Charlie McNess, Ph.D.

About Me

There are many reasons that bring a person into therapy, some that are easier to articulate than others. Likely there is no single reason, but rather a collection, and often one of those is a feeling of being stuck. I work collaboratively with my patients to help figure out what is serving them and what areas we can shift.

I believe that the relationship between patient and therapist is central to the work of therapy, and that in order for the work to be effective the patient must feel both seen and heard by their therapist. I aim to create a warm, welcoming and at times gently challenging environment to allow my patients to better learn themselves, in the hope of increasing agency and fostering self-exploration.

More About My Practice

I work with people navigating anxiety, depression, grief and loss, trauma, relationship difficulties, and significant life transitions. I am especially interested in helping patients better understand the patterns, relationships, experiences, and identities that shape how they move through the world. Therapy can offer a space to slow down, make meaning of these experiences, and build more flexibility, self-understanding, and choice.

My approach will shift depending on the needs and wants of each patient, however I primarily operate from a psychodynamic perspective.  I believe it important to meet a patient where they are, and work with them to foster a therapeutic dynamic in which they feel supported and wanted.

My Specialties

I work with individuals and couples. I am drawn to those who seek treatment due to shifts in identity, emerging adulthood, and the challenges that come with the inevitable changes in our lives. 

I particularly enjoy and have experience working with the LGBTQ+, trans and non-binary community. Topics in this area could include patients seeking support around gender identity, sexuality, transition-related experiences, family and relationship concerns, and minority stress.

I work with patients who may be feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, uncertain, stuck in old patterns, or unsure how to move through a period of change. In couples and relationship work, I am interested in helping partners better understand the emotional patterns and communication dynamics that may be contributing to distress, distance, or conflict.

Education and Career Background

• Ph.D. from Fairleigh Dickinson University

• M.A. in Psychology from New York University

• B.S. in Sociology from University of Manchester

• Psychologist, Psychology Specialists of Maine, Brunswick, ME

• Forensic Evaluator, Health and Hospitals, Correctional Health Services, New York, NY

• Attending Psychologist, Assistant Professor, Mount Sinai Health System, Institute for Advanced Medicine, and Center for Transgender Medicine and Surgery, New York, NY

• Post-Doctoral Psychologist, Madison Park Psychological Services, New York, NY

• Psychologist in Training, North Central Bronx Hospital, Bronx, NY

• Psychology Trainee, Bronx Psychiatric Center, Bronx, NY

• Student Supervisor, Fairleigh Dickinson Centre for Psychological Services, Hackensack, NJ