. He has the great insight to help families navigate challenging situations. He gained my daughter's trust and worked with the family. My daughter made great progress. Her ability to address her anxiety and difficult emotions led her to feel more confident, and she learned coping skills to handle anxious triggers. I am grateful for Mr. Iker’s commitment. He guided our family to communicate better and most importantly to address the issues that teenagers deal with in a healthy way. Mr. Iker relates to children and teens incredibly well. His professionalism made it so much easier. As a family, it was more than just help for our daughter. Our life has changed in such a positive way."
"I have been working with Charles on and off for seventeen years. Working with him has played a major role in my growth emotionally and now as a grown woman. The skills he uses are based on what you feel comfortable with and are thoughtful to your personality. He has always been available when I needed him and is able to work around his schedule to get you in."
“I came to Charles in 2020 desperate for help at my lowest point in my life. I had to take one month off from work, couldn’t sleep, and struggled with debilitating anxiety. I’ve worked with different therapists, but I’ve never had an experience like I did with Charles. Our initial sessions provided relief from my anxiety and allowed me to continue with my daily responsibilities. Over time, we worked at uncovering the source of my anxiety, a long, slow, and difficult process. Charles remained steady and committed to my healing. He provided a safe, professional space and a depth of trust and therapy I’ve never experienced. Charles changed the trajectory of my life, allowing me to begin to truly live and no longer be robbed by childhood trauma and survival mechanisms. I’ve referred friends and loved ones to him. ”
