Charles Ismael

Dr Charles Ismael Flores, PhD

Addiction Counselor

Verified

“Integral Recovery is not just “abstinence,” or stopping an addiction. In Re-covery, we Un-cover and Dis-cover who we really are in all our dimensions, and freed from the unhealthy habits, we start to grow again.”

About Me

For over 30 years, I have assisted people with a variety of addictions, from the exogenous abuse of drugs and alcohol, to the ones that stem from the chemicals already inside the brain, such as sex and love addiction, abandonment patterns, sexual compulsions, gambling, internet, and workaholism. Unlike most psychotherapists, I’m a Board Certified Addiction Specialist, well-versed in both abstinence and harm reduction strategies. Unlike most addiction professionals, I also address the anxiety, depression, and other psychological issues that often manifest after being uncovered through recovery.

Approach

I use Lazarus' multimodal approach, Wilber’s integral theory, Gorski/CBT, transpersonal/Buddhist psychology, family systems, EMDR, biofeedback and other technologies that may aid in Recovery. As a South Bronx New York City native who has worked with people of diverse range of ages, from teens to elders, traditional and alternative sexualities, ethnic backgrounds, socioeconomics and classes, I partner with clients "from jail to Yale."
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Ask a quick question or arrange a time to meet.

Basic Information

Languages:

English

Fees:

Direct payment

Online Only

Services

Addictions Men's Issues Career Issues Spirituality

Services Offered:

  • Addiction Counselling

    Counselling specifically focused on substance use or behavioural addictions, addressing the psychological drivers and patterns of dependence.

    Learn more about Addiction Counselling
  • Addiction Services

    A range of services for addiction that may include counselling, detox support, group programmes, and aftercare planning.

  • Adolescent Therapy

    Therapy designed for teenagers, using age-appropriate methods to address issues like anxiety, identity, peer pressure, and family conflict.

    Learn more about Adolescent Therapy
  • CBT

    Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, a structured, evidence-based approach that identifies and changes unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviours.

    Learn more about CBT
  • EMDR

    Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing, a therapy that uses guided eye movements to help the brain process and integrate traumatic memories.

    Learn more about EMDR
  • Free Consultation

    A no-cost initial session to meet the therapist, discuss needs, and decide whether they are the right fit before committing.

  • Humanistic Therapy

    A therapeutic approach grounded in the belief that people are inherently capable of growth and self-understanding, focusing on present experience, personal meaning, and the therapeutic relationship.

  • Integrative Psychotherapy

    An approach that draws on multiple therapeutic models, tailored to the individual, rather than following a single method.

  • Mindfulness

    The practice of paying deliberate attention to the present moment without judgement, used to reduce stress and increase awareness of automatic reactions.

    Learn more about Mindfulness
  • Online Counselling

    Counselling conducted via video, phone, or secure messaging, providing professional support remotely.

    Learn more about Online Counselling

Works With:

  • Adults
  • Individuals
  • Couples
  • Elderly
  • Parents

Area of Expertise

Scope of Practice:

  • Addiction

    A compulsive dependence on a substance or behaviour, such as alcohol, drugs, or gambling, that causes harmful consequences to health, relationships, or daily life.

    Learn more about Addiction
  • Codependency

    A relational pattern in which a person's sense of identity and self-worth becomes excessively tied to caring for or controlling another person, often at their own expense.

  • Sex Addiction

    A pattern of compulsive sexual behaviour that feels out of control and causes harm to one's relationships, work, or well-being.

  • Spiritual Exploration

    Questions of meaning, purpose, faith, and spiritual experience as they relate to psychological well-being and personal identity.

  • Trauma

    The lasting psychological impact of deeply distressing events, such as violence, abuse, accidents, or disasters, that overwhelm a person's ability to cope.

    Learn more about Trauma
  • Pornography or Sexual Behaviour Concerns

    Sexual behaviours, including pornography use, that feel compulsive, out of control, or are causing distress or harm to oneself or relationships.

  • Dream Work

    The exploration of dream content (themes, symbols, and emotions) to gain insight into unconscious feelings, conflicts, and desires.

    Learn more about Dream Work
  • Career Issues

    Work-related difficulties such as chronic dissatisfaction, conflict, burnout, uncertainty about direction, or the stress of career change.

Professional Title:

  • Addiction Counselor

    A counselor specialising in the treatment of substance use and behavioural addictions.

Credentials

Registrations

California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS)

Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC)

Registration: 170

Verify License

Qualifications

PhD in East-West Psychology

California Institute of Integral Studies

Year: 2010

Masters Degree in Education in Mental Health Counseling

Fordham University

Year: 1996

Marriage and Family Counseling Post-Master's Certification

Iona College (now Iona University)

Year: 1997

Master Addiction Counselor

National Board of Certified Counselors

Year: 2007

Internationally Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ICAADC)

International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium

Year: 2019

Service Areas

Main Practice

Online Only

El Puerto de Santa María

Spain