Counselling
for Life Transitions & Rediscovering Purpose
Counselling in Farnham, Godalming, Guildford, In-Person or Online & Phone
Counselling for Life Transitions & Rediscovering Purpose
🌿 Finding your way through change
Life is full of transitions, and some changes can leave us feeling uncertain, lost, or disconnected from ourselves. Whether it’s a career shift, retirement, the end of a relationship, children leaving home, health changes, or simply reaching a stage of life where old goals no longer fit — you
may find yourself wondering:
“Who am I now?”
“What do I want from this next chapter?”
“Where do I find meaning and purpose?”
These questions can feel unsettling. You may notice a loss of motivation, sadness, anxiety, or a sense of being “stuck.” But transitions don’t have to be just about loss — they can also be an opportunity to pause, reflect, and realign with who you truly are.
🌿 My Story
I know what it feels like to face transition and question what comes next. In my early career, I worked in the corporate IT world — long hours, constant pressure, and an endless chase for success. Outwardly, I was “doing well,” but inside I felt increasingly disconnected and uncertain
about what it was all for. That period became a turning point: a moment to pause, reassess, and ask myself “Is this really the life I want to live?”
I chose to step away. Travel, self-reflection, and new experiences helped me reconnect with myself and reimagine a life built around purpose rather than pressure. That decision set me on the path to becoming a therapist.
Over the past 18 years I’ve worked as a Therapeutic Massage Therapist, Reiki Master, Health Kinesiologist, and Counsellor. These experiences have shown me the deep connection between mind and body — and how life’s unprocessed emotions can impact both. Today, I draw on this holistic understanding to support clients in navigating their own journeys of change.
🌿 My Philosophy
I believe that while change can be painful and disorientating, it also holds the potential for renewal. Each transition is an invitation to pause, reflect, and realign with what truly matters.
My outlook is rooted in existential therapy — exploring meaning, identity, and the choices available to us. While we can’t control everything life brings, we can choose how we respond, and in that choice lies the possibility of rediscovering purpose.
Therapy is a space to honour your experiences, process what feels heavy, and explore the possibilities that lie ahead. With the right support, I believe each of us has the capacity to heal, adapt, and grow.
🌿 About Me
- Degree in Integrative Counselling & Psychotherapy – Greenwich University
- BACP Registered (British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy)
- 18+ years’ experience in private practice and healthcare settings
- Certified to practice online & telephone counselling
Alongside my professional training, I also bring the perspective of being a daughter, a mother, and a wife. Each of these roles has shaped me and given me a deep appreciation for the many layers of life we carry — our responsibilities, our relationships, our hopes, and our struggles.
I understand firsthand how life can shift unexpectedly, how identities evolve, and how challenging it can feel to adjust to change while trying to stay true to yourself. These personal experiences enrich the way I work, allowing me to meet you not only as a therapist but as someone who knows what it means to navigate love, loss, growth, and renewal.
My clients often describe me as gentle, calm, and supportive — qualities that help create a safe and steady foundation for exploring what truly matters to you and finding a sense of purpose in the next chapter of your life.
✨ If you are facing a life transition and searching for meaning or purpose, I’d be honoured to support you.
Contact me to arrange a first conversation.
- 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
My approach is to provide a calm, supportive space for adults (18+) to explore the impact of life’s changes and discover new ways forward. I work integratively, which means I draw from a range of therapeutic perspectives and adapt them to suit your unique needs. You’ll receive a tailored approach that meets you where you are — in both mind and body.
In our work together, I may bring in:
- Exploration & insight – helping you understand patterns that may be keeping you stuck.
- Practical tools – such as CBT, mindfulness, or relaxation techniques to ease anxiety and build resilience.
- Emotional support – giving you space to process grief, uncertainty, or loss at your own pace.
- Meaning & values – supporting you to reconnect with what truly matters and shape a sense of purpose for the future.
I offer both short-term therapy, where we focus on a particular issue or transition, and longer-term therapy, which allows us to work more deeply on past experiences, patterns, and questions of identity and purpose. Together, we will decide what feels most helpful for you.
At the heart of my approach is the relationship we build. With over 18 years’ experience, I know that therapy works best when there is trust, respect, and a sense of safety. My role is to walk alongside you — offering guidance, reflection, and encouragement as you navigate change, rebuild confidence, and rediscover your sense of self.
SPEAK IN CONFIDENCE
When life changes — whether through career shifts, relationship changes, loss, or stepping into a new stage of life — it can feel unsettling and disorientating. Talk therapy offers a safe, steady space to pause and make sense of what is happening. By exploring your feelings and thoughts in conversation, you can begin to process the uncertainty, reconnect with your values, and rediscover what gives your life meaning. Therapy is not about giving you answers, but about walking alongside you as you find clarity, build confidence in your choices, and create a deeper sense of purpose for the next chapter of your life.
What to expect during a counselling session...
Settling In – We begin by checking in with how you’re arriving that day, creating a moment to pause and ground before we begin.
Exploring What’s Present – You share what feels most important or pressing, whether that’s a current challenge, a transition you’re navigating, or feelings you’d like to understand more deeply.
Working Together – I listen carefully and ask gentle questions to help you explore your thoughts and feelings. Sometimes we might look at past experiences, other times we focus on what’s happening right now, and occasionally I may guide you to notice how your body is responding — as this can give useful clues about what you’re going through.
Reflection & Integration – Toward the end of the session, we take time to gather what has emerged, noticing any new perspectives or shifts.
Closing – We end in a grounded way, so you leave with a sense of steadiness and clarity to carry into your week.
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 call. 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 an introductory call where we 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 Call – 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
The length of counselling is different for everyone and depends on the nature and depth of what you’re facing. For some, just a few sessions can bring clarity and a sense of direction. For others, a longer, open-ended approach allows the time and space needed to work through deeper issues or ongoing life transitions.
Before we begin, we’ll agree on an initial number of sessions and then review together how things are going. If we both feel further therapy would be helpful, sessions can continue for as long as you find them supportive and beneficial.
I offer a free introductory call so we can talk through what you’re looking for and see if working together feels like a good fit. From there, my aim is to offer you a first appointment within 1–2 weeks. We’ll then agree on a number of counselling sessions, meeting at a regular time each week that works for you. I currently have availability for new clients and will do my best to find a time that fits smoothly into your routine.
Everything you share in our sessions is private. This is one of the key ways counselling differs from talking to a friend or family member. As you become comfortable with the weekly sessions and the safe space they provide, many clients find that the freedom to speak openly and in confidence is incredibly valuable.
There are a few rare situations where I may need to break confidentiality, such as if you are at serious risk of harming yourself or others. In these cases, the law requires me to inform the appropriate authorities, but this only happens after I have discussed it with you. Breaking confidentiality is very uncommon, and my priority is always to keep you informed and supported.
It’s completely normal to feel nervous about starting therapy, and many people wonder if they can bring a friend or family member for support. I encourage you to come on your own because therapy works best when you have a private space to talk openly about what’s on your mind. Being on your own helps you explore your thoughts and feelings freely, while knowing that I am here to listen, support, and guide you every step of the way.
© Michele Atkin
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