Introducing Cara M. Thompson Therapy and Consulting
Individualized relationship and trauma focused therapy, consultation, and training.
In-person and remote options
Dr. Thompson’s office is conveniently located in Wilmington, an easy drive from surrounding areas including Wrightsville Beach, Leland, and UNCW. Clients traveling in for intensive services may enjoy staying at one of the beautiful beaches in SE North Carolina.
Services
-
Individual, Family, Couples Therapy
-
Therapy Intensives
-
Consultation
-
Training and Keynote Speaking
Specialties
Relational and Family Therapy
Our partners and family members are often deeply important people in our lives, which means navigating stress and conflict with those closest to us can feel daunting. With Cara’s experience leading a family therapy training clinic and specialized training in Emotionally Focused Therapy, she approaches this work with an emphasis on all individuals feeling heard, understood, and dignified in their experiences. These sessions can be intense, but Dr. Thompson facilitates and “choreographs” the conversations to slow down and help families shift conversations from hurtful or avoidant to safe and close. During sessions, you can expect to laugh, cry, feel angry, and (dramatic pause) maybe even hug.
Trauma-Focused Therapy
Traumatic experiences overwhelm our brain and body’s ability to cope with what’s happening. These experiences can have profound impacts on our bodies, our minds, our emotions, our relationships, and our daily lives. Fortunately, there are many counseling-related treatments with decades of research to support their effectiveness in helping us feel back in control. Cara has training in multiple trauma-focused treatments, such as EMDR, but has also extensively researched the impact of trauma and stress on the brain and body.
Support for Helping Professionals and Leadership
Professionals in caregiving and leadership roles often face unique stressors and challenges. With carriers in community mental health, K-12 education, non-profit organizations, and academia, Dr. Thompson is well acquainted with the unique stressors of direct service roles and leadership roles that involve leading a team and public-facing responsibilities. Cara enjoys clients who are professionals and leaders and addresses issues like burnout, compassion fatigue, and working in settings where you may “love the work” but not “the system.”
Equestrian-Related Trauma Therapy
For those affected by equestrian-related trauma such as horse-related injuries, therapy can provide significant relief from symptoms like anxiety, fear, and “freezing up.” Cara has a B.A. in Equine Business Management, rode in equitation and hunter circles for 15 years, and had her own OTTB, “Zee Slew.” While she is no longer actively riding, Dr. Thompson understands how injuries, falls, and close calls can impact our riding careers and enjoyment of the sport and the horses we love dearly. Dr. Thompson provides targeted interventions to address the psychological impact of equestrian accidents or incidents. Brief (i.e. half a day) intensive trauma-focused treatment may be particularly useful following a single injury or incident to help riders restore confidence and get back in the saddle.