Mel Ciavucco Counselling
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Counsellor, Trainer and Writer.

​Online Integrative Counsellor specialising in eating disorders & body image, and domestic abuse & sexual violence.


​Welcome! I'm Mel and I'm a UK-based counsellor, writer and trainer. I offer online counselling sessions, in the daytimes and evenings, via Zoom.

I specialise in disordered eating, body image and weight stigma, and also in domestic abuse and sexual violence. I often work with people who have experienced trauma and abuse, including bullying, earlier in life. I'm passionate about helping people have a better relationship with themselves, as often people I see struggle with shame and self-worth issues. 
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I also help people struggling with depression, anxiety, stress, and a broad spectrum of worries and problems. I offer a space for people to tell their story without judgement. I work from a trauma-informed perspective, and am LGBT+ friendly, neuro-affirmative and weight inclusive. 

Being an Integrative Counsellor means I draw on different theories and am collaborative in my approach. I am an Accredited member of the NCPS (National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society) and I adhere to their ethical framework.
Mel Ciavucco, Integrative Online Counsellor, stands in front of a blue painted murel with trees and butterflies. She is wearing a pink velvet shirt dress with a black and white furry animal print coat on top.  Mel specialises in eating disorder therapy, as well as body image, domestic abuse and self-worth issues.

My experience

I've worked in the mental health sector for over a decade in eating disorder charities and domestic abuse/sexual violence services. I used to deliver group programmes to perpetrators of abuse, and I now deliver training for various organisations on both disordered eating-rated topics and on domestic abuse/gender-based violence.

Qualifications:
  • First Class BA (Hons) in Counselling and Therapeutic Practice
  • Advanced Diploma in Neurodiversity and Eating Disorders
  • StopSO COFRA 121 - Compassion Focused Risk Aware: one-to-one therapy programme for managing sexual risk
  • Carolyn Spring trauma training - Childhood Sexual Abuse, Working with Shame

I engage in lots of CPD (Continuing Professional Development) on eating disorders, neurodiversity, trauma, domestic/sexual abuse, and more. For a full list of my experience and training, go to my About Me page.

To find out more about how I work with body image, disordered eating and eating disorders, click the relevant tabs above. I've also written various blogs on these topics which may be helpful.
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How it works

I offer a free 15-minute intro call (on Zoom) to meet and have an initial chat. This allows the chance to see how you feel about working with me as it's important you feel comfortable. There's absolutely no obligation to continue after that of course. 

Counselling sessions are online, via Zoom, for one hour. Normally we'd meet weekly in an ongoing timeslot for however many sessions you like (it can be open-ended). My approach is collaborative, finding ways to work to suit you, at your pace. This may include talking about things from the past, processing difficult experiences and feelings, exploring relationships with family/friends/partners, exploring identity and your sense of self, building confidence and self-esteem, and developing tools/strategies to help you cope. This looks different for everyone as it depends on your personal situation and your needs.

Normally the sessions are weekly for continuity, but fortnightly can be an option. The price is £60 per session, paid in advance of each session. I work at various times across Tuesdays to Fridays, including evenings. To enquire about my current availability, please get in touch.
CONTACT ME
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How does Online
​Counselling work?

Working online has many benefits for clients in terms of accessibility, comfort and flexibility. Online counselling is just as effective as in-person counselling as the therapeutic relationship is at the core of the experience.

It provides opportunities for those anywhere in the UK to access help without being tied to a location, which can be particularly helpful if you're looking for a counsellor with specific experience, such as myself.

Find out more about online counselling and how it works here...
ONLINE COUNSELLING

Articles and Blogs

Silhouette of woman eating. What is binge eating and how to break the binge cycle by Mel Ciavucco, binge eating therapist online UK

What is binge eating and how to break the binge cycle

Binge eating disorder (BED) is one of the most prevalent eating disorders, with many people caught in a difficult cycle of negative thoughts and difficult emotions. Whether someone has a diagnosis or not, binge eating can have a huge impact on a person’s life. Let’s dive into what binge eating is, the binge cycle, and most importantly, what can help stop binge eating.​
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​Read more here...
Picture of Yalom - Unpacking Yalom's Fat Lady Chapter, anti-fat biases and weight stigma in therapy and counselling, blog by Mel Ciavucco, weight stigma trainer and counsellor UK

Unpacking Yalom’s “Fat Lady”: Anti-Fat Bias in Counselling Practice

Let’s talk about Irvin Yalom’s “Fat Lady” chapter from Love’s Executioner. This book is commonly read by counsellors and trainee's, with Yalom held in high regard for his honesty. But, this chapter really packs a punch, and it highlights the importance of needing to unpack our own assumptions and biases and weight as therapists.

Read more here...
Atypical Anorexia and Weight Stigma, blog by Mel Ciavucco, UK eating disorder therapist

Atypical Anorexia and Weight Stigma

The behaviours, thoughts and emotions of Atypical Anorexia mirror those of Anorexia Nervosa, which involves food restriction and preoccupation with weight. The main difference is that people with "atypical" anorexia are not classified as "underweight" so they may struggle to get a diagnosis. Only 6% of people with an eating disorder are underweight, so this means many people are not getting they help they deserve. Due to weight stigma and medical biases, those in larger bodies especially can be overlooked.
Read more here...

Training, Talks and Workshops


I offer training for professionals on:

Body image
Disordered eating and eating disorders
Weight stigma & Fatphobia
Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence
Reflective and creative writing

Need a speaker or trainer? Feel your workplace or team would benefit from learning about any of these topics? I am happy to discuss bespoke workshops and training to suit your needs. Drop me a message through my contact form to discuss your requirements.

Click here for my other workshops coming up and to see my previous talks and workshops.
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find out more about bespoke training
"Thank you for your training on BODY IMAGE, WEIGHT STIGMA & DISORDERED EATING. It gave me some very valuable perspectives on the narrative and the language used in this field. I have gained some learnings to integrate into my hypnotherapy practise. This work is very much needed and I wish you every success in getting it out to the people who need to hear these messages most."

- Bespoke workshop attendee, March 2024

    Contact me to book a free initial 15-minute introductory call

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  • Home
  • About Me
  • Counselling
    • How does online counselling work?
  • Workshops
    • Bespoke Training
  • Body Image
    • Body Image Counselling
    • Helpful Resources
  • Eating disorders
    • Counselling for disordered eating
    • Consultation for Professionals
  • Blog
  • Contact