About Caroline:
I’m a registered member of the British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy (MBACP) and an integrative therapist working across Derbyshire. I offer counselling and psychotherapy to adults, offering a safe, confidential space where you can explore difficulties, understand yourself better, and work towards meaningful and lasting change.
I believe in challenging the basic assumptions that underpin our belief systems and will help you explore how you can overcome the challenges that stop you from living the life you want.
My practice is built upon the belief that people can overcome adversity with the right support. I hold an optimistic view of human nature, whilst remaining realistic about the challenges life presents. Whether you’re facing anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, trauma, or simply feeling overwhelmed, I’m here to help you find your way through.
Caroline Absalom
MSc – Integrated Counselling & Psychotherapy (Distinction), MBACP
My Background and Experience
It’s always a real privilege to work closely with people of any age, across a wide range of issues, exploring the underlying causes or impact of a problem. I deliver weekly mental health clinics for patients referred by their GP, who are often overwhelmed by life’s challenges and struggling with aspects of their mental health and wellbeing. I originally began my career as an NHS Mental Health nurse, later retraining as a counsellor and psychotherapist; I now adopt a more holistic approach to individuals, not limited by the medical model. These experiences have collectively given me an invaluable and compassionate insight into how mental health difficulties can affect people through their lives. This can make us feel isolated, disconnected from others and often from our true selves.
I also enjoy working with young people, having worked as a counsellor within School Sixth Forms (16-18 years), for Derby University Counselling Service (post 18) and within NHS Children’s Mental Health Services. I have supported students as they navigated identity, relationships and emotional wellbeing during these formative years.
My MSc academic research explored the experience of families where neurodiversity or mental health issues impact adolescence. This has given me a greater understanding of the challenges faced by family members, especially by adolescent siblings, and how these can impact individuals as they go forward in life. I have a keen interest in how family members can best be supported under these circumstances. I hold a BACP certificate for counselling young people.
I also specialise in trauma therapy, subcontracted by local charities as a Counsellor for survivors of domestic and sexual violence, abuse, and childhood trauma. I understand the courage it takes to seek help, always working at a pace that feels safe and manageable for indivduals.
I continue to develop my practice through regular supervision and ongoing professional development. I hold a current Enhanced DBS certificate (Disclosure & Barring).
Therapy Styles Used:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT)
- Motivational Interviewing
- Schema Therapy
- Attachment Theory
- Person-Centred Therapy
- Gender, Sex and Relationship Diversity Model (GSRD)
My Philosophy
When life becomes overwhelming, talking to a trained professional can be profoundly helpful. Therapy offers a space to pause, reflect, and begin to untangle what feels confusing or unbearable.
I want you to feel safe and accepted in the counselling room. We will work collaboratively and when you’re ready, we can identify your personal goals, so that you begin to take real steps towards a better sense of daily wellbeing. This process may involve gently challenging underlying beliefs and assumptions, but only in ways that feel right for you.
I believe in empowering people to gain a better understanding of themselves, to reconnect with their own strengths and values and to discover new ways of being in the world that fit with their unique world-view. I can support you in moving forward in life.
I support people experiencing:
- Anxiety and worry
- Depression and low mood
- Low self-confidence or self-esteem
- Trauma, abuse, and PTSD
- Relationship difficulties
- Loss and grief
- Stress and burnout
- OCD tendencies
- Life transitions and identity struggles
‘‘Let go of who you think you’re supposed to be; embrace who you are’’ Brene Brown
Qualifications and Training
I hold an MSc in Integrative Counselling & Psychotherapy from the University of Derby (awarded with Distinction) and I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)
- Walk & Talk Therapy in the Outdoors Certificate. Creative Counsellors
- Certificate in Online & Telephone Counselling. Counselling Tutor
- Counselling Young People. BACP Stage 1 certificate
- Carolyn Spring Trauma Training: Reversing Adversity. Certificates in: Working with Shame; Childhood Sexual Abuse (Hope for Healing), Trauma and the Body: Dissociation & Somatisation and Avoiding Secondary Trauma
- Pre-trial Therapy training. Blue Star
- Pre-trial Therapy training. The Survivors Network
- Defining Gender, Sex and Relationship Diversity (GSRD) Training. Pink Therapy
- Autism Awareness Training. Derby & Derbyshire Autism Information & Advice Service
- Motivational Interviewing Training. Optimal Change Ltd
- Suicidal Awareness and Managing mental health conversations training. ZeroSuicideAlliance(ZSA)
- Safeguarding Level 3 Certificate: Adults & Children
- Enhanced DBS Certificate
- RMN (trained Mental Health Nurse). Diploma in Nursing Studies
