Counselling with Michele Atkin
Talking therapy, in a confidential space to explore the thoughts, feelings and challenges in your life
Counselling in Godalming & Guildford
In-Person, Online & Phone
Current Availability: I am taking on new clients on a Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday please contact me for times.
Hello, my name is Michele, I am a registered degree qualified counsellor. I work in private practice in Godalming and Guildford. I have a gentle calming approach to the way I work. Clients have commented about how they feel safe and emotionally supported during our sessions. I support people during times of stress, anxiety, low self esteem, loss, chronic illness and relationship issues.
Taking that first step can be daunting. I understand that for some people talking about what brings them to counselling can feel quite scary. It may well be the first time you’ve spoken out loud about what’s on your mind. You may feel resistance. Insecurities may surface. Will they judge me, will they be able to understand? Will they be able to help me?
- FdSc Degree Integrative Counselling & Psychotherapy – Greenwich University
- Level 1-3 Counselling Skills & Theory
- Level 1-6 Certified Kinesiology Practitioner
- Diploma in Anatomy & Physiology
- VCTC Bodywork Therapist
- BACP Registered
- Verified member Counselling Directory
My Approach
Sometimes life can feel ‘just too much’, you feel like you have reached your capacity, you are emotionally sensitive or feel numb. You lack clarity in your thoughts and do not know where to turn. Take a deep breath and know that help is at hand. I offer guidance and support in a safe, non-judgemental space, to explore the things on your mind. I work face to face and online, facilitating our sessions, collaborating with you, at your pace, allowing you to tell your story. I will hear your words and see you as a unique individual. I believe in your ability to heal and grow.
My approach is integrative, meaning I combine techniques and theories from different therapeutic modalities to tailor treatment to your needs. My style acknowledges that no single approach is effective for everyone and I seek to integrate elements from various theories, such as cognitive-behavioural, humanistic, psychodynamic and systemic approaches.
I have a specialist interest and experience of collaborating with people who struggle maintaining healthy relationships and may feel a loss of self-identity. Clients that I work with often lack focus, direction and feel totally overwhelmed. I work with a broad range of client conditions, anxiety, chronic illness, low self-esteem, and trauma.
At the heart of how I work, is the relationship we build together. Over the past 16 years of working in therapeutic private practice, I have seen how positive outcome in therapy comes from forming a strong professional relationship with clients. Mutual trust and respect in our therapeutic relationship is the safe container that will allow us to go where you need to go. From this foundation change is possible.
People come to me for help a wide range of issues. Here are a few of the more common difficulties that can be supported through counselling:
Feelings of stress or anxiety
Panic attacks
Relationship problems
Grief, loss or bereavement
Problems with addiction
Trauma and post-traumatic stress
Depression
Problems with confidence or self-esteem
Anger management
Issues relating to sexuality
Difficulties at work or in retirement
Living with chronic illness
SPEAK IN CONFIDENCE
Counselling takes place in a safe space, where we can meet, I will listen with sensitivity and empathy - and without judgement. In the therapy space thoughts and feelings can be expressed freely and in confidence.
A PROBLEM SHARED...
Trouble with a relationship; anxiety or panic attacks; mood swings or depression - many people face difficulties in their everyday lives that can be hard to get on top of. Counselling gives us a set of tools we can use to help to gain a better understanding of what’s causing these problems - and how you can move towards managing or resolving them.
MAKE BETTER, HEALTHIER NEW CHOICES
Working together I can help you gain greater insight into the difficulties you are facing, help you understand why you act or react to them the way you do, and see how you can start to make better, heathier choices moving forward.
Contact Me
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions, or to arrange an initial appointment. All enquiries are treated in confidence. I aim to reply to messages within 24 hours (Mon - Fri). If you would prefer me to call you, please leave your name number and a suitable time to return your call.
Initial Introductory Appointment
I offer a 50-minute introductory appointment, either by phone or in person. This will be a space for us to get to know one another and for you to get a sense of me and how I work. We will explore what brings you to therapy, what changes you hope to see and discuss whether my expertise is the right fit for you. What is most important, is that you feel comfortable and safe speaking to me, and that I feel like the right fit for you.
There is no obligation and these and all ongoing sessions are strictly confidential and adhere to the ethical guidelines of the BACP. If we agree that we can work together we will progress to arranging a weekly counselling session.
Fees
My fees;
Initial Introductory Appointment – Free
50-minute weekly session - £70
Location
I am based in Godalming, at Surrey Holistic Centre, GU7 1HL.
I also provide counselling on-line and by phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long a period of counselling lasts will vary from person to person and depend on the depth of the issues they are facing. For some people a couple of sessions helps to bring their problems into focus, and they feel ready to move forward; other problems may require more of an open-ended approach.
Before we begin any work we will agree on the number of sessions we’ll undertake, and at the end of that number review our progress. As long as we both agree further therapy will be of benefit to you, sessions can continue.
My aim is to offer a first appointment - known as an initial assessment - within 1-2 weeks. Then we would arrange a set number of counselling sessions to take place at the same time every week, that is convenient for you and where I have availabity. How quickly these sessions can begin will depend on the availabity of that free ‘slot’.
Everything that is said within the counselling room is private - this is one of the main ways counselling and therapy differ from talking to a friend or relative. Once you are comfortable with the format of weekly sessions and the safe space they provide, you will find the freedom to speak in confidence is of great value.
Note that there are some situations where you may be a risk to yourself or others, and there the law requires that I notify an authority; in these cases I may not be able to keep total confidentiality. Breaking confidentiality is very rare though, and only happens after the person concerned has been informed.
Usually I am asked this question by people who are nervous about entering into counselling, or when they are looking for support in coming to see a therapist. This anxiety is understandable, but a key aspect of therapy is that you should feel free to talk about any issues you feel are important to you. Having someone else with you who can be connected those issues makes this opening-up more difficult, so for this reason I do not see clients accompanied by friends or family.
© Michele Atkin
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