About me

Charmari Downing

I am a qualified integrative counsellor and therapist-coach, working face-to-face or online with individuals over 18 years. I am passionate about fostering meaningful connections and creating safe, supportive spaces for transformation, where clients can explore their challenges, enhance their mental health, and achieve their personal goals.

I offer a warm, relational approach and work with a wide range of issues. My years living and working abroad have shaped a deep appreciation for cultural diversity and the complexities of life in transition. Having experienced five different cultures myself, I understand the disconnection, loss, uncertainty, stress, and trauma that can arise, along with the team, family, parenting, and relationship challenges that often come with cross-cultural living. These lived experiences help me meet each client with empathy, curiosity, and deep respect.

As well as therapy services, my experience includes working as a trainer, mentor, consultant and facilitator.

I design and deliver evidence-based relationship programmes for OnePlusOne, a national relationship research charity, focusing on skills like communication, empathy, and conflict resolution. I also provide consultancy, training, and workshops for professionals in the public and charity sectors, having trained hundreds of professionals. My work empowers frontline staff to support families by recognising destructive behaviour patterns and helping parents build healthier communication and conflict strategies.

I have experience speaking at events and seminars, including IGPP's Health & Wellbeing Conference in London. I have also delivered talks to diverse audiences, from charity volunteers and families to public sector and local authority practitioners. These have included organisations such as Kids Alive International, Cornwall County Council, Compass International Family Centre, Lambeth Children's Services, Latin Link and Comic Relief.

I bring a diverse background from the corporate, not-for-profit, and voluntary sectors, including experience as a charity trustee. My work has included leadership roles in programme development, family support, community initiatives, and volunteer coordination, all of which have deepened my understanding of people, relationships, and the challenges they face.

I am dedicated to promoting diversity, justice, and holistic well-being for all, believing in the power of connection and kindness to drive lasting change. My desire is to see people thriving wherever they are in life.

I know that everyone’s journey is unique. I’m here to walk alongside you, meet you where you are, and support your growth along the way:

• Relational & trauma-informed: Building trust and safety is foundational. I bring warmth, compassion, presence and attentiveness to our work. I hold space for your heart and for your life's personal journey.

• Creative & holistic: Where appropriate, I can integrate tools such as creative therapy, art, metaphor, somatic practices, movement, mindfulness and nature-based approaches to support your growth.

• Integrated coaching: In addition to therapy, I offer coaching skills to help you create a roadmap forwards, collaboratively exploring practical ways with you to create opportunities and grow your confidence.

• Tailored & evidence-based: My approach is always tailored to you. I use a range of evidence-based methods, including CBT, psychodynamic, person-centred, Gestalt therapy, and learnings from neuroscience to support healing and connection.

• Multicultural expertise: I am mindful of how culture, identity, and lived experience shape each person’s story and I aim to create a space where all backgrounds and journeys are respected and understood.

• Faith/spirituality-informed: If you wish, we can explore your experience through a faith or spirituality lens, holding space for both emotional and spiritual wellbeing.

My approach

Training & qualifications

• Registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP) – bound by ethical framework, receive regular supervision and ongoing continuing professional development

• Diploma of Higher Education in Counselling (Level 5) – Middlesex University (UK)

• Bachelor of Arts (International Relations & Psychology) – Monash University (Australia)

• Bachelor of Commerce (Business Management) – Monash University (Australia)

"My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together"

Desmond Tutu