Counselling with Michele Atkin
Talking therapy, in a confidential space to explore the thoughts, feelings and challenges in your life
Counselling in Farnham, Godalming, Guildford & Haslemere, In-Person or Online & Phone
Hi, I'm Michele
I am a registered degree qualified counsellor. 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 guide people during times of self development, anxiety, low self esteem, loss, chronic illness and relationship issues.
My Back Story, Personal
My journey into theraputic treatments started well before I was old enough to remember. My grandfather was a doctor of allopathic medicine, an Acupuncturist and Homeopath, and my mother taught yoga for many years. As a young adult I embarked on a career which led me to long stressful hours, of commuting and initiating change within the corporate IT world. Like many of my generation I became ensconced in a professional world that was led by greed and materialism. Alarm bells began to ring. I took an opportunity which to this day I do not regret. After a number of years travelling the corners of the globe I began my journey to become the therapist that I am today.
My Back Story, as a Therapist
Over the past 16 years of private practice I have worked with clients as a Therapeutic Massage Therapist, a Reiki Master, a Health Kinesiologist and a Counsellor and Psychotherapist. Through my own self development and working with clients I have witnessed how our mind and body are connected. We experience life cognitively, some of which we process, but often we are left holding residual unprocessed emotions (feelings) in our body. These unprocessed emotions can build up, resulting in physical discomfort and ailments, challenging our mental wellbeing.
My Philosophy
The varying environments that I have worked in, such as the NHS, charities and in private practice has helped me gain a wealth of experience. With continuous academic and personal self-development my personal philosophy is underpinned by an existential outlook; I am born to survive, given the right conditions I have a natural ability to heal on all levels; physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I trust in the belief that there is purpose in all I experience. I have adopted an outlook which guides me intuitively to trust that I am where I am meant to be, right here, right now. Interwoven amongst this is my understanding that I am my choices and am accountable for the decisions I make and live by. My self-development is an evolving, never-ending process and my lived experiences have shaped me and continue to inform me in relationship with myself and others.
How I work
I work with individual adults.
I treat each person as a unique being, whose needs will vary from one treatment to the next. I work by the principle that you know yourself best and therefore you will choose the treatment that best suits your needs, be that counselling or bodywork, allowing you complete autonomy on your journey of healing and self discovery.
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? All of these feelings are OK.
- 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 (British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy)
- Verified member Counselling Directory
- Certified to practice On-line & Telephone
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, 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 working with people who struggle maintaining healthy relationships and may feel a loss of self-identity.
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 foundation that will allow us to go where you need to go. From this place change is possible.
People come to me for help with a wide range of issues:
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 ourselves.
MAKE BETTER, HEALTHIER NEW CHOICES
Working together I can help you gain greater insight into the concerns 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.
Introductory Appointment
I offer a 30 minute introductory appointment, either by phone, on Zoom 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;
Introductory Appointment – Free
50-minute weekly session - £70
Location
I run my In-Person practice from The Eaves, in Farnham and Surrey Holistic in Godalming.
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 availability.
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 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 to 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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