Mel Ciaravino
Mel’s therapeutic focus includes working with individuals seeking care due to experiences of trauma, anxiety, ADHD, depression, disassociation, addiction, life transition, relationship problems, and work issues. Mel provides individual therapy to adults and welcomes individuals of all identities and stages of life. Mel’s counseling education included a focus on supporting individuals with disabilities and they are always honored to work with that community as well as folx in their queer community.
Mel supports clients looking to grow in areas of emotional regulation, coping with stress, communication, self-esteem, caring for themselves, and following through on the small steps that move them toward the life they want to build. Mel’s specialization includes supporting individuals struggling with executive function areas such as task and time management, planning, organization, impulse control, and decision-making. Mel sees therapy as a process that encourages a more connected and cohesive sense of self and an increased self-knowledge of our capabilities and our strengths.
Mel’s practice is rooted in awareness of the broad impact of systemic oppression and economic inequality. When racism, ableism, transphobia, homophobia, sexism, classism, and other experiences of marginalization are acknowledged in therapy, it can help us acknowledge and explore external barriers and internalized judgments.
Mel supports clients in deciding for themselves what goals they want to prioritize in therapy and offers different paths to approach these therapeutic goals. Depending on the priorities of each client, therapy incorporates a blend of treatment strategies. Clients are encouraged to continually share feedback so that the therapeutic process can shift to meet their needs and preferences. Mel is trained in EMDR and their approach includes aspects of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Strengths-based Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, and Internal Family Systems Therapy.
Mel understands from lived experience how daunting it can feel to find the right therapist, especially in times of crisis. It’s OK not to know where to begin. If you are interested in working with Mel, you can click here to schedule a no-cost, 30 minute phone consultation to help you decide whether they are the right therapist for you.
In addition to accepting insurance plans including some Medicaid plans, Mel can offer sliding scale fee structures to a limited amount of clients who are paying out of pocket and experiencing financial limitations.