You’re here because something is standing in your way—anxiety that won’t let go, old wounds that still echo, a brain that feels scattered, or just the sense that life should feel easier than it does. This space exists to help you break down those barriers.
Here, you’ll find practical strategies, grounded in research and real clinical experience, designed to clear mental clutter and open up space for healing, clarity, and forward movement.
Whether you want to understand your mind better, navigate trauma recovery, or learn everyday tools for emotional regulation, you’ll find thoughtful, accessible guidance here—without the fluff, without judgment. Just step-by-step check-ins to help you move forward.
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Welcome.
Everyone carries barriers—stress, trauma, self-doubt, or the weight of neurodiversity misunderstood. My work is about helping you clear those barriers so you can thrive.
I do this in two ways: through clinical work (neuropsychological assessment and therapy) and through public outreach (my blog, writings, and YouTube channel, Check-Ins with Dr. Charles). The goal is always the same: translating the science of the brain into tools you can actually use—whether that’s making sense of ADHD, finding balance after trauma, or regaining confidence in the middle of life’s complexities.
Once you know a little about the mission, you may want to know who’s behind it: I’m Dr. David Charles, PhD (he/him), a therapist, neuropsychologist, and educator based in Chicago. With decades of experience across assessment, therapy, and teaching, I integrate evidence-based approaches with a focus on resilience, adaptability, and practical growth. My training spans Rosalind Franklin University, St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis, and clinical work in both Kentucky and Illinois.
But ultimately, this site isn’t about me. It’s about you—finding insights, clarity, and strategies that help you get your own obstacles out of the way so you can move forward.
Why do some people respond to violence with outrage while others remain indifferent? This article explores the psychology behind these divided reactions — from moral judgment and compassion fatigue to the hidden toll of domestic and emotional abuse. Drawing on research from psychology, criminology, and public health, it highlights how violence can be both visible and invisible, and what evidence-based strategies can reduce its impact.