Charlene Dunkley
LCSW • Licensed Clinical Social Worker
About
Life can often feel like a high-pressure balancing act, but Charlene Dunkley, LCSW, is dedicated to helping her clients find more ease and grace as they navigate through a challenging world. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over a decade of experience, Charlene brings a gentle yet firm approach to therapy, specializing in supporting Black women, women of color, and first- and second-generation immigrants.
Charlene's expertise spans a wide range of areas, including anxiety, burnout, trauma, disordered eating, and body image issues. She has a particular passion for working with helping professionals, recognizing their unique need for a space where they can step out of the "helper" role and focus on their own well-being. Her approach integrates body and mind, helping clients release the impact of negative past experiences and find greater authenticity and acceptance in their lives.
As a Staff Therapist at Stella Nova, Charlene employs a variety of evidence-based techniques in her practice. She has extensive training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Sensorimotor Therapy, and specialized approaches for treating eating disorders. Charlene is also committed to providing trauma-informed care and culturally relevant support, ensuring that each client's unique background and experiences are respected and incorporated into their therapeutic journey.
In addition to her individual therapy work, Charlene facilitates a support group for BIPOC women dealing with disordered eating and body image issues. She takes a Health at Every Size® approach, helping clients break free from diet culture mindsets, relearn how to nourish their bodies, and challenge thoughts and beliefs that contribute to negative body image. Charlene also shares practical tools for managing overwhelming emotions, perfectionism, and self-criticism that often accompany body and eating concerns.
Charlene's professional journey includes experience in various settings such as family shelters, residential substance use facilities, hospitals, and outpatient clinics. This diverse background has honed her ability to provide comprehensive, compassionate care to clients from all walks of life. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, navigating cultural identity issues, or seeking support in your role as a helping professional, Charlene offers a safe, understanding space to explore your challenges and work towards positive change. Her ultimate goal is to empower her clients with concrete tools for change, helping them find balance and fulfillment in their lives.
Qualifications
Education
- Master of Social Work, 2010
Certifications, Memberships & Training
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy Training
- Sensorimotor Therapy Training
- Eating Disorders Training
State Licenses
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker, CA, 2013
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker, NJ
Specialties & Expertise
Specializations
- Anxiety
- Body Image Issues
- Eating Disorders
- Stress
- Trauma
- Women's Issues
State Licenses
- California
- New Jersey
Race, Gender & Sexual Sensitivities
- LGBTQ+ Allied
- Racial Justice Allied
Compliance
- HIPAA Compliant
Reviews
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Locations
Stella Nova Psychology - Los Angeles
1245 Wilshire Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90017