350 – Starting as a Counsellor

Weight Loss Drugs and Disordered Eating – Reasonable Adjustments on a Counselling Course

In Episode 350 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, your hosts Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly take us through this week’s three topics:

Firstly, in ‘Ethical, Sustainable Practice’, we explore what it means to be starting as a counsellor –  how to bridge the gap between qualification and confident, competent practice.

Then in ‘Practice Matters’, Rory speaks with Mel Ciavucco, a specialist in disordered eating, body image, and weight stigma. They explore the psychological impact of weight loss drugs, how these medications may interact with disordered eating behaviours, and how counsellors can support clients ethically and without judgement.

And lastly, in ‘Student Services’, we look at the concept of reasonable adjustments in counselling training and how learners can get the support they need.

Starting as a Counsellor [starts at 02:59 mins]

Rory and Ken delve into the transition from student to practitioner, offering guidance on starting as a counsellor and developing sustainable, ethical practice in the real world.

Key points include:

• Understanding the shift from placement work to independent counselling.
• Why 21st-century CPD topics like trauma, neurodivergence, and diversity matter.
• Lifelong learning: your counselling studies don’t end with your qualification.
• The benefits of identifying a niche or specialism.
• Practical ways to stand out and serve clients more effectively.

Weight Loss Drugs and Disordered Eating [starts at 25:38 mins]

Rory is joined by returning guest Mel Ciavucco, an integrative counsellor and trainer specialising in eating disorders, body image, and weight stigma. Together, they unpack the increasing use of weight loss injections like Wegovy, Ozempic, and Mounjaro, with a strong focus on their interaction with disordered eating patterns.

Discussion points include:

• How weight loss drugs can mask underlying disordered eating or body image issues.
• The risk of misuse among people with eating disorders, especially when prescriptions are obtained privately or online.
• Why appetite suppression isn’t a treatment for binge eating and may worsen shame cycles.
• The role of diet culture in shaping perceptions of body weight and food.
• How counsellors can support clients by remaining non-judgemental, reflective, and trauma-informed.

Mel emphasises the need for greater awareness of weight stigma and eating disorders in therapy, and highlights the importance of informed therapeutic exploration when clients are using or considering weight loss drugs.

Reasonable Adjustments on a Counselling Course [starts at 00:48:10 mins]

Ken and Rory discuss the often-overlooked topic of reasonable adjustments – modifications made to help learners with additional needs thrive in counselling training.

Key takeaways include:

• What reasonable adjustments look like in practice (e.g. coloured overlays, interpreters, extra time).
• Why it’s important to speak to tutors early and openly about support needs.
• The difference between formal diagnosis and lived experience, especially for neurodivergent learners.
• Personal reflections from Rory and Ken on navigating learning challenges.
• Encouragement to advocate for equitable access to education and training.

This segment offers practical advice for students and insight for tutors on creating inclusive learning environments.

Links and Resources

Counselling Skills Academy

Advanced Certificate in Counselling Supervision

Basic Counselling Skills: A Student Guide

Counsellor CPD

Counselling Study Resource

Counselling Theory in Practice: A Student Guide

Counselling Tutor Training and CPD

Facebook group

Website

Online and Telephone Counselling: A Practitioner’s Guide

Online and Telephone Counselling Course