Counselling for adults
and young people
Charis Counselling,
Office 11,Nene Business Centre,
Waterside House, Station Rd,
Irthlingborough,
Northamptonshire.
NN9 5QF
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Welcome
Welcome to the Charis Counselling website.
My name is Cara Thompson. I'm a qualified counsellor and supervisor, registered with both the BACP (The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) and ACTO (The Association for Counselling and Online Therapy).
If you are reading this, you (or your child) are most likely facing difficult life situations, feeling in pain or are distressed. Or maybe there are issues and areas in your life that you wish to change and develop. Seeking counselling takes courage, but it can be one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself and can make a positive, lasting difference to your life.
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Please have a look around my website and see if counselling with me is something you would like to explore further. All the relevant information is here, including my background and what you need to know about the counselling process. If you decide you would like to meet me in person, please use the details in the 'Contact' section to take the next step. I look forward to hearing from you.
About Me
I've worked in educational settings (mainstream and special needs) for over 20 years in various teaching, pastoral, mental health and counselling roles. My last school role was counselling Secondary aged pupils. I've also been a counselling lecturer (teaching counselling skills and working as a support tutor with Diploma students) at a local college and CPCAB centre.
Alongside my private practice (where I offer counselling and clinical supervision), I currently work as a service co-ordinator at a counselling agency in Leicestershire.
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I am passionate about what I do. Given the right therapeutic conditions, I have seen people survive and overcome their personal difficulties, begin to cultivate a strong, resilient sense of self and improve their well-being. It is an absolute privilege to be part of that journey.
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When I transitioned from teaching to counselling it took four years to train. Since then, continued professional development is a vital part of my commitment to ensure my skills and knowledge are up to date. I regularly attend workshops, conferences and other events in the counselling field, which enhances my practice. This is in accordance with the requirements that BACP set to remain on their accredited register.
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I have been checked by the Disclosure and Barring Service and hold an enhanced DBS certificate for working with children and vulnerable adults. I am also covered by full professional indemnity insurance and comply with General Data Protection regulations.
Qualifications/Training Relevant to Counselling and Supervision:​​
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CPCAB Level 6 Certificate in Therapeutic Counselling Supervision
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Essential Supervision Skills (BPS Approved Certificate in Clinical Supervision)
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CPCAB Accredited Level 5 Diploma in Counselling
Children and Young People
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BACP Certificate of Proficiency
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CPCAB (Counselling & Psychotherapy Central
Awarding Body) Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
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CPCAB Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies
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CPCAB Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills
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CPCAB Level 2 Award in Introduction to Counselling Skills
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CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Awareness of Mental Health Problems
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Certificate in Online and Telephone Counselling
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Suicide ASIST (version 11) Certified Training
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Working with Survivors of Sexual Violence
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Safeguarding
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Protective Behaviours
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Trauma and Abuse
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Terminal Illness
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Bereavement
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Shame
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Narcissistic and Borderline Presentations
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MindEd Training on a range of issues
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DBT skills
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Cara Thompson
Areas of counselling I deal with:
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My Approach
I'm a person-centred counsellor. This is an approach that takes you, the client, as being the expert of your own world.
We all experience things differently and have our very own unique personal history. That's why I work empathically, putting myself in your shoes to understand and feel from your perspective. This allows us to explore together, so you can gain further insight into your situation, choices and sense of self and can find the way forward that is best for you. If I know of information, resources or services that I believe may help you in this process, I'll share this with you in our sessions.
I work in a person-centred way because I believe it to be the most human and holistic counselling approach. Our life experiences can impact our mental health, affecting our thoughts, feelings and relationships in all sorts of ways. It can be really helpful to talk with someone who is not directly or emotionally involved but who can offer short-term or long-term support. I can offer you a warm, relaxed, confidential space where we can feel safe to explore whatever thoughts and feelings you choose to, all at your own pace and without fear of judgement.
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Contact Me
If you have any questions or concerns, or would like to arrange a session, you can contact me by telephone, text, email or post. I'll get back to you as soon as I can.
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In line with General Data Regulation, any personal details or information that you disclose, will only be used in order for me to contact you.Your personal details or information will not be retained for any other purpose, nor will they be shared with any other individual or organisation.
Cara Thompson (MBACP)
Address:
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Charis Counselling,
Office 11, Nene Business Centre,
Waterside House, Station Rd,
Irthlingborough,
Northamptonshire,
NN9 5QF
