Charles Smith, LPC

Welcome to Ascend! "If you can't fly, run. If you can't run, walk. If you can't walk, crawl, but by all means, keep moving." This quote from Martin Luther King, Jr. captures how I approach therapy and life. I'm Charles Smith, a Licensed Professional Counselor and owner of Ascend Counseling & Therapy Services. I work with students, adults and families navigating anxiety, depression, anger management, trauma, life transitions, substance use and abuse, relationship concerns, cultural identity, men's issues, and spiritual integration.

I am the founder of Ascend Counseling and Therapy Services, a group practice that is focused on several clinical specialties, including but not limited to anxiety disorders, trauma and PTSD, family counseling, men's mental health, depression and mood disorders, and drug and alcohol recovery. My style is humorous, honest, and real. I believe therapy works best when you can be your authentic self, and sometimes that means laughing together even when we're doing serious work.

Aside from providing therapy, I am married and the father of three children. I enjoy writing, reading, making music, consulting, mentoring, and spending time with family and friends. I love learning and meeting new challenges, and I am continually looking for ways to grow and develop a healthier understanding of myself, others, and the world. In addition to my over 8 years as a clinical therapist, I was a social worker for almost 20 years. I have a diverse background working with multicultural populations, and I bring that depth of experience into every session.

My approach is warm, collaborative, and practical. I help clients understand how distorted perceptions and thoughts can contribute to painful feelings and unwanted behaviors, and we focus not only on understanding your thoughts and emotions, but also on building real-life skills you can use every day to manage stress, improve relationships, and feel more confident. I provide unconditional support while gently challenging you to grow and successfully complete your goals. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, life transitions, relationship challenges, or feeling unproductive, I am here to walk alongside you while helping you feel empowered, gain knowledge, understanding, and confidence. I primarily utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Psychoeducation therapy, and Strength-Based approaches while also meeting you where you are.