About me
I’m Mel Christodoulou, an integrative counsellor offering a calm and supportive space where you can feel safe to be yourself.
I understand that reaching out for counselling can feel like a big step. You may be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure how to make sense of what’s going on for you. My aim is to meet you with warmth, care, and without judgement, so that together we can begin to explore whatever you are facing at a pace that feels right for you.
Before training as a counsellor, I spent over 30 years working in education and pastoral care, supporting young people and their families. This experience has given me a deep understanding of the pressures many people face, from academic expectations and anxiety to relationships, identity, and life transitions.
My approach is integrative, which means I draw on a range of therapeutic perspectives to support you as an individual. I will listen carefully, and I may gently help you notice patterns in your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, supporting you to develop greater awareness, self-understanding, and emotional resilience.
I aim to create a space that feels calm, grounded, and containing, somewhere you can bring whatever is on your mind, without fear of judgement, and begin to feel more connected to yourself.
Outside of my work, I find balance in yoga, forest walks, creative moments, and baking, all of which help me to stay present and grounded in everyday life.
What do I offer?
A calm, grounded space where you can feel safe.
A space to be you.
A place to talk openly, explore feelings, and feel accepted, even when life feels confusing, overwhelming, or different from everyone else's.
A space where you don't need to 'get it right'.
My Journey
Parenting
Mum to two amazing humans since 1996. Fear, challenge, messy moments, joy and laughter.
Pastoral Care
Thirty-two years on the frontline of teaching and pastoral care. Connection before education, understanding their needs as an individual. Supporting them through their learning, exams, relationships, failure and success.
Therapy
Lived experience of anxiety and depression. Therapy was a revelation. The opportunity to facilitate positive change in my life. Self-awareness and personal growth.
Study
New direction. Self-discovery, reading, talking, exploring, understanding my own thoughts, feelings, and patterns. Lightbulb moments and personal growth.
Placement
Practising skills, listening, empathising, questioning, clarifying, exploring. Facilitating space for clients to make sense of their own experiences. Space for healing.
Now
Integrative counsellor. Retired teacher. Mum. Not necessarily in that order.
Qualifications and Training
Melanie Christodoulou, MBACP, Dip. Therapeutic Counselling, B.Ed (Hons) Home Economics
I am a Registered Member of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (MBACP) and I practice under their Code of Ethics.
I am an Approved Therapy Provider for Worksop College.
Please see below for my qualifications and training.
Qualifications
Level 4 Diploma in Counselling Practice
Level 3 Safeguarding Children
Level 3 Certificate in Therapeutic Counselling
Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills
B.Ed (Hons) Home Economics
Experience
- Two years of counselling children and young people aged 11-18
- Volunteer counsellor for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse
- My own personal recovery
Further Training
- Suicide Awareness
- Bereavement and Loss
- Self-Harm
- Trauma-informed practice
- Breathwork
- Mindfulness
- Drawing and Talking
- Reflective Journalling
- Mother-Daughter Relationships
- Somatic Trauma Treatment
- Neuro-Affirming Practice
Wondering if you're ready?
Many people wonder when the right time is to start counselling. The truth is, there’s no perfect moment, reaching out when you feel curious, overwhelmed, or just ready to talk is enough. Taking the first step doesn’t commit you to anything; it’s simply a way to explore your options and see if counselling feels like the right support for you.