Michele Atkin

Weekly or Single Sessions available: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in Godalming, and Online

You’re in your head most of the time and it’s exhausting.

You think things through, analyse, replay conversations, and try to make sense of how you feel, but it doesn’t bring the clarity you’re looking for. If anything, it leaves you feeling more stuck or overwhelmed.

You might struggle to know what you’re actually feeling, or find it hard to express it especially in relationships. At times, you may react in ways that don’t quite make sense to you, or pull back when things begin to feel too much.

Often, this isn’t just about what’s happening now. It can be linked to patterns in how you relate to yourself and to others that have developed over time, sometimes shaped by past experiences that haven’t been fully processed.

I work in a relational and paced way, helping you understand what’s going on beneath the thinking. As we begin to make sense of your thoughts, emotions, and responses, things start to shift.

You can begin to feel more like yourself again nclearer, steadier, and more able to navigate life and relationships without becoming overwhelmed.

People often come to me feeling stuck in their thoughts, going round in circles, replaying conversations, or questioning themselves afterwards.

You might not fully understand why you react the way you do, especially in relationships, or find it hard to put into words what you’re really feeling. It can feel frustrating, confusing, and at times quite lonely.

In our sessions, we don’t rush to find solutions or stay on the surface. Instead, we slow things down and begin to make sense of what’s happening underneath, your thoughts, emotional responses, and patterns in how you relate to yourself and others.

I will listen carefully and reflect things back in a way that helps you see yourself more clearly. Over time, this often leads to a deeper understanding of why you feel and respond as you do, and creates space for things to begin to shift.

Sessions are led by you. You don’t need to prepare anything or have a clear starting point. We work at your pace, focusing on what feels most important in the moment.

I offer both single-session therapy, where we focus on one important issue you’d like to explore in depth, and longer-term work for those who want ongoing support and a deeper understanding over time.

Clients often tell me they feel less alone in their thoughts, more able to express how they feel, and more aware of patterns in their relationships.

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?

I offer a free 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.

What to expect during a 50 minute therapy 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.